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.

Cloning a Dog

A new dog with new lessons. Sometimes different is better. Question: I read a few weeks ago that they were trying to create an exact replica of someone’s pet dog. …

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Quality Standards for Veterinary Medical Care

How to know if your veterinarian is doing the job right.   Question: Why is there so little standardization between vets? The best ones do extensive prep work, blood testing,…

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Daily Dog Care

The Basics Question: What do you have to do to take care of a dog daily?   Dr. Nichol: This is a great question. Give excellent food in two measured…

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Blood Types in Pets

Cats, with only Two Blood Types have Good Success with Kidney Transplants Question: One of my students asked me if animals of the same species have different blood types like…

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Normal Body Temperature

101.0 F (+ or – 0.5 degrees) Question: I’m curious as to the normal body temperature of a dog.   Dr. Nichol: 101.0 degrees Fahrenheit plus or minus 0.5 degree…

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Carsickness in Dogs

Dramamine or a prescription medication given before the car ride will prevent nausea. Question: My 6-month-old Silky Terrier is plagued with carsickness. We have tried traveling on an empty stomach…

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Where to Find Good Care for Your Pets When You’re Out of Town

Leave out food & water? Friends who visit your home? Expensive kennels? Here’s how to choose.   Question: Soon our children will be back in school and our family has…

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Current Parvo Vaccination Recommendations

Get Advice from a Reliable Source Question: Conflicting advice for older dogs and parvo vaccination. I’ve recently been advised by a pet supply outlet that my older dogs (8 year…

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Vaccinations for Puppies & Kittens

What do they really need & what’s unnecessary. Question: My kids and my wife and I have decided that we want to have a pet but we can’t agree on…

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