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.

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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Exercise

Health means more than just ‘Start out slowly, then taper off’. Question: I have a beautiful 8-month-old Bichon Frise puppy who loves to go running with me.  I started her…

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Basset Hounds

Why that funky body style? Are they all loveable?   Question: What are basset hounds good for?   Dr. Nichol: That depends on who’s asking and why. Originally Bassets were…

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Training Collars & Head Halters

There are several useful tools; each has its place. All are safe if used properly.   Question: Do you know of any health problems related to either prong/pinch collars or…

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Pets & Children: Teaching Responsibility

Carefully consider the maturity of the primary caretaker before adding a new pet to your home.   Question: I’m thinking that a pet is a good way to teach responsibility…

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