Pet Grooming Orange County

Pancreatitis in Dogs

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Sometimes, our furry friends do things we cannot explain. Dog owners are expected to keep an arsenal of knowledge in their back pocket; they must know when these unexplained behaviors become harmful to their pet. As one of the more sinister conditions, pancreatitis is important to know about. This knowledge will help to ensure a safe and speedy recovery.

What is Pancreatitis?

The pancreas has two functions: the endocrine process, which produces insulin, and the exocrine process, which produces enzymes that aid in digestion. Pancreatitis affects the exocrine process. In a dog with pancreatitis, the enzymes are produced and released at a more rapid rate. Their pancreas will become inflamed, and the additional enzymes may even begin to eat away at the pancreatic tissue.

Causes of pancreatitis are hotly contested. Because it appears so suddenly, many brush it off as something that “just happens.” However, experts suggest that a fatty diet can increase your dog’s chances of contracting pancreatitis.

What Are the Symptoms?

There are many indicators of pancreatitis, but in most cases owners notice a loss of appetite first. Usually, a dog with pancreatitis will show other symptoms of stomach discomfort, such as a hunched back or decreased mobility. They may vomit or have diarrhea. Due to the changing environment within their body, they may also become dehydrated or run a high fever. Although these are all common symptoms, in conjunction they can be scary to watch.

How is it Diagnosed?

If you notice these signs, you should contact your vet immediately. Your vet will probably run blood tests in order to monitor pancreatic enzymes. They may also run other tests such as an ultrasound in order to rule out other conditions.

How is it Treated?

There is not necessarily a cure for pancreatitis, but it is treatable through therapeutic care. Depending on severity, your dog may need to be hospitalized. Because many dogs with pancreatitis will refuse to eat, they may be put on an IV drip to regulate fluids. They may receive medications through injection. All of these measures treat symptoms, not causes.

At Claws N Paws in Fountain Valley, CA, your pet’s needs are always our first priority. Your dog or cat can find professional grooming services at our full-service salon, or your cat can find quality care in our cats-only boarding facility. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

The Case For Adoption

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“Adopt don’t shop:” you’ve heard this said by shelters, rescue organizations, and T-shirts all around. But what does it really mean? Adopting a pet means they come from a rescue situation rather than a breeder. There are many reasons why adopting an animal is a better option for both you and your future pet.

The Truth About Breeders

Animal “breeding” is the purposeful mating of animals for sale. You’ve probably heard about puppy mills, the factory-like facilities where pet store puppies come from. You’ve also probably heard people griping about them, although you may not know why.

Puppy mills (or kitten mills) keep animals in cramped and dirty spaces. “Parents” rarely leave their cages. Once they are past their breeding prime, the animals are discarded either through euthanization or abandonment. Puppies or kittens from these mills usually have physical or psychological damage, which is never disclosed to the buyer. Every animal purchased from a breeder funds these dangerous organizations.

Adoption Saves Lives

Meanwhile, adopting a pet is an act of good. By adopting a pet, you save multiple lives. You save your pet, and you also open up a space in the rescue facility. This allows the organization or shelter to take in more animals in need. Because there are so many unhomed animals, this does the world a major service.

By adopting, you also do yourself a major service. Rescued pets have so much love to give to you and your family. They are usually already house- or litter box-trained, so there will be a much shorter adjustment period to domestic life. Adoption is also much less costly than buying a pet.

Adoption at Claws N Paws

If you are interested in adopting, look no further than Claws N Paws! Currently, we have six very sweet kittens available for adoption. Of these six, we have three four-month old girls, one four month old boy, and two six month old boys. Each cat has been lovingly cared for, with their own unique stories to tell. All adoption fees serve as donations to our continuing rescue efforts. For more information on our kittens and services, follow us on Facebook at Claws N Paws Day Spa or Instagram @clawsnpawsdayspa_. You can also call us today at 714-962-1005!

Houseplants and Your Cat

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Adding plants to your home can be a magical experience. Not only are plants beautiful, but they purify your indoor air, making it much easier to breathe inside your home. Unfortunately, many cat owners are reluctant to add plants to their home. Our feline friends often make it more challenging to maintain other living things. Thankfully, there are many ways to safely introduce plants into a cat-friendly home!

Cat-Friendly Houseplants

Preferably, our cats would not chew on our plants, but oftentimes cats will chew on or eat anything they please. Many common houseplants are actually toxic to cats, so chewing can have major consequences. Fortunately, there are a number of houseplants that are non-toxic to cats.

