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.

A New Infectious Virus in Dogs?

There may be a new and ugly infection of dogs that could spell trouble – or maybe not. Confirmed so far in only a handful dogs in Ohio, the organism,…

Read More

Air Travel for Scared Cats

Chewable Anxitane can make a Difference Question: I will retire soon to Ecuador and my two cats will be relocating with me. The plan is for them to travel in…

Read More

Plastic Licking Cat

Stomach or Intestinal Causes are Most Likely Question: My oddball cat loves to lick shiny plastic bags, such as Ziplocs and dry cleaning bags. What is that about? Dr. Nichol:…

Read More

Recent Uptick in Parvo Cases

Thorough Vaccination will Diminish Risk Question: A friend with connections to a therapy dog group emailed me about two “new” dog illnesses. They seem serious. Dr. Nichol: Not only are…

Read More

Submissive Urinator

Patient repetition of Rewards for Courage Question: My mom is a young widow. And very lonely. She mentioned she wanted a cocker. So I surprised her with one for Christmas.…

Read More

Dislocating Knee Caps will eventually need Surgery

Intermittent Lameness does Not Signal an immediate Crisis Question: We have a Pomeranian who weighs 10 pounds and just turned 1year. We have been told he has luxating patella dislocating…

Read More

Cat Bites like a Snake when Petted

Avoid touching Behind the Shoulders Question: I have a four year old female cat that will, on occasion, viciously bite me without warning when I pet her. When my previous…

Read More

Feline Scooting & Scooching

Anal Gland need Maintenance; maybe Removal Question: I had to have my cat’s analog glands taken out. Since then he has been scooching on carpet. I had him checked for…

Read More

Puppy Perplexed by Potty Pads

One Day Housetraining is Fast & Simple Question: My puppy is 10 weeks old and has been paper trained since 4 weeks. I want him to go outside so I…

Read More