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.
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…
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…
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…
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. …
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…
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…
Age is not a disease. Safety is really a function of health. Complete lab work will solve the safety question. Question: My beloved Cairn Terrier is 13 and his…
No Treatment Necessary Question: I never thought I’d be writing to you (sounds like Dear Abby). I have a 5-month-old Basset Hound named Homer who has a terrible problem with…
Nothing Important to Worry About. Tapeworms & Hanta Virus are Highly Unlikely Question: I recently caught my pedigree-challenged dog chasing and catching a field mouse. She dropped the mouse when…