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Q&A: Can I cut my cat's nails with human nail clippers?

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Celeste is available for adoption at the Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York in Auburn, NY.
Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here.

Q: Can I cut my cat's nails with a set of human nail clippers?

A: While it is not dangerous to use a human nail cutter it may cause the nails to split. This can make your job more difficult and may be painful for your cat.

All pet stores carry pet nail clippers. Investing in a good pair can save you a lot of time and money down the road. Be sure to purchase some styptic powder to cauterize the nail in case it is cut too short.

Q&A: How can I quiet my dog's gurgling stomach?

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Buster is available for adoption at the NC Rescue League in Wilmington, NC.
Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here.

Q: My Maltese seems to have a very gurgly stomach. He acts fine but it is quite loud. Any suggestions?

A: This type of noise can occur in dogs and does not mean that there is a problem. If your dog is not vomiting or having loose stool, this noise may be normal, just like it happens to us!

Q&A: Is hair loss after vaccines normal?

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beagle adoption photo
Charlie is available for adoption at the Hill Country SPCA in Fredericksburg, TX.
Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here.

Q: My Yorkie has hair loss on the spot where the vet gives her shots. Is this normal?

A: It is possible that your dog is reacting to her vaccines. Some dogs get a local reaction from the rabies vaccine that causes hair loss.

Q&A: What are the symptoms of strokes in dogs?

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beagle adoption photo
Brooklyn is available for adoption at the Humane Society of New York in New York, NY.
Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here.

Q: What are the symptoms of a dog having a stroke?

A: While strokes can occur in dogs and cats, it is far less common than in humans.

Strokes can be definitively diagnosed with advanced imaging in veterinary referral centers. Before this type of imaging is done, your pet should be examined by a veterinarian. Simple blood tests and x-rays may identify another problem that is causing this to happen to your pet.

Q&A: How can I help my pets lose weight?

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Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here.

Q: My vet says my pets are a little overweight. What is the best way to help them get healthy?

A: It is very important not to let our pets become overweight. Overweight animals are more susceptible to certain diseases and joint problems. Lean pets tend to live longer than those with excess weight. Most pet food stores carry special foods that can help your pet stay lean or even lose weight. Diets designed for less active or senior pets tend to have less calories and fat.

Q&A: Do dogs get bored of the same foods?

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Chicken Dumpling is available for adoption through PAWS in Philadelphia, PA.
Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here.

Q: Is it a good idea to change dry dog food every so often to combat boredom or is it better to feed the same dog food all of their life?

A: While it is possible that dogs may get bored with their food it is not a good idea to change their food frequently. Food changes can cause stomach upset and diarrhea in pets.

Q&A: I hear pets can get zinc poisoning but it's in my dog's food. Why?

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Scooby Deuce is available for adoption at the Majestic Giants Great Dane Rescue of Knoxville, TN.
Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here.

Q: In the American Profile insert for May 4-10, your "Ask the Vet" piece warns against "creams with zinc" because of "red blood cell problems." Isn't zinc is an essential nutrient for pets and added to pet foods to promote good health? Can you explain this?

A: The amount of zinc in your dog's food is not enough to be toxic. In order for zinc, or many other ingredients, to be toxic, they must be ingested in high doses.

Q&A: What are some treatments for arthritis in cats?

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Grammar is available for adoption at the Humane Society of Huron Valley in Ann Arbor, MI.
Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here.

Q: Our 10-year-old cat has developed severe arthritis in the top joint of his right leg. The vet gave him a liquid glucosamine, which didn't help much. Are there other options?

A: Arthritis is a very painful disease that affects cats just like it affects dogs. Unfortunately, there aren't as many options out there in terms of medications for arthritic cats.

Q&A: What's the best kind of cat litter to get?

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cat in litter box photo
Chanel is available for adoption at Northwest Animal Companions in Portland, OR.
Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here.

Q: I just got a kitten but I'm confused about the cat litter. Is there one type that is better than the rest? I would like something that doesn't smell and is good for the environment. Can you recommend anything?

A: Cat litter comes in many different forms. An ideal cat litter is highly absorbent, has a pleasant odor, and easy to clean. It is important that not only you like your cat litter but that your cat likes it too.

Q&A: My dog has cancer. Should I go to my regular vet or a specialist?

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Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here.

Q: I just found out my dog has cancer. Can my normal vet treat her or do I need to take her to a specialist?

A: There are many different kinds of cancers that can affect animals. Each type of cancer has its own effects, treatment options, and prognosis.

Unfortunately, certain forms of cancer are extremely malignant and cannot be treated. Others can be cured or controlled with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these treatments.

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