Pet Grooming Orange County

Spring Cleaning – Why It’s Important to Remember Your Pet

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Spring Cleaning – Why It’s Important to Remember Your Pet

It’s that time of year again. Spring brings with it flowers, warmer days, and baseball season. This is the time when many of us will be organizing and cleaning every square inch of our homes. It’s important not to forget to get your pet groomed this spring as well.

Reduce Shedding

As spring gets warmer you’ll probably notice your pet is shedding more than usual. This is normal as we transition from winter to summer. Some pets shed more than others but you’ll likely spend the next few months cleaning up fur. This can be frustrating when you’re trying to clean your home.

Regular grooming can help reduce the amount of hair that ends up on your floors, furniture, and your clothes. A professional groomer uses special tools including heavy-duty dryers and brushes to remove dead hair and encourage natural oils to moisturize the skin.

Improve Your Pet’s Health and Well-Being

A professional grooming can help make your pet feel like a million bucks. When you bring your pet to the groomer, they get pampered from head to toe. Grooming service typically includes a bath, blow-dry, brushing, ear cleaning, and nail trim. Not only does this help your pet look and feel their best, it also helps keep them healthy. Your groomer will be able to spot any issues that should be addressed.

Choosing a Groomer

You have many choices when it comes to choosing a groomer for your pet. It’s important to choose a groomer that has ample experience and a reputation for providing quality care.

It can be scary to leave your pet for the very first time. The groomer you choose should take the time necessary to properly care for your pet and address any questions or concerns you might have.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers quality dog and cat grooming to pets living in and around Orange County. We have been in business for over fifteen years and have become a trusted groomer in our community. Please call 714-962-1005 to set up a spring grooming appointment for your pet.

 

 

 

 

Household Dangers to Cats You Might Have Not Considered

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Household Dangers to Cats You Might Have Not Considered

We all know about the obvious hazards such as rat poison and electrical cords. However, there are many other things that pose a risk to our felines. Many of these things you probably didn’t even realize could cause a problem. Let’s take a look at the top six household dangers for cats.

Human Medications

Every year, the ASPCA manages around 40,000 calls from people whose cats have ingested or come in contact with over the counter and prescription medications. These drugs are listed as the number one hazard for pets. It is crucial that all medications are kept out of reach of cats at all times.

Veterinary Medications

Although these medications are prescribed for the treatment of pets, it’s not uncommon for medications to be improperly applied or dispensed. It’s important to make sure that you understand your veterinarian’s recommendations before giving your pet any type of medication.

Household Cleaners

Many people know that household cleaners can be toxic to people, especially children. However, there are several cleaners that can be dangerous to cats as well. Cats that lick their paws after walking on recently cleaned surfaces can suffer from poisoning. Certain products can cause respiratory problems and gastrointestinal distress if inhaled. Care should be taken when using household cleaners around your pet.

Mini Blinds

Cats can easily become tangled in mini blind cords. These cords can be extremely tempting to play with, especially for kittens. Use a squirt gun or pennies in a can to discourage climbing on blinds or playing with cords.

Plants

Several plants are toxic to pets. If ingested, these plants can lead to life-threatening kidney failure. Your veterinarian can provide you with a list of pet safe plants for your home.

Plastic Bags

Plastic grocery bags can seem like a fun toy for cats. They love to roll on them and listen to the crinkling sounds they make. However, allowing your cat to play with these bags can lead to suffocation and choking. Always keep them out of reach of pets.

There are several things that can cause harm to your cat. It’s a good idea to evaluate your home for dangers if you wish to avoid problems in the future.

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

Recognizing and Treating Ear Infections in Dogs

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Recognizing and Treating Ear Infections in Dogs

Regular ear care is extremely important for dogs of all ages. Cleaning your dog’s ears helps keep them free from debris and helps you spot ear infections sooner. Regular cleaning also helps prevent infections from happening in the first place.

Causes of Ear Infection

Ear infections are common. They are caused by buildup of yeast and bacteria in the ear canal. They can also be caused from water trapped in the ears. This is why regular cleaning, especially after swimming and bathing, is important. Cleaning the ears helps remove wax buildup, yeast, dirt and bacteria from the ears. It also helps dry any water that is left after swimming.

Ear Infection Symptoms

Spotting an ear infection can be tricky. Dogs cannot tell us when their ears are bothering them. It’s important to look for any changes in behavior. Excessive head shaking or ear scratching are possible signs of a problem. Foul smelling ears typically indicate an infection. Your dog’s ears might also become red, swollen and sensitive to the touch.

If your dog exhibits any or all of these symptoms, it’s crucial that you contact your vet. Ear infections are painful and can become worse over time.

Treating Ear Infections

A quick trip to the vet can help you determine whether or not your dog is suffering from an ear infection. Veterinarians often use a swab to test to determine the exact cause of the infection. This is a quick and easy procedure.

Depending on the severity and cause of the infection, you might be given eardrops, oral antibiotics or medicated ear wash. Sometimes, all of these treatments are prescribed at the same time. It’s crucial that you follow your veterinarian’s recommendations and use all of the medication prescribed for your pet. Stopping a medication too early can cause the infection to come back.

Preventing Ear Infections

Although some dogs are more prone to ear infections than others, regular ear cleaning can help prevent infections from returning. This also helps you spot the signs of an ear infection early, when they are easier to treat.

Claws N Paws Day Spa can help keep your dogs ears clean. Ear cleaning is included in our basic groom and bath service. Please call 714-962-1005 to set up a grooming appointment for your dog.

