Pet Grooming Orange County

Hot Spots

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Hot Spots

Hot spots on pets are extremely common during the summer. A hot spot is a localized area of skin that is inflamed and infected. The infection can be superficial or deep. Hot spots are also known as moist dermatitis and acute moist dermatitis.

Hot spots are typically caused and made worse by excessive biting, licking and scratching. There are several factors that can initiate this behavior. Common factors include fleas, mites, other external parasites, insect stings or bites, injuries or allergies. Occasionally animals will start a hot spot out of boredom or during periods of stress.

Hallmark signs of a hot spot include redness, oozing, pain and itchiness. Hair loss might also be present. Sometimes hair can become matted over the lesion, obscuring the size or magnitude of the problem. It is extremely common for a pet parent to notice a small area of inflamed skin on their pet in the morning and arrive home hours later to find that the affected area is much larger. This is because pets often become highly agitated and will not leave the area alone. Sometimes the pet might even growl or snap when the area is touched.

The treatment of hot spots varies depending on the severity of the problem. It is extremely important to have all hot spots promptly checked by a veterinarian as the problem can quickly spread and further skin infection can occur. There are a few things you can do at home to help alleviate the pain of hot spots:

  • Shave the area, allowing air to dry the hot spot
  • Cleanse the area with cool water and a mild skin cleanser
  • Apply a cool washcloth to the area two to four times a day
  • Use an E-collar to prevent licking, biting or scratching of the area
  • Follow your veterinarian’s instructions thoroughly when applying topical medications, bathing or administering oral medication

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers dog and cat grooming in Fountain Valley, California. Our experienced groomers understand how uncomfortable hot spots can be for your pet. We can bathe your pet in their prescription shampoo and assist you with your pet’s topical medication. We can also safely remove the hair from around most hot spots. For more information or to schedule a grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005.

Receive a free teeth brushing for your pet when you mention our blog!!

 

Support Cat Rescue! Shop at This N That Consignment Shop

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Support Cat Rescue! Shop at This N That Consignment Shop

The Difference Between a Consignment Shop and a Thrift Shop

Most people don’t fully understand the difference between a consignment shop and a thrift shop. The major difference is that consignment shops get to choose the items that they consign and offer for sale. Many consignment shops will ask you to make an appointment to bring things in and will typically sort things by season. Consignment shop owners are extremely careful about what they take for consignment and will not accept items that are poor quality. Consignment shops pay you for your gently used items and will often offer you a tax credit for donating your unsold items to their shop. Consignment shops, when managed well, are a lovely place to visit and shop for quality, recycled items.

Thrift shops are often overloaded, disorderly and overwhelming to shop in. Because thrift shops only sell donated items they are not able to be as selective as a consignment shop. Thrift stores typically offer many different types of items for sale such as clothing, accessories, dishes, bakeware, books, games, furniture and more. Although thrift stores usually have good prices, their items are often not as good or long lasting as those purchased in a consignment shop.

One benefit of both thrift stores and consignment shops is that you can purchase green, recycled products. This is an excellent way to save money and help the environment at the same time.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been taking care of Orange County’s dogs and cats since 2001. We offer full service pet grooming at our state of the art pet salon in Fountain Valley, California. Additionally, we offer mobile pet grooming to all areas of Orange County. Claws N Paws also has many wonderful cats and kittens available for adoption. Two doors down from our pet salon we have a consignment shop that offers many unique and interesting items. 100% of all profits from pet supply sales at This n That Consignment go directly into our rescue efforts! For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

 

Is Your Dog’s Disease Linked to Their Food?

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Is Your Dog’s Disease Linked to Their Food?

Many illnesses can be traced back to your pet’s food. Low quality pet food encourages infestations of insects, mites and molds, leading to chronic allergies. However, grain mites that feed on poor quality feed grains can quickly combine with insects to create a far bigger issue for your dog. These mites can pick up and spread the spores of extremely dangerous molds that are capable of producing some of the world’s deadliest natural toxins.

Molds are members of the fungi family. Unlike other fungi such as mushrooms, molds are invisible to the naked eye. They reproduce by creating small, seed-like particles known as spores. Because molds and mold spores are microscopic, they can spread easily by traveling on the small bodies of mites and weevils. When this occurs it doesn’t take very long for an entire bag of grain to become contaminated.

Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to the molds and mold spores commonly found in pet foods. However, the greatest danger lies in the potential for ingestion of the poisons produced by these molds. Symptoms of mold poisoning can include:

  • Fever
  • Jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes
  • Dark colored urine
  • Persistent violent bouts of vomiting
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Death

Even small amounts of the mold can accumulate in a dog’s liver, causing cancer to develop over time. Once the mold enters the liver there is no antidote and no known cure. Any amount of mold in your pet food should be considered unsafe. Every single time you choose to feed your dog commercial pet food made with cheap, low quality cereal grains you are putting them in danger.

In order to protect your dog from these potential dangers you must never buy cheaply-made dog food and avoid dog foods that contain grain by-products or mill waste. Dog food ingredients are often the most overlooked cause of serious disease in healthy dogs. Don’t allow your dog to become one of the ones affected.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers dog and cat grooming in Orange County, California. For more information, or to schedule a grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005.

Receive a free teeth brushing for your pet when you mention our blog!

