Pet Grooming Orange County

Summer Grooming Tips

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It’s June, which means summer is quickly approaching! As the weather gets warmer, your dog’s grooming needs will change. Ensure that your dog is comfortable this summer with these grooming tips.

Regular Care

Your dog needs regular grooming throughout the year. However, summer poses certain challenges that require more specific care. Most notably, warmer weather allows longer walks during the summer. These longer walks provide necessary exercise, but they can expose your dog to grass, dirt, ticks, and a number of other environmental elements.

Regular baths are always important, but they are especially important during the summer. Without baths, grass and dirt can stain fur on the paws and body. Bathing requires close attention to detail, so it is often more effective for spotting parasites such as ticks and fleas. Therefore, summer is a great time to set up a regular bathing schedule with your groomer.

Regular care extends well past bathing. Dogs also need to be brushed often. Every day, take a brush through your dog’s coat. Brushing evenly distributes oils across your dog’s coat and prevents mats from growing. This is especially important in the summer because mats trap heat and moisture, leading to painful skin infections.

Your dog’s nails also require maintenance during the summer. On walks, long nails are more likely to snag. Pulled nails are extremely painful to dogs. Always make sure your dog’s nails are trimmed before going on walks.

Why You Shouldn’t Shave Your Dog

Many pet owners think their dog needs a shorter coat in the summer. As a result, they often resort to shaving. However, conducting a complete shave can negatively affect your dog’s wellbeing. Shaving a double-coated dog may even alter their coat for life. Dogs have fur coats for a reason; fur can even protect against environmental factors such as sunburns, ticks, and foxtails.

Instead, talk to your groomer about your best option for the summer. For double-coated dogs, this may be a deshedding. Deshedding removes the thick undercoat, while leaving the protective outer layer. Other dogs may benefit from a shorter cut or altered bathing schedule. A professional groomer will be able to identify the best possible option for your dog.

Claws N Paws owns and operates a full-service grooming salon in Fountain Valley, California. Our dedicated team of professional groomers always have your dog’s specific needs in mind. We are currently open, with various precautions in place to protect our staff and customers from COVID-19. For more information, see our blog on reopening. To set up an appointment, call us at 714-962-1005.

Understanding Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

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Hip dysplasia is common in large breed dogs. This condition is hereditary and amplified by environmental conditions such as excessive growth, weight, diet, and exercise.

What is Hip Dysplasia?

In order to understand this common skeletal condition, you need to know the basic anatomy of the hip. The hip joint consists of a ball and socket. In dogs with hip dysplasia, the hip joint fails to develop properly. It rubs and grinds against the socket, as opposed to sliding smoothly. Over time, the joint deteriorates and eventually becomes unusable.

Hip dysplasia reduces quality of life as it causes pain and discomfort for dogs affected. Some dogs begin showing symptoms of this condition as puppies, although symptoms are more common later in life. The severity of symptoms depends on the level of inflammation. Common symptoms include:

  • Decreased activity
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Difficulty rising, jumping, and running
  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Lameness
  • Narrow stance
  • Swaying gait
  • Audible grinding of the hip joint
  • Loss of muscle mass in the thighs

If your pet is exhibiting any symptoms of hip dysplasia, it’s important to discuss your concerns with your vet. Your veterinarian can help you determine if your pet is suffering from hip dysplasia through physical examination and x-rays. Proper diagnosis is important, as the type of treatment used depends on the severity of the condition.

Hip Dysplasia Treatment

Treatment for hip dysplasia commonly revolves around lifestyle changes. It’s important that your dog loses weight to remove any additional stress to the joint. Physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications are often recommended. You may wish to restrict your pet’s activity as well.

Surgery might be necessary if symptoms are severe. The most common surgeries used to treat hip dysplasia include:

  • Double or triple pelvic osteotomy
  • Femoral head osteotomy
  • Total hip replacement

Special Consideration – Grooming

Dogs with hip dysplasia often have difficulty standing. This makes grooming painful and uncomfortable. Many grooming salons are not properly equipped to deal with this common condition. At Claws N Paws Day Spa, we care about your pet. We want to make sure that they are comfortable and safe while in our care. Our salon has a lower tub for easy access by pets with special needs. We also offer grooming on the floor.

Our professional groomers have years of experience working with pets. They know how to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety. Please call 714-962-1005 to schedule a grooming appointment today!

 

 

 

Celebrating the New Year With Your Pet

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It’s hard to believe that another year has come and gone. If you’re like many Orange County residents, you’ll be celebrating the New Year surrounded by friends and family. If you’ve chosen to enjoy this holiday at home, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Keep Your Pet Safe and Comfortable

As much as you might want to include your pet, they probably won’t appreciate the sights and sounds of the celebration. In fact, it might be a good idea to consider boarding them for the evening. The right boarding facility will keep them safe and reduce the amount of exposure your pet has to the loud noises that are commonly present this time of year.

If you choose to keep your pet at home, make sure that they are comfortable. Playing soft music or leaving the television on can provide a welcome escape from the fireworks and other sounds of the celebration. It’s also important to make sure your pet cannot get outside. When pets become startled, they run. This creates a safety hazard for themselves and others if they run into traffic. If they run too far, they might not find their way home. This is why it’s so important that you make sure your pet cannot get outside.

If you are having guests over to celebrate the New Year, make sure they know not to leave doors open and not to let your pet outside. It might be a better idea to keep your pet in a safe, quiet room instead of allowing them to join your party. This is safer for your pet and they might appreciate it more, especially if they are nervous around new people.

