Pet Grooming Orange County

Dogs With Noise Phobia

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Dogs are built with a natural response to avoid dangerous situations. In the wild, dangerous situations are often signaled by a loud sound. However, in a domestic life, sounds often do not pose the same threats. When you know the signs of an irrational noise phobia, it is easier to help your dog live more comfortably. 

What is Noise Phobia?

Noise phobia, also known as canine noise aversion, is a form of canine anxiety. It appears as an excessive fear of a sound. Owners with noise phobic dogs have noted that their dogs will do anything to avoid or escape this sound. In many cases, this fear is irrational; many sounds like fireworks and storms do not pose a threat to your furry friend. Their response is misguided and may cause severe, unnecessary stress.

Dogs with noise phobia can develop a fear of any sound, from loud fireworks to the creak of an old door. Because thunderstorms and falling rain are such a common trigger of noise phobia, many owners mistake their dog’s anxiety as a fear of rain or water. Noise phobic behavior includes hiding, chewing, panting, drooling, urination, defecation, shaking, and barking.

At-Home Treatments

There are some ways to alleviate noise phobia at home. Many pet owners cradle or pet their dogs during an anxious episode. While this may be comforting, it can actually exacerbate cases of noise phobia. Instead, start by coaxing your dog into a darker, quiet area of your home. Either leave them alone to calm down or sit silently by them.

Dogs with noise phobia or anxiety sometimes respond well to gently applied pressure. If you have a big dog, try learning gently against them. This only works for some dogs; if your dog grows more anxious, do not continue. If noise phobia is a recurring issue for your dog, invest in a weighted body wrap like the Thundershirt. This is essentially a weighted blanket for dogs and can alleviate their stress.

Medical Treatment

You should consult a veterinarian if you notice a significant change in your dog’s behavior. Dogs with noise phobia or anxiety may become aggressive or continuously anxious. This causes undue stress on your dog and your entire household. Although there is no specific cure for noise phobia, your vet will be able to suggest treatment to alleviate the problem. Common treatments include behavior modification, environmental controls, and medication. Your vet may prescribe anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, or tranquilizers, depending on the specific situation

Claws N Paws Day Spa in Fountain Valley, California provides professional grooming services to both cats and dogs. Upon our recent reopening, Claws N Paws has implemented certain safety precautions to protect both our customers and staff from COVID-19. For more information, read our blog about reopening. To schedule an appointment, call us at 714-962-1005.

Hand Sanitizer and Your Pet

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In the time of COVID-19, we have seen a major increase in hand sanitizer use. Many pet owners have become concerned about the various effects hand sanitizer may have on their pets. With proper sanitation being necessary, it is important to know the truth about hand sanitizer and its ingredients.

Ethylene Glycol Rumors

Recently, there has been a spike in cautionary social media posts about ethanol hand sanitizer. These posts warn pet owners that hand sanitizer contains ethylene glycol, which is used in antifreeze. They call pet owners to ditch their hand sanitizer or avoid petting their animals after using hand sanitizer. However, other sources are calling pet owners to rethink these claims. The chemical ethylene glycol is in fact very poisonous to animals, but it is not actually used in hand sanitizer.

The most common active ingredients in alcohol hand sanitizers are ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol. While alcohol is toxic to dogs and cats, evaporated hand sanitizer on their owners’ hands will not be enough to harm them at all. However, you should always wait for your hand sanitizer to dry before touching an animal.

What About Natural Hand Sanitizers?

Because hand sanitizer is becoming scarce in stores and online, many people are turning to natural alternatives or making their own. These sanitizers use many of the same products as more mainstream options and are therefore very similar. However, many of these alternatives utilize essential oils, many of which are toxic to animals. Avoid spraying or using products with essential oils around your pets, especially cats. If you choose to make them yourself at home, keep all essential oils far from your animals’ reach.

Whatever you use to keep clean, always read the ingredients and keep bottles far from pets and children. Remember that washing your hands with a good soap is always more effective than using hand sanitizer!

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides professional grooming services to both dogs and cats in Fountain Valley, California. We will be reopening for these services on June 2. See our blog about reopening to review our new social distancing measures in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, you can call us at 714-962-1005.

