Pet Grooming Orange County

Removing Ticks From Pets

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Removing Ticks From Pets

Humans, birds, reptiles, wild and domestic animals are all susceptible to ticks. Ticks feed on the blood of their host and can sometimes pass serious diseases. In fact, pets can contract multiple diseases from just one tick bite. Ticks must be removed carefully and should never be removed with bare hands. The following steps will help you safely remove ticks from your pets:

  • Start by filling a jar halfway with isopropyl alcohol. Set the jar on a stable surface where it will not get tipped over.
  • Have another person restrain your pet. Have them gently stroke, praise and reassure your pet to keep it calm.
  • Put on latex gloves to avoid direct contact with the ticks.
  • Dampen a cotton ball with alcohol and gently dab it around the tick. This will disinfect the area and reduce the chance of your pet developing an infection.
  • Using tweezers or a special tick-removing device, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull the tick out by applying steady pressure. Be careful not to jerk or twist the tick. This can cause its mouthparts to detach inside of your pet’s skin.
  • Place the tick inside of the jar of alcohol. This will preserve it in case laboratory identification or testing becomes necessary. Do not flush the tick down the toilet as doing so will not reliably kill it.
  • Disinfect the area around the bite wound with more alcohol.

Ticks should be dealt with as quickly as possible. Inspect your pet regularly for ticks, especially after walking in grassy areas.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers professional pet grooming services in Fountain Valley, California. We also offer mobile pet grooming to all areas of Orange County. If you are unsure if your pet has ticks, or how to remove them yourself, we would be happy to show you. For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

 

Adopting an Adult Cat

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Adopting an Adult Cat

For the top reasons why you should adopt an adult cat, please click here.

Once you’ve decided that you would like to add an adult cat to your family, it’s time to choose your new feline friend. With so many homeless cats available, it can be difficult to decide which one to adopt. When deciding, consider your family and your other pets. Think about how your other pets will react to a new family member and what personality type will be the best fit for your family. Decide in advance if you prefer a male or a female, a specific color or breed or if you would prefer a longhair cat or a shorthair cat. Remember to be flexible, as sometimes the perfect cat might not fit all of your original criteria.

Once you have found a potential cat to adopt you will want to spend some time with it. This is an excellent way to get to know each other and to see if he/she is a good match for your family. Ask the rescue facility if there is a quiet area where you can visit with the cat. If there is more than one cat that you are interested in, visit with all of them before making your decision. However, don’t feel like you must only choose one. There are many adult cats that are hoping to join a loving family.

Most rescue groups require an adoption application to be filled out and an adoption fee to be paid. Regardless of where you adopt your cat from, you should take it to your veterinarian within a few days of adoption for a check-up. This is extremely important to ensure that your new pet is healthy, and to allow your cat to establish a relationship with its vet.

The cat pictured above is Piper. Piper was abandoned by his former owner. He is a Siamese mix. He is approximately six years old. At a cuddly fourteen pounds, Piper still has many years of love and affection to offer the right family. Piper is already neutered, litter box trained and super mellow.

Claws N Paws has many wonderful adult cats looking for a forever home. Please call 714-962-1005 to schedule a visit with our wonderful adoptable cats. For pictures of the cats currently available for adoption, please click here.

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Why Does Pet Grooming Take So Long?

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Why Does Pet Grooming Take So Long?WHY GROOMING TAKES SO LONG

Pet groomers hear this question all the time. While most people believe that grooming a pet is as simple as popping it into the bath and running a clipper over it, this couldn’t be further from the truth. From the moment that your pet enters a grooming salon it is being assessed.

It can be difficult for pet parents to notice small changes when they see their pet every day. However, competent groomers are able to spot many health problems and issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. While your pet is being groomed, your groomer is handling every single inch of its body. Your groomer serves as an early warning system, alerting you of any lumps, bumps, sores, wounds, nail issues, skin problems or restricted movements. If something is wrong, your groomer is bound to discover it. In addition, your pet groomer can offer you valuable advice on a variety of problems from training to dealing with the passing of a pet.

While your pet is being groomed it receives a number of different services. The ears will be cleaned and checked for signs of infection. When necessary, excess hair in the ears will be removed. Your pet’s teeth and gums are inspected for infection. Their nails are trimmed. When necessary, the hair between the pads is removed, and the sanitary area is clipped to promote optimal hygiene at home. Your pet’s skin and coat will be evaluated for the most suitable shampoo. Before its bath, your pet’s coat might need tangles removed or its undercoat blown out. Once in the bath, your groomer will check and express the anal glands and possibly soak your pet in a therapeutic shampoo. After its bath, your pets coat will be thoroughly dried and combed. If desired, your pets coat will be clipped and styled. This is only a small list of the steps involved in the grooming of your pet.

When a dog is regularly groomed every four to six weeks the grooming process typically doesn’t take very long. However, if your pet is extremely matted or dirty, you can expect them to stay for quite a while. For example, the dogs in the picture above took three groomers over three hours to finish. An experienced groomer will not rush the grooming process. They will do what is necessary to ensure that your pets coat is properly taken care of.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been providing quality pet grooming services in Fountain Valley, California since 2001. 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!!

Why Adopt a Black or Black and White Cat

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Why Adopt a Black or Black and White CatLovie2

Sadly, black cats and black and white cats are typically the last to find homes. Through absolutely no fault of their own, these cats are simply overlooked time and time again as most people tend to choose “prettier” colored cats. Even black kittens are left to watch as their more colorful siblings are chosen before them. Unfortunately, the outlook for black and black and white cats is bleak. They often spend months if not years in rescue facilities, anxiously awaiting someone that will look past their color.

