Pet Grooming Orange County

Understanding Feline Asthma

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Every cat is unique! Whether they differ in demeanor or appearance, we love our cats for their peculiarities. For 1-5% of cats, asthma sets them out from the rest. Feline asthma is not cause for major concern, but it is something that should be monitored. Follow the information here to ensure your asthmatic kitty is the happiest they can be!

What Causes Feline Asthma?

Feline asthma essentially occurs as a result of allergic bronchitis. Allergic bronchitis is triggered when a cat inhales an allergen or some other stimulant. The airways in this cat’s lungs become inflamed. When this inflammation is common or chronic, we call it asthma.

Some factors can increase your cat’s risk of contracting asthma. Unfortunately, a number of these are unavoidable. Cats who contract asthma are most commonly 2 to 8 years of age, female, and either Siamese, Himalayan, or mixed breed. However, there are a number of environmental factors that can increase your cat’s specific risk. These include:

  • Frequent exposure to allergens such as cigarette smoke, dusty cat litter, pollen, and aerosol cleaning products
  • A stressful environment or circumstances
  • Heart conditions
  • Obesity or sudden weight gain that affects regular respiratory functions

What Are the Signs of Feline Asthma?

A cat with asthma will experience asthma attacks. During an attack, a cat may hunch their body very close to the ground with their head and neck extended forward. They will likely show difficulty breathing, combined with hacking or wheezing. These attacks vary widely in intensity and frequency, but they should be monitored closely. When an asthmatic cat is not having an attack, they may appear weak or fatigued.

What Should I Do If I Think My Cat Has Asthma?

If you suspect your cat has asthma, take them to the vet immediately. Unchecked inflammation can eventually lead to permanent scarring on the lungs. There is no single test to diagnose asthma. Most likely, your vet will rule out conditions with similar symptoms such as chronic bronchitis and parasite invasion. They may listen to your cat’s breathing and take allergy and/or blood tests. In some cases, your vet may schedule a chest X-ray.

Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be treated. Many vets prescribe corticosteroids to reduce lung inflammation. These may or may not be supplemented by bronchodilators, which dilate the airways to improve airflow. Both of these treatments come in oral, inhalable, or injectable forms.

December is National Cat Lovers’ Month, but at Claws N Paws we value our feline friends 365 days a year. Your kitty can find warm rooms, special care, and a devoted staff in our cats-only boarding facility located in Fountain Valley, California. Furthermore, we provide professional grooming services to dogs and cats right next door. Stop by today or call us at 714-962-1005 for more information.

Your Dog Will Go Coco-Nuts for Coconut Oil

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You have probably heard of the seemingly magical benefits of coconut oil. But did you know that your furry friend can also join in the trend? Coconut oil can get your dog looking and feeling great, in one of the most natural ways.

Why Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is extracted from mature coconut meat. It consists mainly of saturated fats, which may seem counterintuitive. However, coconut oil derives its fat content from medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are classified as a good fat. These are usually associated with energy production, but coconut oil has many hidden health benefits as well.

The Natural Remedy

There are a wide variety of health benefits your pup can get from eating coconut oil. MCTs are known to help digestive processes and boost your older dog’s mental functions. Lauric acid has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Coconut oil can also reduce coughing and eliminate undesirable odors. It can smoothen your dog’s hair and eliminate undesirable odors.

All of these health benefits come from eating coconut oil. However, it can also be applied topically! Applying coconut oil to problem areas (wounds, bites, stings, etc.) can help them heal faster. Some purchasable products have utilized coconut oil for its positive properties. You can buy coconut oil shampoo for soft fur or certain paw balms to help heal hotspots or blisters.

How to Give Coconut Oil to Your Dog

Coconut oil is safe for dogs to eat, and the best way to do this is to mix it into their food. Always buy unrefined (or virgin) coconut oil, preferably if it is “cold pressed.” Your dog may have specific tastes, so try out a couple brands and types! Small dogs should start with ¼ teaspoon with meals, while big dogs can start with 1 teaspoon. Eventually, you can build this amount up to 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds.

