Pet Grooming Orange County

Why Adopt a Black or Black and White Cat

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Why Adopt a Black or Black and White CatLovie2

Sadly, black cats and black and white cats are typically the last to find homes. Through absolutely no fault of their own, these cats are simply overlooked time and time again as most people tend to choose “prettier” colored cats. Even black kittens are left to watch as their more colorful siblings are chosen before them. Unfortunately, the outlook for black and black and white cats is bleak. They often spend months if not years in rescue facilities, anxiously awaiting someone that will look past their color.

Some people believe that black cats are not adopted because of superstitions. Different cultures have different beliefs as to whether black cats are considered good luck or bad. While the old thinking that black cats are “witches cats” might influence some people, many cultures believe that a black cat crossing your path or seen in your dreams will bring you incredibly good luck. In Scotland, finding a black kitten sitting on your porch is believed to bring riches and happiness.

Another reason that black cats are often overlooked is simply because of their color. Many people feel that it is difficult to connect with a black cat in a rescue facility because they blend in with the shadows. In addition, black cats don’t tend to photograph well, making them easy to overlook on web pages. Today, most rescue facilities are full of cats looking for homes. Potential adopters are typically drawn to the more colorful cats, while the black cats seem to fade into the background.

The fact is that black and black and white cats have the exact same charm and charisma of their more colorful friends. Black cats are stunning, regal looking animals, each with their own unique personality. Their sleek and glossy dark coat compliments their bright shining eyes. Black cats are just as wonderful as any other cat and they have the same basic needs; love, care and home of their own. If you are looking for a new feline companion, please consider adopting a black or black and white cat.

The cat featured above is Lovie. Lovie was adopted as a kitten and then returned for unknown reasons when she was two years old. She has been anxiously awaiting a new home ever since. Lovie would be best suited as an only cat or with an older cat that will not chase her. Please consider making her a part of your family!

Claws N Paws Day has many wonderful cats and kittens available for adoption. For more information please click here or call 714-962-1005.

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Why a Dog Might Bite

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Why a Dog Might Bite

Just like humans, even the best behaved dog has both good days and bad days. In fact, over the course of a single day a dog can go from feeling totally relaxed and easy-going to tense and cranky. Dog bites occur for a number of different reasons including:

  • The dog is protecting a possession, its owner, its property or its puppies
  • Something has frightened or provoked the dog
  • The dog is old and does not have as much patience as it used to
  • The dog is injured or sick
  • Someone has startled or harmed the dog
  • The dog never learned bite inhibition
  • Herding breeds tend to nip when attempting to “herd” their family

In order to prevent dog bites you must first learn how to spot the warning signs that a dog is about to bite. These warning signs are always present before a dog bites, however they can be extremely subtle. Sometimes the dog exhibits these warning signs for months or years before the dog finally loses its tolerance and bites, surprising everyone around it. Warning signs that a dog might bite include:

  • Ears pinned back
  • Fur along the dog’s back standing up
  • Whites of eyes showing
  • Yawning
  • Freezing in response to touch
  • Direct intense eye contact from the dog

Preventing dog bites begins at home. If you do not intend to breed your dog, spaying and neutering can decrease the likelihood of bites. Making sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise can help to expend any excess energy that could otherwise be directed towards nervous energy. Playing with your dog helps to prevent bites by reinforcing your bond. However, rough games should always be avoided in order to prevent any dominance issues. Socialization is extremely important but your dog should never be allowed to roam free where they can pose a danger to other people and pets. If you have children, take the time necessary to teach them how to properly act around dogs, what warning signs to watch for and how to respond if a dog attacks.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been taking care of Orange County’s dogs and cats since 2001. We offer full service pet grooming at our state of the art pet salon in Fountain Valley, California. We also offer mobile pet grooming to all areas of Orange County. For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

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Top Ten Reasons to Adopt an Adult Cat

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Top Ten Reasons to Adopt an Adult CatLil Girl

Adopting a cat is a very exciting time. You’ve probably considered several different breeds, whether you want a male or female and you might have even started thinking about what you will call your new friend. But have you considered adopting an adult cat? You might be surprised to learn that there are many more adult cats waiting for homes than there are kittens. Let’s take a look at the top ten reasons to adopt an adult cat:

