Pet Grooming Orange County

Does My Dog Have a Food Allergy?

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We all want to give our dogs the best possible food. However, this can be tricky if your dog has an undiagnosed food allergy. It is important to know the symptoms of a food allergy so that you and your vet can begin to determine the problem ingredients.

Symptoms

A dog with allergies will most likely experience skin problems. Irritation from food allergies is extremely painful and may develop into hives. It is most common near the ears, paws, stomach, and tail.  Monitor your dog for excessive scratching, licking, or pulling at these locations or others. Fleas can also cause skin irritation, so make sure to check your itchy dog’s skin and fur for any insects or flea dirt.

A dog with dietary restrictions may also experience gastrointestinal problems such as chronic gas, vomiting, and diarrhea. These can indicate either a food allergy or intolerance. An allergy affects multiple organs and may have a variety of symptoms. Meanwhile, an intolerance is usually limited to gastrointestinal complications.

Some dogs may have an anaphylactic reaction to certain foods. This is a much more serious type of allergy that requires immediate veterinary care. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing, shock, drooling, and difficulty controlling urine or bowel movements.

Causes of Allergic Reactions

Many dog owners may be puzzled by their furry friend’s sudden allergic reaction. Even dogs that have been eating the same food for some time may develop an allergy to one of the ingredients. This is because canine food allergies require a period of exposure to arise. A dog might not experience adverse symptoms immediately after trying a new food, but they can certainly develop with time.

The most common allergens for dogs are chicken, beef, and dairy. Less common allergens include wheat, corn, barley, oats, or rice.

The Elimination Diet

Veterinary trials for food allergies such as the skin and fur tests are infamously unreliable. Many pet owners are instead turning to the elimination diet. This diet begins with a one to three month period in which your dog only eats a simple-ingredient food that they have never tried before. After this, you would quickly switch back to the old food. If symptoms return, your dog likely has a food allergy! Ingredients are then introduced into the new diet in order to pinpoint what exact ingredient is causing an allergic reaction.

One major concern with the elimination diet is that simple-ingredient dog foods may lack the proper nutritional content that dogs need to survive. Talk to your vet about the elimination diet before attempting it at home.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, we offer professional grooming services to both dogs and cats. Book your appointment today by calling us at 714-962-1005 or visiting our location in sunny Fountain Valley, California.

Pet Grooming for the Fall

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As the days grow shorter and colder, we know that we have begun our transition into fall. Our pets are also noticing this change. These grooming tips will help them stay happy and healthy this autumn.

Don’t Neglect Your Routine

It is natural for your pet’s hair to grow longer during colder seasons. However, this does not mean that you should stop grooming them altogether. Keeping a regular routine ensures that natural hair growth can occur in the healthiest way possible.

Brushing

Most cats and dogs shed their fur twice a year: once in the spring to remove their heavy winter coat and once in the fall to remove their lighter summer coat. Regular brushing is especially important during these time periods. It can remove loose guard hairs and dead undercoat. Rather than finding it in piles on your carpet and furniture, you can control where your pet’s shedded fur goes. Brushing can also help combat mats, remove dead skin, and distribute natural oils across the skin.

Regular Baths

Autumn means that new environmental irritants are floating around. Even a short walk can introduce your dog to dirt, pollen, mold spores, and more. Regular baths are important to remove any potentially harmful particles. A “regular bath” means something different to every dog. Talk to your groomer about your dog’s specific needs.

Many cat owners wonder whether they should bathe their feline companions. Cats are notoriously clean animals, and a bath may seem like unnecessary stress. However, some cats need baths more than others. Elderly or disabled cats may not be able to clean themselves properly. Outdoor cats or those who go on walks are more likely to be exposed to fleas, ticks, pollens, and other environmental irritants. If your cat looks or feels dirty, consider making an appointment at your local groomer. Professionals are trained to give your cat a fast, stress-free bath.

Keep Winter in Mind

Your pet’s coat should remain at a reasonable length at all times. A longer coat increases the chance for matting, and the worst time to shave these mats is when the weather is at its coldest. This is particularly true for Shih Tzus and other silky-haired dogs, whose fur must be trimmed frequently.

You can find professional grooming services at Claws N Paws Day Spa. Our groomers are armed with the experience and knowledge to help your specific dog or cat this autumn. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 714-962-1005. You can also visit our location in Fountain Valley, California.

What to Do If Your Dog Is a Picky Eater

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We tend to think of dogs as robust animals that are always looking forward to their next meal. However, this is not always the case. Some dogs are or may become picky eaters, leading to complications for their human companions. There are a few ways to ensure that your fussy eater gets the nutrition they need.