However, it is important to keep in mind that coconut oil is not for every dog. If your dog is overweight or has pancreatitis, it might be best to avoid using it. Some dogs may also be allergic to coconut oil, so make sure to monitor their behavior for a little while after the first taste.

Claws N Paws Day Spa can provide professional grooming services to your cat or dog. For more information, contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our location in sunny Fountain Valley, California!

Practice Holiday Safety This Winter!

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The winter holiday season is upon us! Surely, both you and your pet are both noticing the chill in the air and the bustle of holiday excitement. Unfortunately, with this excitement comes some safety concerns for your furry friend. Ensure a safe and happy holiday season with these tips.

Decorate With Care

In these first few days of December, you are probably preparing your home for the season. It is very important to always remember to keep your pet in mind when doing so. Pets, particularly cats and kittens, can be extremely curious about the new changes to their living space. Keep breakable decorations such as Christmas villages away from the edges of tables. Never leave a candle or fire unattended. Hang breakable ornaments and tinsel high up, away from your pets’ reach. Additionally, watch out for potentially dangerous plants. Holly, mistletoe, lilies, and more can be toxic to a curious pet.

Watch the Food

With the holidays comes a plethora of delicious food. Unfortunately, your cat or dog cannot partake in many of these meals. Human baked goods are always too rich for pets, and they may contain problematic ingredients such as chocolate or xylitol (artificial sweetener). Table scraps should be avoided; even foods like turkey that seem harmless can cause complications such as pancreatitis. Finally, make sure all alcoholic beverages are accounted for. Alcohol is toxic to pets and can potentially induce a coma.

If you are looking for a fun and healthy treat for your pet this holiday season, consider pumpkin. See our blog for more information.

Party Responsibly

Holiday parties can be great fun, but they can be stressful for your pet. To keep them calm, give your furry friend a space that is theirs alone. This can be a kennel, a crate, or preferably a room to themselves. If you have an especially nervous pet or an especially rowdy party, it may be best to isolate them completely. Consider single-day boarding if you think this may be a problem. Claws N Paws offers cats-only boarding at our location in Fountain Valley, California.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, we are dedicated to your cat and/or dog’s specific needs. For more information about our professional grooming and boarding services, stop by today or contact us at 714-962-1005.

Look at the Paws!

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Your puppy’s paws are important to their everyday life, but they can also be quite delicate. Conditions that seem unrelated to the paws can have a significant effect on them. Stay on top of sneaky ailments by monitoring your dog’s paws!

What is Pododermatitis?

Pododermatitis refers to the inflammation of the feet. Usually, pet owners notice the behavioral symptoms of pododermatitis first. Is your dog excessively licking or pulling at their feet? This is a common response to inflammation.

Take a closer look at your puppy’s paws. Are they red and swollen? Are there scabs or blisters? Is there hair loss? These indicate that something may be wrong. Additionally, the paws may also have abscesses and/or lesions, with potential pus leakage.

The Environmental Factor

Your puppy may be reacting to something environmental. These can occur in any setting, particularly on outdoor walks. For example, contact with irritants or excessive walking on concrete or gravel paths can cause inflammation. Sometimes even changes in the weather such as sudden rain or humidity may trigger a reaction. Inflammations based on environmental changes can occur on one or more feet. It can include swelling between their toes, ulcers, abscesses, or pus discharge. Puppies may or may not scratch at an environmental inflammation.

Fleas or ticks can also be considered an environmental factor. These parasites can be encountered in any setting. Luckily, there are many good treatments to avoid the negative impacts of exposure to fleas and ticks. For more information about ticks, see our blog on how to avoid them.

Something More

Pododermatitis may be indicative of something more sinister. One of the most common causes of foot inflammation is an undiagnosed food allergy. For more information, see our blog about diagnosing and treating various food allergies.

Inflammation may also have a fungal cause such as yeast infection or ringworm. Fungal infections are known to be extremely uncomfortable, so these will be supplemented by a lot of scratching. Reactions can also be triggered by autoimmune diseases, namely pemphigus foliaceus (PF) or symmetric lupoid onychitis (SLO). PF is related to the skin, while SLO is directly related to the nails.