 

 

Creating a Pet Trust

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Creating a Pet Trust

Our pets bring us so much joy. They provide us with unconditional love and are always there to cheer us up. Most people would do everything in their power to keep their pet safe. However, many pet owners never consider what would happen to their pet if they were no longer able to care for them.

No matter how well behaved and trained your pet is, it will never be able to care for itself. In the event of your death, someone will need to keep your pet safe.

Protect Your Pet With a Pet Trust

Unfortunately, the pets of deceased owners are often sent to the shelter, or worse. It’s crucial that you take the necessary steps to ensure your pet avoids this fate. A Pet Trust allows you to leave money for your pet and assign a guardian to care for them.

When setting up a Pet Trust, you’ll need to designate a trustee. This is the individual who will be in charge of the finances you leave for your pet. You will also need to assign a beneficiary. This is the person who will be responsible for the day-to-day care of your pet.

Your selected guardians will be responsible for both your pet and the money you leave for them. You need to be extremely careful when choosing these individuals. Always ask their permission before naming any guardians in your trust. It’s a good idea to have alternatives in place just in case your first choice in unavailable.

It’s common to choose guardians that are close to you and your pet. If you have several pets, you might want to assign different guardians for different pets.

Leaving Money for Your Pet

When determining how much money to leave for your pet, you’ll need to consider how much money it will cost to care for your pet until the end of its life. This figure should include medical care and other expenses. It’s a good idea to include stipends for both the guardian and the trustee.

Always include specific details about your pet on your Pet Trust. Include your pet’s name, breed and identifying marks. Your pet’s microchip number should also be included if applicable. This helps prevent fraud and protect your pet.

For more information about Pet Trusts, please call 714-962-1005.

Apple Cider Vinegar – For Your Dog

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Apple Cider Vinegar – For Your Dog

When your dog is uncomfortable, you’ll likely do anything you can to make them feel better. While it’s always a good idea to visit your vet if you are concerned about a symptom your dog is experiencing, there are a few things you can do at home to ease their discomfort.

Apple cider vinegar is an effective solution for a variety of problems. Apple cider vinegar is cost-effective, easy to obtain and probably already in your home. Apple cider vinegar has been used to treat a number of problems in both pets and people. For use on pets, you’ll want to only use organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar.

Itchy Skin

Apple cider vinegar can be used to relieve itchy skin caused by poison ivy and yeast. Add equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water to a spray bottle. Spray the affected area liberally. Be very careful not to spray this solution on open sores, as the vinegar will cause discomfort.

Keep in mind that a trip to the vet is a good idea if dry skin is excessive or your dog has sores or missing fur.

Ear Cleaner

Dogs that are prone to ear infections often have itchy ears. Apple cider vinegar helps clean the ears, reduce irritation and prevent recurrent ear infections. Combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and distilled water. Clean the ears with cotton balls soaked in this solution. For the best results, repeat this process daily.

Fleas and Ticks

The acidity in apple cider vinegar naturally repels fleas and ticks. During flea and tick season, spray your dog with a 50/50 solution of apple cider vinegar and water. For additional protection, add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to your dog’s food or water.

Tear Stains

Tear stains are unsightly and often smell unpleasant. Treat and prevent tear stains by adding 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to your dog’s water daily. This works by increasing the acidity of your dog’s body pH.

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

 

 

 

Essential Oils and Pets

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Essential Oils and Pets

Many people turn to natural options when caring for their homes and families. These options can provide an effective alternative to harsh chemicals and synthetic products. However, natural solutions might not be the safest option. In fact, many are extremely dangerous to pets. One example is essential oils.

Dangers of Essential Oils

Because essential oils come from natural sources, many people believe that they are safe. This simply is not true. Essential oils can be toxic and even deadly to pets.

These oils are highly concentrated. While the plants they are made from are often safe for pets, the large doses found in essential oils can cause serious problems. This is true for children as well. You might not realize that peppermint essential oil can slow a child’s heart rate to dangerous levels.

Since essential oils are not considered medicine, they are not required to list side effects and warnings on the bottle. It is up to the consumer to do their research to determine the risks of using these products.

Essential oils can cause harm when ingested, applied topically or inhaled. Using essential oils in the home for aromatherapy or other uses can harm your pets over time. Cats are particularly vulnerable.

Dangers of Diffusing Essential Oils

Diffusing essential oils is the most common cause of problems. Candles do not pose the same risk, as their temperature does cause the oils to reach a volatile state. Cats are not able to metabolize essential oils due to the lack of an enzyme known as glucuronyl transferase.

The effects of diffusing essential oils can occur slowly, over time. Cats can go several years without showing signs of a problem then suddenly become extremely ill without warning. Affected cats often die.

Essential Oils to Avoid

The following essential oils should never be diffused around cats:

  • Bergamot
  • Camphor
  • Clementine
  • Clove
  • Eucalyptus
  • Frankincense
  • Grapefruit
  • Juniper
  • Lavender
  • Lavendin
  • Lemon
  • Lime
  • Orange
  • Peppermint
  • Mandarin
  • Pine
  • Rosemary
  • Sage
  • Spearmint
  • Tangerine
  • Tea Tree
  • Thyme
  • Yarrow

This should not be considered a complete list as other oils can cause problems as well.

We understand how tempting it can be to turn to natural remedies and alternatives. However, it’s extremely important that you fully research the possible effects of all substances before using them around your pets.