Limit Table Scraps and Treats

Most dogs love when humans give them food outside of mealtimes. Unfortunately, these extra snacks can lead to unhealthy eating habits. Dogs that know they will receive more exciting food will often avoid their meals. Ultimately, this leads to a diet lacking the proper nutrients that dogs need. Occasional treats are okay, but make sure to research before giving your dog table scraps. Oftentimes human food is toxic to dogs and can lead to major health problems on top of undesirable eating habits.

Practice Routine

Dogs benefit from eating at the same time every day. Without a consistent schedule, they may eat excessively on some days and very little on others. Try to figure out a routine that works for both you and your dog. To ensure that your dog understands the boundaries of mealtime, remove their food dish thirty minutes after filling it regardless of whether or not they have eaten. A healthy dog will learn to eat all of their food within that time frame.

Reevaluate Your Food Choice

Some dog foods are better than others. If your dog is refusing to eat something, it may be a sign that the food is making them feel sick. Research dog foods before purchasing.

If you decide to switch your dog’s food, understand that a sudden transition may lead to further problems. Mix some of the old dry food into the new to create a more gradual transition. If you are switching from a wet food to a dry food, try wetting the dry food with a little bit of warm water.

Relieve External Stress

Your dog may not be eating their food due to external stresses. These may include general feelings of discontent such as loneliness or boredom, or there could be a specific source of stress such as relocation or a loud environment. Assess and reduce external stress to create a more comfortable environment for your dog’s regular functioning.

Schedule a Vet Visit

Picky eating may be accompanied by fatigue, weight loss, vomiting, or diarrhea. It may be symptomatic of a more serious condition that requires treatment. If your dog is acting out of the ordinary and their picky eating cannot be helped, schedule a visit to your trusted veterinary professional.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers professional grooming services to your beloved furry friends. Contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our location in Fountain Valley, California for more information.

Why You Should Never Declaw Your Cat

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In July 2019, New York became the first state to ban feline declawing. Throughout the United States, one question emerged: what is so bad about declawing a cat? The procedure may appear like a manicure, but there is a reason why many veterinarians deem declawing inhumane.

Why Do People Declaw?

Scratching is a habit that many cats develop at some point in their lives. They may scratch up furniture or even their human companions, leading to frustrations at home. Some cat owners may see declawing as a quick and easy solution to an expensive problem. However, many are unaware of exactly how invasive and painful the process actually is.

The Declawing Process and Its Effects

Declawing does more than simply remove the claws. Part of a cat’s bone must be amputated in order to ensure that the external nail will not grow back. Cutting off this section is the equivalent of amputating a human finger at the first knuckle. This can cause chronic pain that continues far past the initial surgery.

Additionally, a declawed cat’s paw does not touch the ground at the same angle as a free-clawed cat’s. The cat will have to relearn how to walk, and they will never be able to quite match the comfort and grace they once enjoyed.

Cats that have been declawed are also known to exhibit changed behavior. Instead of scratching, they may choose to bite. Biting is oftentimes more dangerous as bacteria in the mouth can lead to infected bite wounds. Additionally, declawed cats are known to become more antisocial or anxious.

Alternatives to Declawing

Although declawing is still legal in 49 states, it should be avoided at all costs. There are several humane alternatives that will still limit scratching damages. Your best alternative solution depends on the reason why your cat has taken up scratching.

Untrimmed nails. Cats with untrimmed nails may try to remove the dead outer layer by scratching at furniture or other textured surfaces. To avoid this, nails should be kept short. They can be trimmed either at home or at a professional grooming salon.

Boredom. Some cats scratch at humans or objects because they lack stimulation. Invest in a scratching post, or lay out some toys that your cat will enjoy.

Feeling threatened. A cat that feels unsafe in any way may resort to scratching their human companions. Analyze points of stress in your cat’s life. If there are children in the home, speak to them about proper handling and your cat’s specific boundaries.

Regardless of the reason, your cat will benefit from having a scratching post. It provides a way for them to keep their nails clean and bodies exercised. If the problem persists, consider nail caps. These allow the cat to scratch but limit any resulting damage.

Claws N Paws Day Spa in Fountain Valley, California provides professional grooming services with your pet’s best interest in mind. Visit our location or contact us at 714-962-1005 for any inquiries.

Toxic Algae and Its Threat to Dogs

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Many dogs enjoy swimming as a way to exercise and cool off. However, recent news about toxic algae has left dog owners across the United States concerned. When the weather is hot, it is extremely important for all dog owners to understand the dangers of swimming in unfiltered water.

