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.

Catnip

Safe & Good Fun for Cats of All Ages Catnip can be a Good Reward Question: Is catnip to cats what alcohol or recreational drugs are to people?  Is it okay…

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What Does it Take to Become an Animal Behaviorist?

There are a Few Routes; All take Education Question: How does a person become an animal behaviorist? Does one need to go through veterinary college or something more like an…

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Cat Travels Long Distance to get Home

Cats are Highly Territorial & become Stressed when Taken From Home Question: We had two cats when we lived near Central and Tramway in Albuquerque and when we moved to…

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Non Pet Owner Annoyed at Neighbor’s Pets

Times have Change since the Great Depression Dear Dr. Nichol: Sir, I am so tired of dogs and cats that I could use some old navy swear words. I have…

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Cat Safe Cockroach Baits

Most Baits are Safe. Be Careful with Hydrogen Peroxide Question: We moved to the foothills last spring and were overrun by cockroaches! Now we have two kitties, and wonder if…

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Cat Attempting to Cover Food Dish

Perceived Threat from Neighbor Cat Spurs Instinct Question: After eating our cat tries to cover up the food dish. Is this a response to threatening behavior of a stray cat…

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Cat Vocalizations

Question: Now that you let the cat out of the bag and described one cat noise and listed a slew of others, what do the others mean?   Dr. Nichol:…

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Unruly, Destructive & Aggressive Behavior In Puppies & Dogs

Dogs are man’s and woman’s best friends but some have really bad habits. Take a step back. Many out-of-control dogs can learn to abandon unhealthy behaviors and follow their leaders.…

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Older Dogs: Soiling, Barking, Confusion

Life changes for dogs as they age. They have more dental problems, clouding of the lenses of their eyes, wear and tear of their kidneys and heart valves, and arthritic…

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