Pet Grooming Orange County

Most Common Canine Health Problems

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While well-cared for pets are less likely to become sick, there are still some common conditions that can affect your dog regardless of the type of care you provide. It’s important to learn all you can about these conditions so that you can spot them early. This gives you the best chance at successful treatment. 

The following are the most common health problems seen in dogs:

Skin Issues

Dogs can experience multiple skin issues ranging from parasites to fungal infections. These conditions may be extremely uncomfortable for your pet. It’s important to seek help at the first sign of a problem.

Check your dog regularly for fleas and ticks. Keep an eye out for missing fur, redness, dry patches, or other abnormalities. If you notice your dog scratching or licking more than usual, you might want to visit the vet. Skin conditions get worse over time. It’s crucial you have them dealt with quickly.

Ear Infections

Ear infections are extremely common, especially in dogs with floppy ears. If left untreated, ear infections can cause pain, discomfort, and permanent damage to the ear.

Dogs with ear infections might scratch at their ears. Excessive discharge might be present as well as a persistent odor. Ear infections are easy to treat but do require a trip to your veterinarian.

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are one of the leading causes of inappropriate urination. If your dog suddenly begins eliminating in the house, is more tired than usual, or seems to be thirsty all the time, it’s time for a trip to the vet. Treatment typically involves antibiotics.

Dental Disease

Over time, plaque and tartar build up in your dog’s mouth, increasing the risk of periodontal disease. Dental disease in pets can lead to multiple problems. In addition to making it difficult for your dog to eat, bacteria buildup in the mouth can spread to the bloodstream affecting the heart and kidneys.

Preventing periodontal disease is easier than treatment. Make sure you have your dog’s teeth brushed every time they visit the grooming salon. Visit your vet for more detailed cleaning.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers dog grooming for pets living in and around Orange County, California. Please call 714-962-1005 for more information about our services.

Dementia in Dogs

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Many people do not realize that senior dogs can suffer from dementia. In fact, thousands of dogs go undiagnosed with this condition each year. It’s up to every pet owner to recognize the signs of a potential problem and seek appropriate treatment.

The following are common signs that your dog might be suffering from dementia:

Your Dog Appears to Get Lost in Corners

This is one of the most common signs of a possible problem. Some dogs will stand headfirst in a corner or at the hinge side of a door. These dogs may look as though they are waiting to be let out. They might appear helpless, unsure of what to do next.

Pacing

A dog suffering from cognitive dysfunction syndrome might pace or wander around the house. These pets often appear anxious.

Sudden Onset of Accidents

A pet suffering from dementia might suddenly appear to have forgotten that they are supposed to go outside. It’s important to note that a loss of housetraining isn’t always related to dementia. It might be a sign of another issue such as a urinary tract infection or gastrointestinal problems. A trip to the vet can help you determine the cause.

Not Greeting Family Members

If your dog used to eagerly greet family members but now avoids human companionship, it’s important to have them seem by a vet. This is often a sign of a problem.

Pointless Barking

A dog that barks for no reason might be confused. They may bark because they no longer recognize family members, or because they don’t know where they are or what to do next.

Loss of Appetite

Anytime a pet stops eating, it’s important to have them seen by a vet. If your pet is suffering from dementia, they may have forgotten they need to eat.

Sleep Changes

A dog suffering from dementia might sleep more than usual or mix up day with night.

Stops Responding to Voice Commands

It’s time for a visit to the vet if your pet suddenly seems confused by their name or other voice commands.

Keep in mind that senior dogs can suffer from hearing loss. This should be ruled out before assuming your pet has dementia.

 

 

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!

 

 

 

Dangers of Tea Tree Oil for Pets

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Recently, tea tree oil has gained popularity for treating skin conditions in humans. This has led to the creation of several veterinary skin care products containing small concentrations of the oil. Unfortunately, numerous pet owners believe that this potent oil is totally safe for use on pets. This simply isn’t true. Using over-the-counter tea tree oil, which contains 60-100% oil, is extremely dangerous to pets. Products used on pets should never contain more than 1% tea tree oil.

Tea tree oil contains chemicals known as terpenes. These chemicals make the oil effective against bacteria and fungi. Unfortunately, terpenes are toxic when ingested or absorbed through the skin. Since pets are more likely to groom themselves and swallow the oil, topical application is twice as likely to cause a problem for pets.

Symptoms of Tea Tree Oil Toxicity

Symptoms of tea tree oil toxicity in pets will vary depending on how much oil is ingested and/or absorbed by the skin. These symptoms generally appear two to twelve hours following exposure. Drooling and vomiting are common with the ingestion of small amounts of oil. Animals that ingest a moderate amount of tea tree oil may appear weak, have difficulty walking, or appear partially paralyzed. Severely ill pets might have life-threatening symptoms such as tremors, seizures, or coma.

There is no cure for terpene ingestion. Treatment depends on the type and level of exposure and might include skin decontamination followed by support therapy using intravenous fluids. Medication is sometimes given for severe symptoms.

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure!

It’s far easier to prevent tea tree oil exposure than it is to successfully treat a pet that is experiencing symptoms from exposure. Although tea tree oil is effective at treating certain skin conditions, it is not superior to other, safer medications. Never use anything with more than 1% tea tree oil. This includes any and all products designed for use on humans.

If your pet is experiencing itchy skin caused by the cold weather, we can help! Claws N Paws Day Spa offers soothing baths using our special mineral shampoo with green tea to moisturize the skin and prevent a number of winter-time skin conditions. Please call 714-962-1005 to set up a grooming appointment today!

 

Taking Care of Your Puppy’s Coat

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Small puppies require regular grooming. This helps them become accustomed to being brushed and bathed. It also helps keep their coat free from tangles and mats. This is especially important for longhaired breeds.

Regular Brushing

Brushing is important for both long and shorthair breeds. Regular brushing removes dead hair and stimulates the production of natural oils, which help moisturize your puppy’s skin and coat. For shorthaired breeds, brushing reduces the amount of shedding. This might not seem like a big deal now, but can become a major problem when your pet grows up. Getting them used to being brushed now will save you a lot of trouble in the future.

Longhaired dogs become tangled and matted extremely easily. These mats are uncomfortable for your pet and can lead to nasty skin infections and other issues. It might be helpful to use a wide toothed comb on your puppy prior to brushing.

Nail Trims and Ear Cleaning

Puppy nails are naturally sharp. These nails will continue to grow over time. If not trimmed regularly, they can become uncomfortable and cause problems for your pet. Getting your pet used to having their nails trimmed now can prevent future problems.

Certain breeds of dog are more prone to ear infections. Usually the first sign of a problem is spotted during routine ear cleaning. Keep your puppy’s ears clean using soft cotton pads and a safe ear cleaning solution.

Professional Pet Grooming

If you are unsure how to groom your new pet, we can help. Claws N Paws offers pet grooming for pets of all ages. We know how to properly care for your new pet so that they become comfortable with the grooming process. It’s recommended that you bring them in early and often, even if they only need a nail trim. This helps them get used to the sights and smells of the grooming salon.

Nail trims do not require an appointment. If you’d like have your puppy bathed, please call 714-962-1005 to schedule an appointment. Please let us know the age of your puppy when calling. This helps ensure that we reserve enough time to properly care for your pet.

 

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!