  1. What you see is what you get
  2. Adult cats make better companions for older cats in the home
    If you have an older cat at home, a kittens might be too playful and will probably upset your cat rather than provide it companionship.
  3. They still have many years of life to live
    With proper care, cats can live well into their late teens and early twenties. Most of the time they remain active and playful throughout their entire life.
  4. Adult cats don’t chew on everything
    Kittens explore things with their mouths. This type of behavior can be destructive. Adult cats have outgrown this type of behavior.
  5. Kittens get into much more trouble
    Kittens are extremely curious. That curiosity can get them into lots of trouble, frequently resulting in serious injuries and accidents. Kittens eat things they shouldn’t and fall from high places. Adult cats are much more cautious.
  6. Kittens are messy
    Most kittens are too busy exploring to be concerned with self-grooming and they tend to be less than careful in the litterbox. Adult cats spend hours cleaning themselves so you don’t have to.
  7. Adult cats use up less of your energy
    Adult cats sleep more, play less, require less supervision, break fewer things and won’t attack your toes while you sleep. With an adult cat, you sleep better, relax more and have much more energy.
  8. Adult cats are better equipped to deal with children
    Children can be rough with both cats and kittens. Adult cats are typically better at escaping the clutches of a small child than kittens are.
  9. Adult cats are better in the litter box
    Kittens tend to play and sleep in their litter boxes, making a huge mess in the process. Adult cats understand the purpose of a litter box and will usually cooperate with your efforts to keep it tidy.
  10. You could be their last chance at adoption
    Most adult cats end up at rescue centers due to no fault of their own. In fact, most are emotionally devastated by their misfortune. Unfortunately, most people gravitate towards kittens, ignoring the adult cats that must wait year after year for the perfect family. While kittens will always be popular, you are probably the last chance for that heartbroken adult cat.

Claws N Paws has many adult cats available for adoption. For more information, please click here.

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Dealing with Dry Skin on Maine Coons

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Dealing with Dry Skin on Maine Coons

Maine Coons are one of the largest cat breeds in the world. These gentle giants have medium to long hair that is silky, heavy and water resistant. Regular grooming of Maine Coons is required to prevent tangles from becoming large mats that can cause dry skin, itching and general discomfort. Dry skin can also be caused by diet, environmental factors and medical conditions. Let’s discuss how to prevent and deal with dry skin on Maine Coons.

Maine Coons require regular grooming. Dead hair must be properly removed from the undercoat and tangles must be dealt with promptly. Always use appropriate combs and brushes when caring for your Maine Coon. Never pull or tug on tangles. If the fur has become matted, have a professional groomer remove the mats. Dry skin and dandruff issues are common if your Maine Coon is not able to groom itself properly because of old age or weight problems. Frequent brushing will help to distribute the natural oils in your pet’s skin and keep your cat looking and feeling its best.

Diet plays a big role in the overall quality of your Maine Coon’s coat and skin. Always feed a high quality cat food that is appropriate for your cat’s size and age. Look for a commercial cat food that has an animal protein listed as the first ingredient. In addition, the food should contain very little to no grains, artificial colors or flavors. Adding Omega-3 supplements to your Maine Coons diet can reduce the incidence of dry skin.

Dry skin can also be caused by environmental factors. Keeping your home clean and vacuumed can significantly reduce the amount of fleas, flea eggs, mites and allergens in your home. When treating for fleas remember to treat your whole home as well as your cat. Other environmental factors that can negatively affect your cat’s skin and coat include stress and anxiety. Try to provide your cat with calm living conditions.

Sometimes irritated skin is caused by a medical condition. Check your cat for dry, flaky, irritated skin or hair loss. Constant scratching, licking and chewing of the skin, scabs, inflammation and round, scaly patches on the face and paws are all signs of potentially serious skin conditions. Take your cat to a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. If prescribed oral or topical medications to treat a skin condition, always follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully.

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides professional cat grooming services in Orange County, California. For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005.

