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.

Vegetables in the Diet

Great for the humans but dogs need them predigested.   Question: My little terrier loves raw vegetables, lettuce, broccoli, carrots, okra, etc. and fruits-apples, oranges. Will eating these harm her?…

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Table Food-What’s Toxic & What’s Best

You’ll be surprised by what human foods are dangerous to dogs.   Question: Please lists foods that may be or are toxic to dogs. I know about chocolate but my…

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Cat Refuses Canned Food-Holding out for Dry

Failure to Eat, especially for Fat Cats, can be Deadly Question: Our 2 year old cat Zipper REFUSES to eat canned food. He pretends to cover his wet food as…

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Feline Obesity & the Risk of Fatty Liver

Fat Cats Are in Serious Danger Question: I gave a kitten to a cat-loving family about 6 months ago. He was about 2 months old then. Now he’s HUGE. I…

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Dogs Who Don’t Eat Enough

Many Dogs Need Less Food. Coaxing a Dog To Overeat May be Bad for her Health. Question: I have a 3-year-old black German Shepherd that rarely eats. She usually only…

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Overeating

Most hungry overweight cats are just bored. Question: My eight-year-old cat, Nelson, was placed on IVD special diet three years ago. I have noticed that giving him the same measured…

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Begging

Rewarding this behavior with food will encourage more of it. Avoid the problem & the weight gain that goes with it by putting  your pets outside while you eat.  …

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A Dog With a Place at the Table

Attention Seeking Behavior is a Factor Question: My daughter-in-law feeds the dog from her plate using the same utensils she eats with. I am truly serious. She eats a spoonful…

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People Food for Dogs

Dogs are the best trainers. Here’s how you can be the trainer. Teach your dog to eat dog food.   Question: I really enjoy the light and amusing style in…

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