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.

Sudden Disappearance of an Older Dog

Rattlesnake Bite is a Strong Possibility Question: When I was hiking in the foothills with my two female rottweiler mixes (age 9 and 12) I realized that the older one…

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Anal (rear end) Irritation

Impacted anal glands make a dog scoot and/or lick his/her rear end. Relief is simple but important.   Question: I have a daschund (wienie dog, female) about 7 years old.…

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Rattlesnake Bites

Vaccines & Training are Available but Vigilance is the Best Preventative Question: My wife was walking our dog Sasha on an asphalt path and came upon an immature rattle snake.…

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Wet Noses

Wet nose, dry nose-no big deal.   Question: Should my cat have a wet nose?  In the mornings, his nose is wet.  He did have an upper respiratory infection when…

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Rattlesnake Vaccine

A new vaccine by Red Rock Biologics can reduce the risk of painful injury and death from rattlesnake bites in dogs. The vaccination is given in two doses about one…

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Senior Dog Dropping Stools Inside

Joint Pain makes it Hard to get Outside Question: 15 year old terrier/collie mix is losing control of anal muscles. Has difficulty holding squat position. Outside walks in straight line,…

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Snake Bites

Also covered in the Snake Bites section of this book, this answer will provide additional detail.   Question: Last year my friend’s dog got snake bit. I have a new…

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Old Dog Anorexia & Weight Loss

Forget Tempting Treats-Get Medical Attention for that Sick Senior Dog Question: In January my 16-year-old dachshund/cocker cross stopped eating her dry dog food. Canned food caused her to have diarrhea…

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Valley Fever

Bone Lesions can only be Controlled with Long Term Medication Question: After we moved to Tucson in 2002 our Keeshond developed Valley Fever which didn’t invade his lungs or spine,…

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