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Summer Haircuts for Dogs

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Summer Haircuts for Dogscoolpup

In hot climates like we have in Southern California, many pet parents wonder if they should have their dog’s coat cut or shaved during the summer. This is often a top concern when it comes to dogs with especially long or thick coats. Pet experts don’t always agree on whether it’s best to give a dog a summer cut or to just allow nature to run its course. The answer varies for pet parents depending on their personal preferences and how much time they have to spend on their pet’s care.

If your dog has a very thick coat or it is a double-coated breed such as a husky, malamute or German shepherd then you might be considering a summer cut for your pet. While many people believe that these breeds will become too hot during the summer, the thick coat actually acts as an insulator, keeping the dog’s body temperature constant while the air trapped between the undercoat stops the outside air from interfering with the dog’s metabolism. These types of dogs cool down by panting, laying with their bellies exposed and by lying flat on a cool surface. The double coat stops any negative effects caused by the climate, both hot and cold.

Keeping your dog’s coat maintained can help to keep them cool during the summer months. Clean, well maintained fur allows for proper air circulation. Dirty, matted fur reduces the effectiveness of the coat and can actually lead to skin infections, pain and worsening of flea and tick problems. Regular, professional bathing and grooming during the summer months can keep your dog cool and comfortable by removing dead hair, preventing painful tangles and mats and helping you detect flea and tick problems before they are able to get out of hand.

Dogs with very long hair, such as yorkies, maltese and shih-tzus can all benefit from a summer haircut. Trimming a dog’s fur makes it much more manageable and can help them stay cooler. Whenever possible, at least ½ an inch to an inch of hair should be left in order to protect the dog’s skin from the damaging rays of the sun. A professional groomer can help you decide on you the best type of summer cut for your pet.

Claws N Paws Day Spa can help keep your dog cool and comfortable this summer. For more information or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005.

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The Problem With Foxtails

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The Problem With Foxtails

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner. Many of us in Southern California are already out and about enjoying the warmer weather with our dogs. While this time of year should be enjoyed outside, pet parents need to be aware of the problems associated with a common grass-like weed called foxtails.

Foxtails can be found everywhere in Southern California, typically hidden in weedy areas along paths and roads. From January to early April, the foxtails are soft, green and harmless. However, in the late spring the seed heads begin to dry, creating a significant hazard for your dog that lasts throughout the summer and early fall.

The dried foxtail seeds detach from the plant and stick to clothing or animal hair. They can easily become lodged in between a dog’s toes, in its ears or in its eyes. Because the seeds are barbed like a fish hook, they are extremely difficult to remove. Once embedded, foxtail seeds can cause severe infections and abscesses.

Sometimes foxtail seeds can be seen clinging to the fur. When embedded, they can be very difficult to spot. Common symptoms include:

  • Inflamed, infected, painful lump anywhere on the body
  • Whining or crying with no apparent reason
  • Compulsive licking or biting at the paw or tail area
  • When in the ear, the dog might rub its head on the ground or shake its head violently from side to side
  • When in the eye, the dog might squint and paw at its eyes
  • Inhaled foxtail seeds can cause violent sneezing and bloody discharge

In addition to causing pain and infection, foxtail seeds can enter through the nose, ears, paws, eyes or skin and lodge themselves in the spine, lungs or other internal organs. The seeds are small, making them difficult to locate and remove. Depending on where the seed has traveled to inside the dog, it can be life threatening and require immediate surgical removal.

To prevent serious injuries from foxtails:

  • Remove weeds from your garden
  • Keep your dog away from weeds when walking or hiking
  • Discourage your dog from chewing on grass
  • Examine your dog daily, feeling for any raised areas on its skin
  • Remove visible foxtail seeds carefully by pulling them straight out, ensuring that they do not break in the process
  • If you suspect that a foxtail is embedded in your dog’s skin, paw, eye or ear, take your dog to a veterinarian immediately

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers professional pet grooming in Southern California for both dogs and cats. If you are unsure about how to remove a visible foxtail we can show you how. Please call 714-962-1005 for more information or to schedule your next grooming appointment.

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