Our Grand Reopening

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After a long wait, Claws N Paws is finally reopening its doors to customers! However, we also recognize that COVID-19 is still a major concern right now. We care deeply about the safety of our customers and employees. To ensure a safe grand reopening, we have implemented new protective measures.

Social Distancing

As part of our reopening, we at Claws N Paws have designated a reception area at the front of the shop. Walls, a door, and a window now separate this reception area from the main shop. Only one client will be allowed in the reception area at a time. This will ensure minimal contact between individuals, in order to maintain social distancing and stop the spread of COVID-19.

Scheduling Appointments

Because we are practicing extreme caution at this time, we are not currently accepting walk-in appointments. Walk-in appointments make social distancing in the reception area much more difficult to manage. All appointments must be scheduled over the phone well in advance. Due to high volumes of clients, we ask that you plan ahead and schedule your appointment about a week in advance.

As a precaution, please do not make an appointment at Claws N Paws if you or anyone in your household has been sick recently. Additionally, make sure to organize your time with respect for our social distancing measures. You must be right on time to drop off and pick up your pet.

Your Pet’s Belongings

Before you walk inside, make sure to remove all items from your pet including collars or clothing. While pets do not typically carry the virus, coronavirus can last on surfaces such as cloth and stainless steel for long periods of time. That being said, we will also be regularly cleaning and sanitizing our equipment.

Claws N Paws Day Spa in Fountain Valley, California will be open for grooming appointments for both cats and dogs on June 2. At Claws N Paws, we care deeply about you and your pets’ health and safety. We are currently working hard to keep your family safe, as well as ours. We appreciate your patience and understanding during these confusing times, and we hope to see you in our reception area soon! For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at 714-962-1005.

Foxtails and Your Dog

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As the weather grows warmer, you and your dog may be enjoying longer walks around the neighborhood. Certain plants are also enjoying the seasonal changes. Unfortunately, with summer comes foxtail plants, which can prove dangerous to your dog. To ensure a safe and enjoyable walk, you should know how to identify foxtails.

What Are Foxtails?

Foxtails grow from the tops of grasses. Therefore they can grow anywhere that grass does, including in open fields, along sidewalks, and even in your own backyard. Foxtails have been spotted in every state west of the Mississippi and are gradually spreading across the entire United States. As the name suggests, they look like fox’s tails; they contain hairy appendages covered in sharp, sticky barbs. These barbs latch onto skin or fur and will eventually migrate inward, towards the internal organs.

How to Spot a Foxtail on Your Dog

Foxtails can burrow anywhere on your dog, but there are a few common places owners have found foxtails. Mainly, foxtails are found near or in openings such as the ears, eyelids, nose, or genitals. Dogs often also pick foxtails up with their feet. Watch to see if any of these areas are irritated. Is your dog pulling at their ears or licking their feet? Are they sneezing or coughing frequently? Watch for any unusual behavior, especially following a walk.

Foxtail wounds may also become infected, regardless of where on your dog they are embedded. Check for sores or visible discomfort. Dogs with an infected wound may also emit an unpleasant odor.

It is best to find foxtails as soon as possible. Always check your dog’s skin and coat all over immediately after every walk. A good way to do this is to give your dog a good brushing. This permeates the thick outer layers and can find anything hidden within your dog’s fur coat.

What to Do If You Find a Foxtail

Try to brush or pick the foxtail out. Foxtails in the coat have not yet embedded themselves in skin and thus have not yet caused a problem. If it will not budge, it may be embedded in the skin. This will require veterinary treatment as soon as possible. Foxtails often require surgery to remove. If they are not removed, it can lead to serious complications or even death.

Sometimes owners do not find the foxtail, but their dogs still require veterinary attention. If your dog has been acting strange or exhibiting symptoms associated with foxtails, call your vet.

Claws N Paws Day Spa owns and operates a full-service grooming salon in Fountain Valley, California. Although Claws N Paws is currently closed to observe social distancing, we are constantly preparing for a grand (and safe) reopening. For more information and regular updates, you can follow our Facebook at Claws N Paws Day Spa or our Instagram @clawsnpawsdayspa_.