Green, leafy plants are one of the most common additions to the modern home. While common plants like golden pothos and branching ivy are toxic, there are many safe plants that you and your pet can enjoy. Consider ferns such as the Boston or Kimberly Queen, or palms such as Bamboo, Parlor, or Ponytail. If you’re looking for low-maintenance yet beautiful green plants, you can find the non-toxic spider plants or rattlesnake plants at your local grocery store.

Many people like succulents, but pet owners must steer clear from jade and aloe. Instead, succulents such as Echeveria and Hawthoria Zebra are great non-toxic alternatives. Most cacti are also safe for cats, but be careful with these. Many cacti (and even succulents) have spines which can get stuck in your cat’s fur or skin. 

Flowers are always a beautiful addition! In a house with cats, opt for orchids, sunflowers, or roses. Many common flowers are toxic, including lilies, daisies, and begonias. Keep any bouquets with these flowers far out of your pets’ reach.

Other than looking pretty, many cat-friendly plants are actually functional! You can grow herbs like basil and thyme without worry. These plants will happily sit in the window alongside your cat. Furthermore, if you have a problem with flies or gnats, you can find some help in a Venus fly trap! These carnivorous plants are completely cat-safe. Contrary to popular belief, it is not safe to grow catnip in your home. While cats may enjoy little bits of dried catnip in their toys, they can easily overdose on fresh catnip.

Placement is Everything!

While your houseplants may be safe, cats are not meant to eat plants. For your carnivorous cat, eating too many greens can cause severe vomiting and/or diarrhea. The best way to avoid this is to put houseplants far out of reach. Invest in some hanging planters! If you choose to place plants on high shelves, make sure your cat cannot get up there. You want to be sure they cannot knock over the plant, scattering vase or pot shards across the floor. Make sure your cat has many other perch spots so they will not be tempted to snuggle up to your plants. And be forgiving! Your plants will survive some cat scratches, just like you.

At Claws N Paws, your pet’s needs are always our first priority. You can find professional grooming services for both cats and dogs at our day spa, or devoted boarding services at our cats-only facility right next door. For more information or to make an appointment, contact us today at 714-962-1005.

Traveling With Pets

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As the year continues, people everywhere are beginning to make plans for the holidays. Many of us are preparing to travel. However, those of us with pets must make special provisions. The decision to travel with pets is never easy and takes very careful planning.

Road Trips

Traveling by car is the preferred option for many pet owners. Owners can monitor their pets from the car at all times, and they can intervene in case of emergency. However, the car does pose some challenges.

On long trips, make sure pets are secured in a crate or carrier. While dogs can usually roam free in a car, they may become restless over time. Furthermore, dogs that stick their heads out of the window can become injured from flying objects or particles. They may also take in far too much cold air, damaging their lungs. Since you will probably be doing a lot of freeway driving, it is best to keep your dog safely inside the car. Never keep a pet in the back of a truck, as they can easily jump out into the road.

You should take frequent stops. Take your dog for a short walk, or let your cat roam around the parked car for a bit. Remember that your pet will need to eat, drink, and go to the bathroom, just like yourself. Account for them at every pit stop, and never leave an animal in the car alone.

Always travel with a human buddy when travelling with pets. That way, you can split the responsibilities of driving and taking care of your pet. When you make stops, someone should always stay in the car to take care of your pet.

Flying

Going on a plane with your pet can seem scary, but it is more common than you think! The most important thing to do is read up on your airline’s pet policies. If you have any questions, call ahead of time. This will make your time at the airport much less stressful.

It is safest to bring your pet into the cabin with you. Most airlines allow small dogs or cats into the cabin for a fee. They will require a special airplane carrier to fit under the seat in front of you. For some airlines, you may have to submit health or immunization records. Always call ahead of time, as there are usually limits to how many pets can be in the cabin at a time.

If your pet must travel with the luggage, be aware of the risks. Look up your airline’s safety ratings for transporting pets. Use direct flights and always try to be on the same plane as your pet.

Leaving Them Home

Of course, you have the option to keep your pet home while you travel. Ask a trusted person to watch them, or utilize a boarding facility. Pet boarding facilities are specifically designed to meet your pets’ needs.

At Claws N Paws, you can find safe and comfortable cats-only boarding, as well as professional grooming services for cats and dogs. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at 714-962-1005.

Managing Your Allergies to Cats

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Cat allergies are very common, but that doesn’t mean they have to limit your pet options. In fact, many of the biggest cat lovers are allergic to cats. It’s all about management; while taking the proper precautions, humans with minor allergies can learn to live with a beloved feline friend.

