Pet Grooming Orange County

New Dog? Schedule Their First Grooming Appointment Today

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New Dog? Schedule Their First Grooming Appointment Today

There are few things as exciting as bringing home a new dog. While you might be tempted to allow them to join in with all your normal activities, it’s important that you give them ample time to adjust to their new surroundings.

Consider blocking off a small area while your new friend adjusts to the sights, smells, and sounds of your home. This will make potty training easier as well.

Provide your new pet with high quality food and plenty of fresh water. Give them a special space where they can retreat if needed. A crate works well for this purpose. The crate you choose should be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around. Your dog will likely use this space when it feels overwhelmed.

Socializing Your New Pet

It’s important to socialize your new pet. Take them on walks and watch how they interact with other pets and people. Make sure that you watch them carefully and keep them leashed. Keep in mind that it’s your responsibility to ensure that your dog does not bite other people or pets. Dog bites can cost a lot of money and cause your dog to be placed on quarantine at the shelter.

It’s also important to get your pet used to being groomed. Set-up a grooming appointment as soon as your pet receives their shots. During their first appointment, your groomer will bathe your pet, trim its nails, and clean its ears. This appointment helps get your pet used to the grooming process.

Your new pet will likely be nervous about being groomed. This is totally normal and should be expected. It’s important for you to have a positive attitude when dropping off your pet. If you are nervous, your pet will be as well.

Orange County Pet Grooming

You can get your dog used to the grooming process by touching the nails and ears and brushing them at home. If your pet has long hair, use a comb to remove any tangles. However, don’t attempt to remove any mats as this can cause discomfort and harm to your pet.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers dog and cat grooming in Orange County, California. We are excited to meet you and your new pet! Please call 714-962-1005 to schedule a grooming appointment.

 

Dealing With A Dog That Bites

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Dealing With A Dog That Bites

Dogs bite for a number of reasons. Puppies may bite when teething or playing. It’s up to us to teach them what’s acceptable and what is not. Sometimes, dogs develop aggressive tendencies towards people or other pets. This is extremely common. It’s estimated that around 60-70% of pet dogs will growl or bark at strangers or animals they don’t know.

Most dogs will not act aggressively towards their own family members. Dogs that bite the people or animals they live with are much harder to deal with than those that act aggressively only in certain situations.

When Your Dog Bites Their Vet or Groomer

It’s not uncommon for dogs to bite out of fear and when in pain. This frequently occurs at vet offices and grooming salons. New pet owners are often very surprised to learn that their sweet, gently dog has bitten their vet, vet tech, or groomer. While this type of behavior is common, it should not be ignored. Changing vets or grooming salons will not solve the problem.

It’s crucial that you let your vet or groomer know in advance if your dog has ever bitten their caretakers. This allows them to take the necessary precautions to protect both themself and your dog.

Grooming A Dog That Bites

As one of Orange County’s premier grooming salons, we see a lot of dogs every day. Many of these dogs are fearful or become stressed out when being groomed. When armed with the right information, we can help these dogs overcome their fear and many even end up enjoying the grooming process. However, if you do not let us know that your dog might bite, we will not know to take things slow as your dog adjusts to being groomed.

Typically, a dog will bite during specific procedures such as nail trims or brushing. With proper notice, we can usually avoid being bitten. Our groomers take extra time and care when handling dogs that bite. They move slowly and give plenty of positive reinforcement for good behavior. It’s important to note that because of the extra time and effort involved, dogs that bite do cost extra to groom.

You can get your dog used to being groomed at home between professional grooming appointments. Touch their feet, nails, and ears regularly. Over time, your dog should become accustomed to being groomed.

Sometimes, dogs are too aggressive to be handled. Grooming these dogs is risky for both the groomer and the dog. These dogs must be groomed by their veterinarian. This is usually done under sedation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are Natural Flea Treatments Safe or Effective?

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Are Natural Flea Treatments Safe or Effective?

