Pet Grooming Orange County

Happy Halloween, Pet Families!

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When the air grows cold, and the fog rolls in, we know that another Halloween is upon us. While we may want to spend the weekend getting our spook on, our pets may have a different idea. This Halloween we also have the unique experience of being stuck inside with our pets. For this reason, this year has the potential to be your pet’s favorite Halloween ever!

Keep Them Inside!

Even if your pet can’t catch COVID, you will want to keep them inside on Halloween. Unfortunately, many people have harmful intentions on Halloween night. Animals, particularly black cats, may be injured or even killed by rebellious teenagers. Make sure all doors are closed, and always accompany your dog on potty breaks.

Create a Safe Haven

Halloween can be overwhelming for pets. Oftentimes, trick-or-treating children and neighborhood parties create a loud environment. Make sure your home feels safe, comfortable, and most importantly normal for your pet. Keep lights fairly low and do not disturb their typical lounge spots. Avoid scented candles, as these are known to create respiratory problems in both cats and dogs.

You can decorate as long as the decorations do not interfere with your pet’s daily functioning; in fact, you can even have some fun with it! Your cat will love batting your Halloween decorations. Make sure they’re not too heavy; long, hanging cloth decorations are perfect for playful kittens!

Dress Them Up!

Like children, our pets can dress up for the holiday. Costume and department stores sell costumes especially for cats and dogs. Your pet may not love to wear clothes, but an unobtrusive costume can be fun for both you and your pet. Try it on them in short intervals. Remember that kittens and puppies will be more receptive to wearing costumes sthan older pets!

Watch Your Snacks

While delicious, Halloween food is rarely pet-safe. Treats with chocolate, artificial sweeteners, and alcohol are toxic to cats and dogs. You can eat your treats, but keep them away from your pets. If you want to give your pet a seasonal meal, give them some canned (unsweetened) pumpkin. This is both tasty and healthy for your beloved furry friend!

Your pet can find professional grooming and bathing services at Claws N Paws Day Spa! Located in Fountain Valley, California, our grooming studio flaunts a dedicated staff and top-notch facilities. Right next door, your cat can find boarding services at our cats-only facility. For more information or to schedule an appointment, 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.

Get The Best Out of Your Grooming Appointment

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A trip to the grooming salon is a necessary experience to having a pet, but many first-time pet owners may feel intimidated by the process. In truth, a grooming appointment is nothing to stress about, and it leaves your pet happy and clean. Here are some tips to ensure that you and your pet will get the very best out of the salon experience.

Warming Up

Practicing good coat health at home can have real benefits at the grooming salon. Brush your pet regularly to decrease the chance that they will have mats. If your groomer finds mats, they will have no choice but to shave them. However, keep in mind that mats often start close to the skin. Groomers recommend brushing down to the skin every time. Frequency depends on your pet. Dogs and cats with shorter coats only require brushing twice a week. Meanwhile, pets with longer coats should be brushed either every night or every other night.

You can also practice regular grooming techniques such as clipping your pet’s nails and brushing their teeth. Not only do these improve their physical health, it normalizes the grooming process. A pet who is exposed to these procedures is more likely to feel comfortable at the salon.

Know Your Pet’s Needs

Every pet is unique! Professional pet groomers are equipped to handle a wide variety of conditions and behaviors. However, it always helps when they know what to expect. Does your pet have any allergies or medical conditions? Any behavioral concerns such as aggression or fear of loud noises? These are all good questions to consider prior to a grooming appointment. It will help ensure a positive and stress-free experience for you, your pet, and your groomer.

Bathroom Break!

Many pets soil themselves during or after being groomed, which can add time or extra expenses to your visit. Therefore, it is always a good idea to let your pet do their business before a grooming appointment.

Schedule Regular Appointments

Unfortunately, the effects of a grooming fade over time. Your pet’s coat is constantly growing, and they are experiencing life in all its messiest ways. Scheduling regular appointments with a trusted groomer is a good way to keep your pet looking and feeling great. Plus, becoming a “regular” has its own benefits. Your groomer will learn your pet’s specificities, and your pet may very well make a new friend that they look forward to seeing. Talk to your groomer about how often to schedule appointments; this will vary based on a number of factors.

You can find a comfortable and professional grooming experience at Claws N Paws Day Spa. Located in Fountain Valley, California, our staff is extremely dedicated to making sure your pet has the best possible experience every time they come in. Stop by our location or call 714-962-1005 to make an appointment.

Safe and Gentle Ear Care for Cats

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Cats’ ears may not look like much, but they are immensely important to the animal’s wellbeing and survival. They are also extremely fragile. Many cats suffer from irreversible damage due to over-the-counter ear cleaning products and uneducated practice. Therefore, professional ear cleaning is a must for every cat.

An Important and Complicated Ear

Feline ears are extremely complex and serve a variety of advanced functions. They can hear sounds nearly two octaves higher than humans, with a much wider range of detection. Have you ever noticed your cat’s ears rotating? They do so in order to decipher the exact location of a sound. Furthermore, the feline ear grants cats the grace and balance that we have always associated with cats. This is due to fluid-filled canals in the inner ear that create an equilibrium. A cat with functional ears should always land on their feet.

Conditions That Require a Vet Visit

Cats may develop more clinical ear conditions. Infections are fairly uncommon, but they still occur. They are more prevalent in breeds such as Persians and Himalayans where the ears, nose, and throat are in very close proximity. Your vet can provide a diagnosis and recommend medication for ear infections.