 

This N That Consignment Shop Supports Claws N Paws

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This N That Consignment Shop Supports Claws N Paws!

What is a Consignment Shop?

Individuals bring their unwanted items to a consignment shop so that the shop owner can sell the items for them. Whenever an item is sold, the sale price is split between the owner of the consignment shop and the owner of the item. This benefits the shop owner because they do not need to pay upfront for their merchandise. It benefits the owner of the merchandise by allowing them to get rid of unwanted items and make some extra money in the process. The consignment shop owner typically retains a higher percentage of the sale price in order to cover their business expenses.

While some consignment shops take a wide variety of items, others are more specialized. Books, antiques and furniture are all popular consignment items. Consignment shops create the ability for consumers to purchase things that they might not be able to afford brand new.

When someone is looking to sell their items through consignment there are some things that they will want to look for in a consignment store. First, the shop should be in a good location. Shops located off a major street will typically attract the most attention. The shop should be well organized and the owner should be friendly and knowledgeable. Check with the shop owner about their policies regarding percentage splits and how long they keep items.

Most consignment shops will only take items that are clean and in good condition. Jewelry and shoes should be free from damage and polished before being brought to the consignment shop. Toys must be spotless, and furniture should be well maintained. Items that are not in good condition typically are not eligible for sale in a consignment shop.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been taking care of Orange County’s dogs and cats since 2001. We offer full service pet grooming at our state of the art pet salon in Fountain Valley, California. Additionally, we offer mobile pet grooming to all areas of Orange County. Claws N Paws also has many wonderful cats and kittens available for adoption. Two doors down from our pet salon we have a consignment shop offering several unique and interesting items. 100% of all profits from pet supply sales at This n That Consignment go directly into our rescue efforts! For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

 

Handling Aggressive Dogs

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Handling Aggressive Dogs

As a pet groomer, people often ask us how we handle aggressive dogs. Although extremely aggressive dogs WILL be turned away for both their own safety and the safety of our groomers, we often encounter dogs that bite. Typically dogs bite while being groomed because they are afraid. Expediting the grooming process is usually the best way to keep frightened dogs calm.

An experienced groomer will attempt to make their canine clients feel comfortable before beginning to groom them. The groomer might offer frightened dogs a treat and speak to them in a soft voice while giving them a little love. Once the dog is more comfortable they will be placed in the tub for a bath. Once in the tub, even aggressive dogs should allow the groomer to bathe them.

After the bath, the dog will be dried before it is moved to the grooming table. Dogs are restrained with a loop and a muzzle when necessary. Neither of these items hurt the dog. They are simply used to ensure the safety of both the dog and the groomer. When needed, the dog will be clipped quickly while being talked to calmly. The nails will be trimmed and the ears cleaned, possibly with the help of another groomer. After the grooming process is complete the dog will be calmed with more treats, kind words and lots of affection.

Sometimes pet parents consider giving sedatives to their dogs before grooming. Please talk to your veterinarian and groomer before doing so. Many groomers do not accept animals that have been sedated. If you are worried about your dog biting their groomer, it is important to discuss this matter with the groomer before scheduling your first grooming appointment. Most professional groomers understand that baths and haircuts are stressful on even the most well behaved dogs.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers dog and cat grooming in Fountain Valley, California. Our professional dog and cat groomers have many years of experience handling pets with all different kinds of temperaments. For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005.

Receive a free teeth brushing for your pet when you mention our blog!

 

Costs Involved with Running a Rescue

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Costs Involved with Running a Rescueconsignment rescue efforts

Most people do not realize how much money it takes to run a pet rescue. Rescue is expensive and no one pays the volunteers that must work both day and night to care for the rescued animals. Let’s take a closer look at some of the costs involved with running a rescue.

Vet Bills

Rescued pets need to visit a veterinarian upon arrival. They receive regular check-ups, vaccinations, flea treatments, they get spayed or neutered and sometimes require emergency care. These costs can add up quickly!

Daily Pet Care

Pet rescues must pay for the everyday care of the pets that they are responsible for. This includes food, litter, blankets and housing.

Administrative Costs

Just like any other business, pet recues must pay for brochures, business cards, advertising and bank fees. Although most rescues try to keep these costs to a minimum it is impossible to avoid them completely.

Unexpected Expenses

Unexpected expenses happen to everyone, including pet rescues. Sometimes pests invade and must be dealt with, or natural disasters occur. Whatever the case, pet rescues are responsible for all expenses involved.

Pet rescues do not receive state funding for their rescue efforts. There are many ways that you can help a pet rescue. You can donate items such as food, towels or blankets. You can donate money directly to the rescue or you can support businesses that support pet rescue. There are many wonderful businesses that donate a part of their profits to help local rescue groups. Whatever you are able to do can help make a difference for a pet in need.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been taking care of Orange County’s dogs and cats since 2001. We offer full service pet grooming at our state of the art pet salon in Fountain Valley, California. We also offer mobile pet grooming to all areas of Orange County. Claws N Paws also has many wonderful cats and kittens available for adoption. We have a consignment shop two doors down that offers many unique and interesting items. 100% of all profits from pet supply sales at This n That Consignment go directly into our rescue efforts! For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

Receive a free teeth brushing for your pet when you mention our blog!!