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.

Older Dogs May Show Their Pain with Behavior Changes.

Hidden problems like joint pain, organ disease, & thyroid trouble can be found with lab testing. Proper treatment can improve life quality & life expectancy.   Question: My 14 year…

Big Active Dogs & Their Big Active Tails

Wounded, bleeding tails are a miserable mess. Here are some answers.   Question: I have a small problem with my chocolate Labrador. Her tail at the end is hairless and…

Hemolytic Anemia

It’s fatal in 50% of dogs who have it. It must be treated quickly & aggressively   Question: What is done to treat Hemolytic Anemia?  My 9 year old Airedale-…

Hernias

Umbilical hernias are common in puppies. Most are insignificant. A few can be dangerous.   Question: We have a 10 week old white German Shepherd puppy and I just noticed…

Tail Chasing

Anal Glands are a common cause of rear end discomfort. It’s usually easy to remedy.   Question: Is it an old wife’s tale or a fact that if a dog…

Nail Trimming

Long toenails make for painful arthritic feet. Black nails are hard to trim safely. Here is the how-to.   Question: I’ve recently acquired my deceased mother’s dog. I’m taking her…

Double Dewclaws

Surgical removal is only necessary for field dogs.   Question: We recently adopted a 6-month-old German Shepherd-mix puppy from an animal shelter.  He is “double dewclawed” on his hind legs. …

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…

Vaccine Reactions

Our best methods at disease prevention have a down side risk. Here are the facts.   Question: Last year, my standard poodle had a very severe reaction to her annual…