What Causes the Allergy?

Many people believe that they are allergic to their cat’s fur, but this is not entirely true. Actually, they are allergic to the protein Fel d 1, which transfers through the saliva. When cats lick their bodies, they transfer this protein onto dry flaky skin called dander. Dander falls when the cat sheds their fur. Most often, allergic owners experience itchy skin and red, watery eyes.

There are some ways to gauge your cat’s ability to spread Fel d 1. For instance, male cats create more allergenic secretions and thus are more triggered to people with allergies. Furthermore, intact males produce more than neutered males. Finally, adult cats produce more than kittens. 

Hypoallergenic Breeds

Some breeds of cats are actually hypoallergenic. They produce less Fel d 1, meaning that they are safer to their allergic human companions. Hypoallergenic cat breeds are as follows:

  • Oriental shorthair
  • Balinese
  • Siamese
  • siberian 
  • Cornish rex
  • Devon rex
  • Javanese
  • Sphynx (hairless)

Of course, the best way to gauge whether you are allergic to a cat is to meet them. Schedule an in-person appointment, but be sure to mention your allergies to the facility. They can work with you to keep your dander exposure to a minimum.

Living With Cats

Of course, we cannot always choose our breeds. This is especially true for those of us who do rescue; the cat that needs our help may not always be hypoallergenic. Thankfully, there are ways to navigate living with both cats and allergies.

First, designate one area of your house a “pet-free” zone. Wash or replace all bedsheets, blankets, curtains, etc. Clean all surfaces thoroughly. Keep in mind that allergen molecules are one-sixth the size of pollens. They will not disappear overnight; rather, this is a gradual process.

Then, invest in some air cleaners. These should be distributed throughout the house. Clean surfaces and carpeting often, and wash your linens frequently. Not only will this limit allergens, it will help with any pet smells.

If your cat has fur, brush it often. This removes dander and loose fur in a concentrated environment rather than all over the house. If you are the one with the allergies, delegate this task to another housemate or professional groomer. A frequent professional groom can also remove more layers of fur, decreasing your chance of exposure.

At Claws N Paws, your cat or dog can find quality professional grooming from a dedicated team of individuals. Going out of town? We also offer cats-only boarding right next door in our separate facility. Claws N Paws Day Spa and Cat Boarding are currently open with provisions in place protecting our clients and staff from COVID-19. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

The Purrfect Communication

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Cats are extremely comforting creatures. This is especially true when they are purring; the gentle sound and feeling of a purring cat is the perfect cure to a stressful day. It is the most common sound a housecat can make, yet humans know relatively little about its causes and uses. In some cases, the mystery of purring can actually limit our reception of it.

How Does It Work?

Purring has always stumped scientists. We know that cats can purr during both inhalation and exhalation, unlike meowing which only occurs during exhalation. Currently, the most common consensus is that purring begins in the brain. The brain sends a message to the voice box, which begins to vibrate. Animal behaviorists liken this to opera singing. When your cat purrs, place a finger on their throat. You will be able to feel the vibrations.

Is It Limited to Housecats?

Many people believe that purring is solely a way for domestic cats to communicate with their human counterparts. However, this is not true. Cats in the wild, including bobcats and mountain lions, purr to communicate with other animals. Even animals like raccoons, hyenas, and guinea pigs can purr. Alternatively, roaring cats like lions and tigers cannot purr. This is because their voice boxes (meant for making loud, booming noises to communicate) are much too loose to vibrate.

Why Do Cats Purr?

Most pet owners assume that their cats only purr when they are happy. In many cases, this is true; the most common reason for purring is to express contentment. Content cats will appear relaxed. Their eyes may be half-closed, and their tail will sit relatively still.

Sometimes, cats purr to express other emotions or even needs. A hungry cat may purr to get your attention. Usually, this urgent purr accompanies mews, also referred to as feline crying. This taps into early kitten behavior. When they wish to nurse, kittens cry to get their mother’s attention among a full litter.

Purring can bring comfort to both cat and owner. Like a toddler sucking its thumb, some cats purr to provide relief in stressful situations. In fact, studies suggest that the low vibrations of a cat’s purr can actually help them heal faster. These vibrations trigger processes that lessen pain, ease breathing, heal bones and wounds, and build muscle.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, your cat’s health and happiness is always important. Our grooming salon provides professional services to both cats and dogs. Right next door, you can find cats-only boarding in our specialized facility. Missing the comforting purr of a cat in your home? We have several kittens and cats readily available for adoption at the moment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at 714-962-1005.