Weekly article archive

The following questions and answers have appeared in my weekly column in the Albuquerque Journal since July, 1996. Each week a new one is added. You'll find information on the physical and behavioral maladies of dogs and cats and a few other species too. I invite you to use the search feature to find the specific answer that you and your pet need.

Fiendish eating and vomiting cat

cat

Question: I have a cat who eats too fast and throws up. I bought a slow feeder bowl, but it doesn’t seem to be working. Are there any slow feeder…

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Dogs who Never Listen

Dr. Nichol

Just because you love your dog doesn’t mean they do as they’re told. Frustrating. People yell, jerk the leash, and repeat commands. Any dog can learn to earn its person’s…

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Cat brain genetics for survival

cat sleeping

We have no idea who came up with the idea that cats have 9 lives but we know from research that they are inveterate survivors. A recent study published in…

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Mama’s Empathic Example

chimps

Kindness can be found everywhere from chimpanzees to dog, cats, and people.

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Neuter, clip, inject?

dog in sunglasses

Question: A neighbor got a shelter dog. “Rowdy” appeared to be an intact male. But the new owner said that was how males can be neutered now, just ‘clipped’ but…

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Fixing bad cat behavior

kitties

Cats can be cranky, pesky, and a bit snarky with other pets. Scolding and water spraying doesn’t teach them better behavior. Instead of reacting badly, our kitties can have fun…

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Secretly Sick

kitty

Don’t Let Your Cat Fool You Do you examine your cat’s mouth? That would mean putting him on a table under a bright light with an assistant gently holding his…

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Separation Anxiety & Urine Soiling

dog

Newt’s River The anxiety and blood pressure spikes of white coat syndrome aren’t fun for us. Most pets have the same problem. That long walk to the exam room, running…

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Smart puppy makes bathroom errors – juvenile delinquent?

puppy

Question: My 4 month old blue heeler puppy is crate-trained perfectly. He always pees and poops when he’s outside. Then he comes inside and pees on the floor every 20…

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