Some people believe that black cats are not adopted because of superstitions. Different cultures have different beliefs as to whether black cats are considered good luck or bad. While the old thinking that black cats are “witches cats” might influence some people, many cultures believe that a black cat crossing your path or seen in your dreams will bring you incredibly good luck. In Scotland, finding a black kitten sitting on your porch is believed to bring riches and happiness.

Another reason that black cats are often overlooked is simply because of their color. Many people feel that it is difficult to connect with a black cat in a rescue facility because they blend in with the shadows. In addition, black cats don’t tend to photograph well, making them easy to overlook on web pages. Today, most rescue facilities are full of cats looking for homes. Potential adopters are typically drawn to the more colorful cats, while the black cats seem to fade into the background.

The fact is that black and black and white cats have the exact same charm and charisma of their more colorful friends. Black cats are stunning, regal looking animals, each with their own unique personality. Their sleek and glossy dark coat compliments their bright shining eyes. Black cats are just as wonderful as any other cat and they have the same basic needs; love, care and home of their own. If you are looking for a new feline companion, please consider adopting a black or black and white cat.

The cat featured above is Lovie. Lovie was adopted as a kitten and then returned for unknown reasons when she was two years old. She has been anxiously awaiting a new home ever since. Lovie would be best suited as an only cat or with an older cat that will not chase her. Please consider making her a part of your family!

Claws N Paws Day has many wonderful cats and kittens available for adoption. For more information please click here or call 714-962-1005.

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Why a Dog Might Bite

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Why a Dog Might Bite

Just like humans, even the best behaved dog has both good days and bad days. In fact, over the course of a single day a dog can go from feeling totally relaxed and easy-going to tense and cranky. Dog bites occur for a number of different reasons including:

  • The dog is protecting a possession, its owner, its property or its puppies
  • Something has frightened or provoked the dog
  • The dog is old and does not have as much patience as it used to
  • The dog is injured or sick
  • Someone has startled or harmed the dog
  • The dog never learned bite inhibition
  • Herding breeds tend to nip when attempting to “herd” their family

In order to prevent dog bites you must first learn how to spot the warning signs that a dog is about to bite. These warning signs are always present before a dog bites, however they can be extremely subtle. Sometimes the dog exhibits these warning signs for months or years before the dog finally loses its tolerance and bites, surprising everyone around it. Warning signs that a dog might bite include:

  • Ears pinned back
  • Fur along the dog’s back standing up
  • Whites of eyes showing
  • Yawning
  • Freezing in response to touch
  • Direct intense eye contact from the dog

Preventing dog bites begins at home. If you do not intend to breed your dog, spaying and neutering can decrease the likelihood of bites. Making sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise can help to expend any excess energy that could otherwise be directed towards nervous energy. Playing with your dog helps to prevent bites by reinforcing your bond. However, rough games should always be avoided in order to prevent any dominance issues. Socialization is extremely important but your dog should never be allowed to roam free where they can pose a danger to other people and pets. If you have children, take the time necessary to teach them how to properly act around dogs, what warning signs to watch for and how to respond if a dog attacks.

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. 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!!

Top Ten Reasons to Adopt an Adult Cat

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Top Ten Reasons to Adopt an Adult CatLil Girl

Adopting a cat is a very exciting time. You’ve probably considered several different breeds, whether you want a male or female and you might have even started thinking about what you will call your new friend. But have you considered adopting an adult cat? You might be surprised to learn that there are many more adult cats waiting for homes than there are kittens. Let’s take a look at the top ten reasons to adopt an adult cat:

  1. What you see is what you get
  2. Adult cats make better companions for older cats in the home
    If you have an older cat at home, a kittens might be too playful and will probably upset your cat rather than provide it companionship.
  3. They still have many years of life to live
    With proper care, cats can live well into their late teens and early twenties. Most of the time they remain active and playful throughout their entire life.
  4. Adult cats don’t chew on everything
    Kittens explore things with their mouths. This type of behavior can be destructive. Adult cats have outgrown this type of behavior.
  5. Kittens get into much more trouble
    Kittens are extremely curious. That curiosity can get them into lots of trouble, frequently resulting in serious injuries and accidents. Kittens eat things they shouldn’t and fall from high places. Adult cats are much more cautious.
  6. Kittens are messy
    Most kittens are too busy exploring to be concerned with self-grooming and they tend to be less than careful in the litterbox. Adult cats spend hours cleaning themselves so you don’t have to.
  7. Adult cats use up less of your energy
    Adult cats sleep more, play less, require less supervision, break fewer things and won’t attack your toes while you sleep. With an adult cat, you sleep better, relax more and have much more energy.
  8. Adult cats are better equipped to deal with children
    Children can be rough with both cats and kittens. Adult cats are typically better at escaping the clutches of a small child than kittens are.
  9. Adult cats are better in the litter box
    Kittens tend to play and sleep in their litter boxes, making a huge mess in the process. Adult cats understand the purpose of a litter box and will usually cooperate with your efforts to keep it tidy.
  10. You could be their last chance at adoption
    Most adult cats end up at rescue centers due to no fault of their own. In fact, most are emotionally devastated by their misfortune. Unfortunately, most people gravitate towards kittens, ignoring the adult cats that must wait year after year for the perfect family. While kittens will always be popular, you are probably the last chance for that heartbroken adult cat.

Claws N Paws has many adult cats available for adoption. For more information, please click here.

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