Fleas are tiny insects that live on the fur and skin of animals. Fleas feed off blood and their bites can cause intense itching and discomfort. Over time, animals can develop an allergic reaction to fleas. At the very least, fleas are a nuisance and can be extremely difficult to get rid of.

Treatment involves treating the pet as well as their environment. Fleas can hide in grass, carpeting, bedding, furniture, and other areas. These pests lie dormant, waiting for a host where they can feed and lay their eggs.

The Problem With Fleas

Fleas can feed off any animal, even humans. Their bites can cause itchy bumps on the skin, typically in runs as they hop, bite, hop, bite, etc. Affected pets may lick or scratch incessantly, causing fur loss, sores, and even infections to develop.

When your pet has fleas, you’ll likely do whatever it takes to ease their discomfort. There are several flea products available for this purpose. It’s important to note, that not all flea treatments are created equal.

Over time, fleas can become resistant to certain chemicals, making them ineffective. Products such as Advantage and Frontline are no longer able to effectively eliminate or prevent fleas.

Popular Flea Treatments

Over the counter treatments such as flea collars, spot treatments, flea dips, and shampoos have been known to cause serious, life-threatening reactions in pets. These products should never be used.

Newer treatment options available through your vet have been proven to be both safe and effective for moderate to severe flea infestations. Comfortis is one such treatment. These chewable tablets are given monthly and begin working immediately to kill fleas and prevent re-infestation.

Natural Flea Treatments

More and more people today are turning towards more natural options for themselves and their pets. A quick Internet search will provide you with several “natural” flea treatments. It’s extremely important to keep in mind that natural does not necessarily mean safe. Several natural remedies are toxic for pets and can cause serious reactions. Always check with your veterinarian before applying anything to your pet’s skin or fur.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a safe, effective option for mild to moderate flea infestations. This powder can be applied to carpets, floors, bedding, furniture, and pets. Although DE is non-toxic, it can cause irritation to the respiratory tract.

If you are considering trying this method, it’s crucial that you use only pet-safe Diatomaceous Earth. Do not ever use “pool grade”.

Essential Oils

Many natural treatments involve the use of essential oils. These oils can be toxic and should never be used around pets, especially cats.

Claws N Paws Day Spa recommends the use of Comfortis. We also offer Seresto collars, another safe and effective treatment for fleas. Please check with your veterinarian for additional advice.

 

 

Canned Food VS Dry food – What’s Better for Your Cat?

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Canned Food VS Dry food – What’s Better for Your Cat?

Walk into any pet store and you’ll likely see a large selection of cat food to choose from. Everything from canned to dry and even vegetarian and powdered options exist. With so many choices, choosing the right diet for your cat can seem like a daunting task.

While most people automatically choose the brands they recognize or the cheapest option, it’s crucial that you put some thought and research into this decision. After all, the food you choose can have a major impact on your cat’s health, well-being, and behavior. A well-planned diet can extend your cat’s lifespan and help them avoid several painful, costly, and life-threatening diseases.

Canned Food VS Dry Food

Many nutrition-savvy veterinarians and internists now recommend cat parents feed canned food instead of dry. This is due to the fact that the water content in dry kibble is far too low. Dry food is also high in carbohydrates and loaded with plant-based protein as opposed to animal-based. This is not ideal, as cats are strictly carnivores.

Dry food is heavily processed, which reduces the amount and quality of nutrients in the food. Dry food is often stored on the shelf for long periods of time. This encourages the growth of bacteria and other harmful substances. In fact, dry food frequently contains bacteria, fungal mycotoxins as well as mites and cockroaches.

Increasing Water Consumption

Water is extremely important to a cat’s health. Consuming large amounts of water reduces the chance of kidney and bladder disease. Cats consuming dry food take in approximately half the amount of water as cats fed a canned food diet.

Canned food contains around 78% water while dry food contains only 5 to 10% water. A cat’s natural diet contains approximately 70-75% water. This makes canned food the closest match to a cat’s natural diet.

