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.

Hitting Cat on Head for Correction

Dangerous & Unnecessary Question: My friend has a cat and when he gets into trouble or does something bad she either hits him hard on the top of the head…

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Cat Who Pongs with Body Odor

Skin, Dental, or Ear Disease can all be Responsible. Anal Glands cause the Worst Odor. Question: My cat stinks!! It is getting to the point where I don’t like him…

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West Nile Virus

Dogs & Cats are Not at Risk Question: Do I need to protect my dogs from the West Nile virus?   Dr. Nichol: This spreading infection is nerve wracking for…

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Cats & Summer Heat

Inherently Sensible, Cats Lie Low Question: A couple of weeks ago you wrote, “Presumably we have enough sense not to leave pets in the heat”…outside. What about inside? Can we…

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Cats Outside in Cold, Wet Weather

No Risk to the Kitty as Long as he/she Get Some Shelter Question: How are cats with rain and cold weather?  My cat always likes to go out at certain…

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Overweight Dogs & Cats

R/d is the Best Way to Shed the Pounds & Prevent Serious Disease Question: Is Science diet r/d formula equal to the prescription r/d? Can I buy this r/d food…

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Obese Cat Seems Depressed

Unable to Enjoy Normal Activities this Cat will Improve with the Correct Diet Question: Our cat used to be tiny and rambunctious but as he has aged, he has put…

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Overweight Cats

Question: My daughter has a 4-year-old cat, Gus-he weights 24 pounds. She put Gus on Iams low calorie, but he still hasn’t lost any weight. He may be eating the…

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More FIP

Testing Is Less than Reliable. Fear Not for the Positive Cat-Most Never Get Sick. Question: Recently I adopted a wonderful cat from animal control who had developed an upper respiratory…

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