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.

Solving puppy tooth troubles and grooming gaffes

Question: I discovered that Rocky (5 month old Jack Russell) is growing his adult canine teeth however his baby teeth are not coming out. Will they come out on their…

Car ride barking, puking, drooling

Some dogs have excellent manners in the car. Others? Not so much. Drooling, vomiting, barking, rambunctious canine travel companions need help. YOU need help.

Curbing Barney’s road rage

Question: Our 5 year old German shepherd, Barney, is nearly the most perfect pet except for when he goes for a ride in the car.  Every time he sees a…

Pee, poop older dog

By the time they’re reached their golden years most dogs have pretty good bathroom etiquette. If they start leaving urine and stool around the house, it’s a problem.

Handling your cat’s ‘inner savage’

Question: Three months ago we adopted a spayed 5 year old female cat. She’s very loving and we adore her. But lately she gets these wild streaks and has scratched…

Jealous Dogs? “Pick me! Pick me!”

Can’t you just share some love or a snack without all the pushing, shoving, or maybe even a growl or worse? You can but your canine leadership will need some…

Cats keep secrets when they’re sick

Has your cat ever had a fight? I don’t mean with a spouse or HOA but with a marauding feline neighbor or housemate. Squabbles may start and end with spitting,…

Radio interview/podcast with TJ Trout of KKOB Radio

From the Sunday column in the Albuquerque Journal, and Dr. Jeff Nichol.com, Veterinarian Dr. Jeff Nichol joins TJ to discuss good pet care and welfare for your cats and dogs…

Going Grain-Free?

The Food and Drug Administration, along with independent researchers, have discovered a possible link between grain-free, “legume-rich” pet foods and a potentially life-threatening heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Deficiency…