Pet Grooming Orange County

Thanksgiving With Pets

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It is a strange year for holidays. Thanksgiving is no exception—in light of COVID-19 and stay-at-home orders, many people are scrambling to decide how to celebrate the holiday. Whatever your plans, always keep your furry friend in mind. Like any other holiday, Thanksgiving poses certain challenges to pets and pet parents alike.

Skip the Table Scraps

You may get puppy dog eyes, but don’t be fooled this holiday season. Most Thanksgiving treats can actually be quite dangerous for pets. Potatoes, a common Thanksgiving side dish, are actually part of the nightshade family and can be very dangerous to pets. Desserts with chocolate or artificial sweeteners are toxic. Even meat dishes can be bad for pets; if they are loaded with salt or butter, they can cause severe gastrointestinal pain. If they include garlic or onions, they are downright toxic.

If you want to treat your pet, consider pumpkin. Canned, unsweetened pumpkin has been known to improve pets’ coat and digestive health. Your pet will love the taste of this seasonal treat!

Hide Your Decorations

Pets, particularly cats, are very good at knocking over precious decorations. Place your ceramic pilgrims and turkey art where you are certain your pet cannot reach. Not only does this ruin your decoration, broken shards can be dangerous to both pets and children.

Decorative plants can also prove dangerous in a home with pets. Many seasonal plants like poinsettias are toxic to cats and dogs. For more information on safe and unsafe plants, check out our blog on houseplants.

Keep Them Safe in Your Absence

If you must travel this season, make sure to make accommodations for your furry friend. Will you take them with you or leave them at home? If you choose to take them with you, be careful. Many animals dislike being in moving vehicles, and many airlines are downright dangerous for pets. If they are staying at home, make sure they will be taken care of. Boarding is always a good option for short trips; your pet will feel much safer with professionals taking care of them.

At Claws N Paws, your pet can find quality care and comfort. We feature both a professional grooming salon for both cats and dogs and, right next door, a cats-only boarding facility. For more information or to make an appointment, call us at 714-962-1005.

All About Pet Insurance

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With healthcare costs rising, many of us feel safer with a good insurance plan. But what about our pets? Pet insurance is out there, but it can be difficult to know how or when to get it. Many pet owners do not purchase pet insurance simply because they know very little about it. Fortunately, information is out there for those who look.

What is Pet Insurance?

Pet insurance plans work similarly to human health insurance. Pet parents pay a monthly premium for coverage, which applies whenever your pet needs a trip to the vet. Most insurance plans are for cats and dogs, but there are some which cater to exotic animals.

What Does Pet Insurance Cover?

Unlike human health insurance, there are different types of health insurance based on coverage and your specific pet. Wellness plans cover routine care, checkups, and vaccines. Alternatively, accident-illness plans cover treatment for both injury and illness. There are also accident-only and illness-only plans. Unfortunately, no pet insurance plan covers preexisting conditions. To fully understand your pet’s coverage, you will need to do research on your specific provider and plan.

What Does Pet Insurance Cost?

Because veterinary care is expensive, pet insurance can also be quite pricey. Basic plans may cost as low as $10 per month, but the most expensive plans may reach up to $100 per month. Payment is based on both coverage and your specific pet. Your furry friend’s age, weight, aand breed may factor into the cost. Costs may also vary by location; certain areas pose more environmental threats to animals.

How Does Pet Insurance Work?

Pet insurance applies broadly, which means any policy applies to any certified veterinary clinic in the United States. In most cases, you pay upfront. Make sure to keep your itemized receipt; you will send this to your pet insurance provider. Based on your coverage, they will reimburse you a portion of the cost. Know that this is the most common, but not the only, iteration of pet insurance.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, your pet’s safety and needs are always our first priority. Located in Fountain Valley, California, we provide professional grooming services to both dogs and cats. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

All About Prednisone

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Many cats, particularly older cats, are on some form of medication. We as pet owners tend to trust our veterinarian’s judgment on prescriptions. However, there are many benefits to doing your own medical research on your pet. The more you know about your pet’s medications, the more likely you are to identify benefits and side effects. Prednisone, one of the most common corticosteroids prescribed to cats, has its fair share of both.

What is Prednisone?

Prednisone and prednisolone are corticosteroids used to treat conditions across many species. Unlike anabolic steroids which enhance performance, catabolic steroids break down stored resources. As an anti-inflammatory drug, prednisone is used for immune support. Typically, the drug is used as a short-term treatment, but it may be used for long-term therapy in more extreme cases such as cancer.

Prednisone and prednisolone are different drugs, but prednisone converts to prednisolone in the liver. If you know your pet has liver problems, express this concern to your vet. They will be more likely to prescribe the already converted prednisolone.

Side Effects

Because prednisone is a very powerful drug, it can also have powerful side effects to the adult feline. These are most common in cases where prednisone is prescribed as a long-term therapy. If your cat is on prednisone, keep an eye out for any changes in their behavior or mood. Check to make sure their coat and skin look normal, and always listen to your cat’s breathing while on prednisone.

Separately, and often more seriously, your cat may experience digestive changes while on prednisone. Increased appetite while on the drug may lead to obesity or even diabetes mellitus. Increased thirst can cause excessive urination, which in turn may become a urinary tract infection. Keep an eye out for any abnormal diarrhea or vomiting.

If your pet shows any severe side effects, contact your vet. They may have you stop administering the drug. Thankfully, prednisone typically stops working after 24 hours of non-use.

Listen to Your Vet

Like with any other medication, it is important to listen to your vet’s instructions. Always administer the prescribed dosage, and never double or overdose. Remember that pets may need to be weaned off of prednisone, especially after long-term usage. If you ever have questions, your vet is there to answer them.

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides professional grooming services to both cats and dogs. Our grooming facility in Fountain Valley, California is specially designed with your pet’s needs in mind. We are currently open with provisions in place to protect our clients and staff from COVID-19. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

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.