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.

Tasty Apoquel may put your cat at risk

cat

We don’t like seeing our pets itch and scratch. I’ve treated lots of them. Our best management, back in the day, was corticosteroids like prednisone but long term use often…

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Dog chews bones – Safe or Normal?

dog hiking

It was rainy in the Pecos Wilderness for Mick’s first hike wearing his backpack. While carrying my water and snacks, he found bones from a deer’s front leg. Under good…

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Canine leadership for a dog – What a concept!

heeler

Last in a series Had Evie been genetically equipped with a healthy, well-adjusted brain she might have stayed in her first home. Sadly, those folks found her reactive outbursts annoying…

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Barking: First one dog, then the rest

dogs

OMG! Yell, swat, yell some more? Samantha, a sweet basset hound, was the highest-ranking dog in her home but she was not a stable leader. Her pushy, overbearing behavior toward…

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Avoid fear – set up a diversion

cattle dog

Every fearful pet is different. Genetics is often the big culprit but life’s traumas can be another major factor. Dogs who’ve been abused, predictably avoid or react badly to their…

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Freaked-out when home alone too

dog at home

Second in a series Despite her struggles, Evie was a fun dog, throwing her toys around and then treating them like puppies. Vicky and Richard were strongly bonded to her.…

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Excitement before a walk

dog training

Mick is learning to earn the privilege of a walk. He wants to wear his new Gentle Leader head halter because he knows he’ll have a good time. He’s not…

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Aggression toward a moving man

cattle dog

First in a series Evie was a 5 year old cattle dog when we met. Now she’s 7 but she’s still a cattle dog. Vicky and Richard adopted her from…

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Dogs & Cats who Hate the Veterinary Clinic

woman with dog

Most of us are nervous at the doctor’s office and so are our pets. Some get fearful and defensive. It doesn’t have to be that way.

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