Wilmington, North Carolina

Two dog parents in North Carolina took their three furry friends to the lake for a playdate. However, after just fifteen minutes of leaving the lake, one dog began to experience seizures. All three of the dogs passed away that night. Vets attributed these deaths to blue-green algae poisoning.

The Culprit

Algae is common and natural in water, but some blooms are much more harmful than others. Also called cyanobacteria, blue-green algae can be extremely difficult or even impossible to spot. Look out for water that is blue-green or even light green in coloration. These colors may appear as though painted onto the surface of the water. Algal blooms may also pile up on the side of the water, making them easily accessible to animals drinking from a body of water. The affected water often has a bad odor.

Blue-green algae has appeared in all 50 of the United States of America. It can be found in lakes, rivers, reservoirs, estuaries, and other fresh and marine water environments. Even a home swimming pool left unsanitized can foster harmful algal blooms. Blue-green algae poisoning is most commonly reported in the mid- to late-summer months. This is because the water is warm, stagnant, and rich with nutrients such as phosphorus.

Blue-Green Algae Poisoning

Dogs can become poisoned from ingesting cyanobacteria. They may drink it directly from a body of water or lick it off of their own fur or paws following a swim. Symptoms vary widely, including seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, blue discoloration of the skin, and shock. There is no cure, and most dogs that ingest blue-green algae die anywhere from minutes to days after exposure. Keep in mind that this ailment is not limited to dogs; it can occur in humans and other animals as well.

How to Avoid

Although there are some signs that cyanobacteria may have infiltrated a body of water, it is best to avoid taking your dog swimming in lakes or rivers. Always keep your dog on a leash to avoid them drinking from unknown water sources. Keep home swimming pools properly sanitized.

It is also important not to panic. Though it is a serious threat, blue-green algae is fairly rare.

What to Do in the Case of Exposure

If you think your dog has been exposed to blue-green algae, immediate veterinary care may be necessary. Contact the 24-hour Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 for further information.

Claws N Paws Day Spa in Orange County, California offers professional grooming services to dogs and cats. Visit our location in Fountain Valley or contact us at 714-962-1005 for more information about our various services.

Safe and Gentle Ear Care for Cats

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Cats’ ears may not look like much, but they are immensely important to the animal’s wellbeing and survival. They are also extremely fragile. Many cats suffer from irreversible damage due to over-the-counter ear cleaning products and uneducated practice. Therefore, professional ear cleaning is a must for every cat.

An Important and Complicated Ear

Feline ears are extremely complex and serve a variety of advanced functions. They can hear sounds nearly two octaves higher than humans, with a much wider range of detection. Have you ever noticed your cat’s ears rotating? They do so in order to decipher the exact location of a sound. Furthermore, the feline ear grants cats the grace and balance that we have always associated with cats. This is due to fluid-filled canals in the inner ear that create an equilibrium. A cat with functional ears should always land on their feet.

Conditions That Require a Vet Visit

Cats may develop more clinical ear conditions. Infections are fairly uncommon, but they still occur. They are more prevalent in breeds such as Persians and Himalayans where the ears, nose, and throat are in very close proximity. Your vet can provide a diagnosis and recommend medication for ear infections.

Cats may also develop ear mites, which are parasites that live inside an animal’s ear and feed on tissue. Their waste appears as a scattering of small dark spots inside the ear. Waste may be cleaned safely and gently, but a vet visit is necessary to get rid of living mites.

Cleaning and Sensitivity

Cats do have a self-cleaning mechanism, but wax and debris will continue to build up over time. Occasional ear cleanings are necessary, but they must be done in a safe and gentle manner. Preferably, this would be done by a professional groomer.

Because cats’ ears are so complex, they are susceptible to damage during cleaning. You can flush out a dog’s ear, but “flushing out” a cat’s ear with water can lead to irreversible harm. It may drain out some of the cat’s beneficial fluids. Ultimately, this can lead to worsened balance and/or permanent head tilt.

Many ear cleaning products on the market do not take feline sensitivity into account. They may contain ingredients such as tea tree oil, alcohol, benzoyl peroxide, or essential oils. All of these ingredients are extremely toxic to cats.

Zymox Ear Solution

Zymox provides non-toxic and non-invasive ear cleaning products for both cats and dogs. Its natural ingredients provide both maintenance and protection of clean and healthy ears. Zymox products do not contain harsh chemicals, leaving your furry friend’s delicate ears looking and smelling fresh. Claws N Paws Day Spa proudly uses Zymox Ear Solution to clean both cats’ and dogs’ ears.

Claws N Paws Day Spa owns and operates a full-service grooming salon in Fountain Valley, California. For more information about these services, including safe and gentle ear cleanings, visit out location or contact us at 714-962-1005.