Orange County Pet Grooming

Claws N Paws Day Spa cares about the health a safety of your cat. If you are concerned about your cat’s nutrition, it’s important to do your own research and speak to a qualified veterinarian.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers cat grooming in Orange County, California. Please call 714-962-1005 to set-up a grooming appointment.

Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

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Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Hip dysplasia is extremely common, affecting mostly large breeds of dogs. When a dog has hip dysplasia, the ball and socket of the hip are malformed. This creates a joint that rubs and grinds as apposed to sliding smoothly.

Causes of Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Signs of the disease can be seen in pets as young as four months old. Hip dysplasia that occurs later in life is typically due to osteoarthritis, a form of joint inflammation.

Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia

Dogs with hip dysplasia often experience decreased activity, difficulty rising, an obvious reluctance to run, jump or climb, limpness of the hind limbs which is typically worse after exercise, pain in the hip joints, and loss of muscle mass in the thighs. Dogs that are suffering from hip dysplasia might sway or bunny-hop.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Only a qualified veterinarian can diagnose hip dysplasia. A physical exam, blood test, and x-rays are generally necessary. It’s important to provide your veterinarian with a detailed history of your dog’s condition including the date that symptoms began and whether injury occurred prior to their onset.

Treatment is generally outpatient unless surgery is required. Weight control is extremely important. Any excess weight can put additional pressure on your pet’s joints. Your veterinarian might prescribe a special diet, as well as anti-inflammatory and pain medications.

Hip dysplasia can be extremely painful. It’s crucial that you do all that you can to reduce your dog’s discomfort.

Grooming Dogs With Hip Dysplasia

Grooming can be difficult for pets with hip dysplasia. Moving in and out of a raised tub and on and off a grooming table might be more than these pets can handle.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, we understand the unique needs of dogs with hip dysplasia. We have low tubs and are able to bathe and groom dogs on the floor if we feel it is best for their comfort and safety.

Our professional groomers truly care about your pet. If you are concerned about having your pet groomed because of their hip dysplasia or other needs, please stop by our Orange County grooming shop to see how we can help.

Please call 714-962-1005 to set up a grooming appointment.

 

 

 

Fun Places to Visit With Your Dog This Spring

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Fun Places to Visit With Your Dog This Spring

Spring is officially here in Southern California. This means warmer weather and longer days. It also means spending more time outdoors with your dog. Be sure to check out the following dog-friendly spots this spring:

Dog Beach

In case you weren’t already aware, dog beach is located in Huntington Beach. This beach allows you to enjoy the surf with your pet. Your dog is sure to enjoy digging in the sand and playing in the water. Although dogs are allowed at dog beach, it’s still a good idea to bring a leash. Not every dog that visits is used to being around other dogs. It’s also important to remember to clean up after your pet.

Mile Square Park

Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley features lots of trails to explore. You and your dog are sure to enjoy seeing turtles, geese, ducks, and other dogs. There’s plenty of room to throw Frisbees and play catch. This is a large park with lots to do. Take a picnic lunch and make a day out of it.

Park Bench Café

The Park Bench Café is located in Huntington Central Park. This dog-friendly café offers plenty of treats for you and your furry friend.

Fashion Island

If you’re in the mood for some shopping, make sure you bring your dog to Fashion Island in Newport Beach. This dog-friendly mall features a number of shops to explore. Most of the shops allow you to bring your dog in on a leash, and a few even have doggie mascots of their own.

Costa Mesa Bark Park

The Costa Mesa Bark Park offers dogs plenty of room to run, play, and meet other dogs. This provides the perfect opportunity to let your dog roam free while you meet other like-minded pet parents in the area.

After exploring Orange County with your dog, make sure that you stop by Claws N Paws Day Spa for a bath. We can help rid your pet of that pesky sand from dog beach or dirt buildup from playing at the park. Please call 714-962-1005 to schedule a grooming appointment.