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.

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.…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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,…

Read More

Overweight Dogs Stealing Food

Overweight Dogs Stealing Food Food Competition is Normal-Feed Separately Question: I have two dogs who eat each other’s food nearly every day to the point where the lab is becoming…

Read More

Blindness in a Diabetic Dog

Cataracts are Common but Treatable Question: My 10-year-old heeler cross, Maeve, was diagnosed last year with diabetes. She has responded very well to the twice-daily insulin injections and the low-fat…

Read More

Blood Transfusions

No Need for Concern about the Use of Jugular Veins Question: My 95 pound sheepdog mix has been a blood donor for the past year.  I was happy to allow…

Read More

Warm vs. Cold Noses

Nose Temperature is Never Reliable; a Thermometer is Much Better Question: Is a cold nose an indicator of health in a cat (like a dog) or is it OK if…

Read More

Fainting German Shepherd

Heart Disease, the most Likely Cause, may Result in Sudden Death Question: Do dogs faint?  Yesterday I noticed my 6 year old female German Shepherd appear to faint twice.  We…

Read More