Some pets enjoy being the center of attention. If this sounds like your pet, you might want to let them join the party. Just make sure that your guests know not to feed them any table scraps. Party foods are often loaded with fat and sugar. They might also contain ingredients that are toxic for your pet. The best way to avoid upset stomach and other issues is to make sure they don’t get anything they aren’t supposed to eat.

Claws N Paws Day Spa hopes that you and your loved ones have a Happy New Year!

 

Stopping Cats From Clawing on Furniture

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Stopping Cats From Clawing on Furniture

Clawing is a natural behavior for cats. Cats scratch to mark their territory and sharpen their claws. While totally natural, cats can do a lot of damage to furniture, drapes and carpet. In fact, it’s one of the reasons why people surrender their cats to the shelter.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to stop your cat from destroying your home. Let’s take a look at the top three ways to stop your cat from clawing your furniture.

Use Deterrents

If you want to stop your cat from scratching your favorite chair, then you need to make it as unpleasant as possible for them. There are many products available over the counter to deter cats from scratching.

Cats are extremely sensitive to both smell and touch. Deterrent sprays smell bad to cats and sticky strips are annoying. Both of these deterrents are extremely effective.

Offer Alternatives for Your Cat to Scratch

In order to stop your cat from scratching your furniture, you need to offer them a suitable alternative. Cats need to scratch. If you take away their favorite scratching place, they’ll naturally move to another one. Offer your cat scratching posts, boards or furniture. You might need to experiment with different types until you find the one your cat prefers.

Trim Your Cat’s Nails

You might not be able to stop the scratching altogether, but you can reduce the amount of damage being done. Trim your cat’s nails every four weeks. If you are unsure how to cut their nails, or your cat is being uncooperative, visit Claws N Paws Day Spa for a kitty pedicure.

In order for these methods to be effective, you must work with your cat to discover what works and what does not. Try using different types of scratching materials and deterrents.

These tips can help decrease or eliminate unwanted scratching. These options are much more humane than declawing or surrendering your cat.

Claws N Paws Day Spa can help keep your cats claws trimmed. We offer full service grooming for cats. Please call 714-962-1005 to set up a grooming appointment. Nail trims do not require an appointment.

Keeping Your Pet Cool This Summer

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Keeping Your Pet Cool This Summer

The scorching heat of summer in Southern California can be tough on our pets. You probably already know about the dangers of hot vehicles and pavements, but you might not know how to keep your pet cool this summer.

Bring Them Inside

One of the quickest and easiest ways to help your pet cool off is by bringing them inside. If bringing them into your home isn’t an option, you should never keep them in a shed, garage or similar structure. These can become incredibly hot, increasing the chance of heat stroke. If you must leave your pet outside, make sure that they have access to plenty of cool, clean water and at least a couple of shady spots to rest.

Walk in the Morning or Evening

Hot pavements can cause burns and discomfort. If it’s too hot for you to walk barefoot outside, it’s too hot for your pet. Consider walking your pet in the evening or in the early morning when temperatures are lower. It’s a good idea to walk on the grass whenever possible.

When spending time outside, it’s important to remember that flat-faced breeds such as pugs and English bulldogs overheat much faster than other breeds.

Keeping Them Cool At Home

There are a few things you can do to make your pets more comfortable at home. Put ice cubes in their water and turn on the A/C. Cooling wraps, vests and mats can be purchased online. These innovative products help keep your pet cool.

Grooming

Pets with thick hair can benefit with regular grooming during the summer. Although shaving isn’t recommended for double-coated breeds, a good bath and brush out can help remove their thick undercoat.

It might be a good idea to shave your pet’s belly. This gives them the opportunity to keep cool by laying on cold surfaces. Ask your groomer if this is a good option for your pet.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers quality grooming services for both dogs and cats. Our experienced groomers can help keep your pet cool this summer. Please call us at 714-962-1005 to set up a grooming appointment.

Be My Furry Valentine

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Be My Furry Valentine

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and everyone is getting ready. Flower shops, restaurants and card companies are all preparing and advertising around the clock. While people everywhere plan the perfect night for that special someone, many of us will be celebrating with our pets instead. This only makes sense considering that our pets provide us with an everlasting supply of unconditional love.

Let’s take a look at the top reasons why your furry friend is the perfect Valentine’s date this year:

  1. Cheap date
    Your pet doesn’t care about visiting the fanciest restaurant in town and they don’t need an expensive gift either.
  2. No need to dress up
    It doesn’t matter what you are wearing, your pet will only care if you are by their side.
  3. You get to choose what you do
    Your pet probably won’t argue with you about what movie to watch or what you will eat.
  4. You can keep the chocolate all to yourself
    Chocolate is toxic to pets so there’s no need to share.
  5. Pets won’t argue (or talk your ear off)
  6. No pressure
    Valentine’s Day can be full of pressure. You must plan the perfect date, pick the perfect gift and look your best. When you spend Valentine’s Day with your pet these added pressures simply don’t exist.
  7. Unconditional love
    Valentine’s Day is supposed to be a celebration of love. Our pets spend every day loving us unconditionally.
  8. Pets are easy to shop for
    Shopping for the perfect Valentine’s gift can be a nightmare. Compared to people, your pet is a lot easier to shop for. If you decide to give your pet a gift, all it will take is a quick visit to your local pet supply store.
  9. Spending time with your pet is good for your health
    Research has proven that spending time with your pet has many health benefits.

Considering getting your pet groomed before Valentine’s Day? Claws N Paws Day Spa offers quality dog and cat grooming in Orange County, California. For more information, or to schedule a grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005.

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