Cats may also develop ear mites, which are parasites that live inside an animal’s ear and feed on tissue. Their waste appears as a scattering of small dark spots inside the ear. Waste may be cleaned safely and gently, but a vet visit is necessary to get rid of living mites.

Cleaning and Sensitivity

Cats do have a self-cleaning mechanism, but wax and debris will continue to build up over time. Occasional ear cleanings are necessary, but they must be done in a safe and gentle manner. Preferably, this would be done by a professional groomer.

Because cats’ ears are so complex, they are susceptible to damage during cleaning. You can flush out a dog’s ear, but “flushing out” a cat’s ear with water can lead to irreversible harm. It may drain out some of the cat’s beneficial fluids. Ultimately, this can lead to worsened balance and/or permanent head tilt.

Many ear cleaning products on the market do not take feline sensitivity into account. They may contain ingredients such as tea tree oil, alcohol, benzoyl peroxide, or essential oils. All of these ingredients are extremely toxic to cats.

Zymox Ear Solution

Zymox provides non-toxic and non-invasive ear cleaning products for both cats and dogs. Its natural ingredients provide both maintenance and protection of clean and healthy ears. Zymox products do not contain harsh chemicals, leaving your furry friend’s delicate ears looking and smelling fresh. Claws N Paws Day Spa proudly uses Zymox Ear Solution to clean both cats’ and dogs’ ears.

Claws N Paws Day Spa owns and operates a full-service grooming salon in Fountain Valley, California. For more information about these services, including safe and gentle ear cleanings, visit out location or contact us at 714-962-1005.

Why You Should Vaccinate Your Cat for Rabies

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California is one of twenty-three states that does not require a rabies vaccination for cats. This means that, unlike with dogs, it is entirely up to a cat’s owner to decide whether or not to vaccinate. Here is why it is always a good idea to vaccinate your cat for rabies.

A Serious Threat

Although it is rare, rabies is extremely dangerous. Once an animal is bitten, the disease is almost one-hundred percent fatal. It can take anywhere from ten days to a year for symptoms to arise following a bite. Rabies does not currently have a known cure and can only be diagnosed in deceased animals. In the United States, cats contract rabies more than any other domestic species.

An unvaccinated cat that has been potentially exposed to rabies must be either euthanized or strictly quarantined for several months. Meanwhile, a vaccinated cat that has been exposed is simply recommended a booster vaccination in the thirty days following a bite. Talk to your vet if you think your cat may already have been exposed to rabies.

Benefits of the Rabies Vaccine

Simply because the vaccine is not required does not mean that it is not preferred. Most veterinary organizations heavily recommend the vaccine, and many facilities will not accept cats into their care if they have not received it.

Owners of indoor-only cats may feel that their cat is protected from rabies. This is mostly true. However, many cats are tricky and unpredictable. It only takes an open window for your cat to escape. When they return, there is no way to know what other critters they may have come across on their adventure. A variety of wandering animals carry rabies, including foxes, raccoons, and other community cats and dogs. Even a brief departure from the home can be fatal to an unvaccinated cat.

Owners of cats that go outdoors should always stay up-to-date on rabies vaccines and boosters. However, the most effective way to prevent against rabies and other viral diseases is to keep your cat indoors.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers professional grooming services for both dogs and cats. Contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our location in Fountain Valley, California for more information.

Gum Disease in Dogs

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It can be hard to tell when a dog is feeling unwell. A slight change in behavior or appearance may go unnoticed, but it can be symptomatic of something more. Gum disease often hides among a dog’s regular functions and is therefore difficult to catch. However, it is important to understand the symptoms to avoid a major problem.

Here’s What Happens

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, occurs as a result of excessive plaque buildup. This may affect a single tooth, an isolated area, or the entire mouth. Plaque buildup creates cavities between the teeth and gums, allowing bacteria to enter and grow.  Eventually, a dog with unchecked gum disease will experience tooth and bone loss. It can also facilitate heart disease, as bad bacteria from the mouth continues to move through the circulatory system.

Detection

While gum disease is extremely silent, there are a few ways to detect it before it becomes a serious problem. Usually, the earliest way to tell is by smelling your dog’s breath. Dogs with especially foul-smelling breath may have it as a result of excessive plaque buildup. You may also catch early to intermediate-stage periodontal disease by monitoring your dog closely. Are your dog’s gums red or swollen? Do they have any yellow or brown teeth? Do they have an abnormal appetite? These are signs of gum disease.

In the later stages of gum disease, dogs will begin to show signs of discomfort. They may have problems picking up or eating food. The aforementioned symptoms will be much worse, with physically loose teeth and bloody saliva.

If you notice anything abnormal, schedule a trip to the vet. The official diagnosis of periodontal disease must come from a number of lab tests.

Treatment

In the early stages of periodontal disease, deep cleaning is essential. Your vet may prescribe products or simply suggest a professional tooth cleaning. Dental wash is an increasingly popular way to prevent and even reverse some of the damage caused by gum disease. Talk to your vet about which option best suits your dog. Intermediate stages are marked by a clear separation of the teeth and gums. This space will need to be cleaned by a vet. Additionally, your dog may require antibiotics. In the late stages, invasive procedures such as tooth extraction and bone replacement become necessary.

Due to the severity of periodontal disease, prevention is extremely important. Good dental hygiene is the only defense against plaque buildup and bad bacteria. Brush your dog’s teeth every day using pet-safe toothpaste, and schedule regular professional teeth cleanings at your local groomer or veterinary office.

Claws N Paws Day Spa is a full-service grooming salon where your pet’s health and hygiene are made a priority. Contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our location in Fountain Valley, California for more information on our services.