Litter Box Training Your Cat

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Cats are known for being clean animals. However, unlike with self-grooming, they are not born knowing how to use a litter box. Luckily, litter box training can be surprisingly easy. Follow these tips for a successful and easy process.

The Best Box

Make sure your cat can get in and out of their box comfortably. Kittens cannot climb into tall boxes, and short boxes may feel cramped for larger kitties. You will need many different litter boxes throughout your cat’s life. Most cats and owners prefer a box with a hood. They provide extra privacy for your cat, and they confine unwanted odors.

Pick a Good Spot for the Box

It is important to put your cat’s litter box in an optimal spot. If they dislike the spot, they will not use the box. Like humans, most cats like privacy for their restroom needs. Pick a place that humans or other animals rarely visit, such as the laundry room or a secluded bathroom. Ensure that your cat has access to their box at all times; you never know when they will need it. If you have more than one cat, strive to have one box for every cat, plus one. It is best for them to have options, especially when starting out.

Litter Box Upkeep

The best cat litter depends on your cat’s specific needs. Clumping litter, though often more expensive than granulated, conceals more odor and is easier to clean. Many cats dislike scented litter, but it can mask what many owners lovingly call the “cat smell.” Oftentimes, choosing a litter is a trial and error process. If your cat is refusing to use their box, you may want to try a new type of litter.

Because cats are so clean, they will not use a dirty box. You should scoop litter boxes once or twice a week, switching out the litter about once a week. Plastic litter boxes do not last forever; once they start to smell (despite regular scooping and cleaning), you should replace them. Your cat (and your nose) will thank you.

Be Patient

While cats are very clean, they are also very stubborn. Don’t get too disheartened if your cat is not using their box. Keep switching their box’s location and litter type as needed. Stressed cats are less likely to use a box. If your cat is consistently pottying outside of their box or their urine/feces looks abnormal, contact your vet.

Claws N Paws owns and operates a full-service professional grooming salon and cats-only boarding facility in Fountain Valley, California. Although we are currently closed to observe social distancing, we are actively updating our social media. For more information and regular updates, follow us on Facebook at Claws N Paws Day Spa or Instagram @clawsnpawsdayspa_.

Exercising With Your Dog at Home

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If you have a dog, you are probably used to exercising outside. However, in the time of COVID-19, that allotted daily walk may not feel like enough. You have probably noticed that, come midday, you and your dog have far more energy than usual. Luckily, there are many ways to observe social distancing and get a great workout for both you and your furry friend.

Using Your Space

Certain features of your house may lend themselves to exercise. For example, stairs can be a great workout! Put your dog on their leash and take them up and down the stairs. This can be an intense workout, so make sure you and your dog are both equipped for the task. Don’t go too fast, and make sure your stairs are not too slippery (carpeted stairs are best).

If you have a backyard, now is the perfect time to use it! You can play the usual games—like fetch, tug of war, etc.—or try something new! Blow some bubbles and watch your dog chase them. Play some loud music and dance around with your pup. Bury treats in the dirt and encourage them to dig (this one can be quite messy, but rewarding). If you have a pool, you and your dog can swim together. This is a great exercise for both of you; just make sure your dog is safe, comfortable, and supervised at all times. Especially small dogs (such as puppies) can even swim in the bathtub.

Thinking Outside the Box

If your home does not have these features, don’t worry! There are still plenty of ways to exercise with your pup. Grab your dog’s favorite toy and play tug of war. Not only does this game take up very little space, it is a great way to have fun and exercise your arms. Many owners also find dog yoga a fun way to exercise and relax. All it takes is doing yoga in the same room as your pup—chances are, they will join in!

There are also ways to spice your daily walk. Instead of strolling, try running or cycling with your dog. Taking a quicker pace will tire your furry friend out, and you will get a great exercise in the meantime! Always make sure your dog is up for the challenge before taking on a more strenuous routine.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, you and your pet’s needs are always our first priority. Our full-service grooming facility and cats-only boarding facility are currently closed due to the COVID-19 lockdown, but we look forward to safe and comfortable reopening. For more information and regular updates, you can follow us on Facebook at Claws N Paws Day Spa or on Instagram @clawsnpawsdayspa_.