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.

Jumping On Or Mounting People

It’s great that your dog loves people; too bad your guests aren’t sharing the joy of getting jumped or body slammed by a canine linebacker. Dogs just wanna have fun,…

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Teaching Good Manners

Pet parents of well-mannered dogs always wear that contented, all-is-right-in-my-world look. Sure, they’re lucky, but they’ve done a few things right too. Some of their secrets are listed here. These…

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Compulsive Behavior In Dogs

Compulsive behaviors in dogs Pacing, tail chasing, sky gazing, flank sucking, fly snapping, and other odd behaviors are more than disruptive; they steal the life from affected dogs. These compulsive…

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Licking, Chewing, Biting Own Body

Repetitive licking is a serious problem. For some dogs management is simple but lengthy; for others it’s more complicated. Skin disease, internal disorders or pain can masquerade as compulsive licking…

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Loud Noises

Fireworks? It’s more like fearworks for some pets. Don’t wait until your hyperventilating dog is frantically trying to cram herself under the bed to help her out. Similar to fear…

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Overwhelmed By Panic

It’s a mighty unhappy dog who hurts herself by frantically attempting to escape. Anxiety or outright panic can result in serious physical injury to your dog and your home. These…

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Excessive Barking Inside and Out

It’s tough to live with a dog who barks incessantly. If animal control shows up you have to act fast. Don’t wait until you’re out of options but be careful…

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Why Dogs Are Destructive

It’s always the most loving dogs who damage their homes when left alone, causing their people tremendous angst. How could your smart and strongly-bonded best friend, who worships the ground…

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Dogs Who Are Destructive When Left Alone

There can’t be anything more frustrating than coming home, every day, to the wreckage of what was once your nice stuff. These dogs are clingy with their people but overwhelmed…

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