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.

Dogs who Wet their Pants

dog

More commonly seen in young, often female dogs, they roll onto their sides, may raise one rear leg, and dribble. You, the pet parent, are the Grand Poobah for your…

Read More

Overcoming fear of the car

dog riding in car

Question: A therapy dog has a developed a phobia of his owner’s vehicle. Maybe something traumatic happened at the groomer, since that’s when it started. It’s a 2 year old…

Read More

Animals trained to work

woman training elephant

Training gives pets purpose and it’s good for our bond with them. This Asian elephant is happy to work and earn interactions and food rewards. It was great fun to…

Read More

Bird flu and sick kitties

cat and chicken

Egg shortages, bird flu, cat flu, sick people – OMG! We have a serious problem with no end in sight. Here’s an update. Just 12 cats in the US tested…

Read More

Getting toys from a playful dog

getting toys from a playful dog

My dog “Mick” loves to play fetch with a ball but then he holds onto it. I’ve tried pulling it loose so I could kick it for him again. Rather…

Read More

Jumpy, nippy, mouthy puppy dogs

puppy

Adopting a puppy is good fun until the chewing starts. You have to take action. So what do you do? You’ll teach good behavior using innate canine learning principles. Share…

Read More

Cute but stinky – Missing the love

woman holding a dog

Question: My white long hair Chihuahua has body odor.  We’ve always had to groom her often but after only 3 or 4 days her odor is pretty awful.  She loves…

Read More

Too much barking – miserable for everybody

dog

Question: My son has a boxer, 4 years old, who is barking constantly since they moved into a new home. Already received one citation from Animal Control. They need to…

Read More

Hissing, scratching, biting cats

cat biting woman

Cats are so sweet and cuddly. But they can damage you with their sharp teeth and claws. Don’t get angry – get cat smart.

Read More