Regardless, pododermatitis warrants a vet visit. Your trusted veterinary professional can diagnose pododermatitis with a physical examination. They will help you determine the best route to take when treating it.

Claws N Paws owns and operates a full-service grooming salon in Fountain Valley, California. Stop by today or call us at 714-962-1005 for more information.

Taking Care of a Senior Cat

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Senior cats are delightful members in any family. Their calm disposition and seasoned personality make them particularly good in homes with young children. However, they take some special care. With these tips, you and your senior cat can enjoy the very best quality of life.

Keep A Close Eye

At this time in their life, a senior cat will likely experience some health problems. The good news is that these are often easy to spot. Look for changes in diet, water intake, weight, and behavior. Your cat will act differently due to their age, but drastic changes may be cause for concern. Some pet owners find it helpful to keep a diary of their cat’s behavior or symptoms. If maintained, this can help your vet identify any potential health issues.

Set the Space

Senior cats need special accommodations. Getting around may get harder for an elderly cat, so easy access to food, water, and litterboxes is of the utmost importance. Because your senior cat is probably exercising less on their own, lots of toys can be a great incentive to get active. Finally, cozy spaces (cat beds, blankets, etc.) give your senior cat a gentle place to rest and recharge. Make sure all of these accommodations are close to the floor and out of loud areas of your home.

Regular Stimulation

Even old cats need regular attention and activity. Try experimenting with some new toys. However, make sure that active situations are not particularly stressful. Even just sitting with and petting your cat can stimulate their mental health.

Keep Them Inside

While we recommend that all cats are kept indoors, this is especially important for senior cats. They are oftentimes much slower to react to wild animals or passing cars. Furthermore, they can get lost more easily. It is always best to keep an elderly cat inside the home at all times.

Regular Vet Visits

Stay on top of your senior cat’s health with regular veterinary visits. Many pet owners choose to go biannually, but your vet can help you determine the best routine. Now may be the time to invest in a comfortable carrier; there is no reason for your elderly cat to be stressed out.

At Claws N Paws, we care deeply about your pet’s best interests. We provide professional pet grooming to both dogs and cats at our full-service grooming salon. For more information, contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our location in Fountain Valley, California.

Puppy, It’s Cold Outside!

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As the weather starts to get colder, we tend to spend more time indoors. Unfortunately, this means that your furry friend is probably not getting the exercise they are used to. These tips will help your dog maintain a healthy lifestyle even when the weather is less than ideal.

Make Feeding Time Fun

Eating can be more than a routine task. If your dog seems sedentary, consider purchasing a specialized feeding toys. These toys (which you fill with meals or treats) turn feeding time into an exciting activity. Not only can they make your pup more active, they slow down the feeding process. Many dogs eat quickly which can lead to bloating and gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting or diarrhea. Thus, feeding toys are a great year-round investment!

Get Creative With Your Walks

When it’s too cold outside, you and your dog can exercise within your own home. Put your dog on a leash and walk up and down the stairs. Take them through the garage, the basement, wherever there is space to walk. Active puppies may do this on their own, but allotting separate leash time regulates this activity and maintains a routine. This is especially helpful for elderly or disabled dogs, who may not make the conscious choice to walk themselves around.

Get Outside… If You Can

Still, the best way for your dog to get exercise is to take them outside. There are enjoyable ways to do this despite harsh weather. Always remember to bundle up, and know that your dog may need extra accommodations as well. Just because they have fur does not mean they are immune to cold. Water-resistant jackets and vests as well as booties can keep your pup feeling warm and cozy on their outdoor adventures. Small, elderly, or short-coated dogs will be particularly grateful for warm clothing. Go to an unfamiliar or exciting location to keep your dog excited to walk even in the cold. And remember, sometimes it is simply too cold for an outdoor walk. You want your dog to be healthy, but you do not want them to be miserable.

Claws N Paws cares about your dog or cat’s everyday needs. At our professional grooming salon, our staff provides well-educated and dedicated grooming and bathing services. We also provide boarding services to cats in our cats-only facility. For more information, contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our location in Fountain Valley, California.