Pet Grooming Orange County

Grooming Double-Coated Dogs

By

Grooming Double-Coated Dogs maggie

Double-coated dogs have two layers of hair. Closest to the skin they have a heavy undercoat, and then longer, coarser guard hair on the outside. This double-coat acts as a comfortable insulation for your dog during hot as well as cold weather. Popular double-coated dog breeds include:

  • Pomeranians
  • Shetland Sheepdogs
  • Chows
  • Huskies
  • Malamutes
  • Samoyeds

Although most people believe that shaving a double-coated dog will keep it cooler and prevent shedding in the summer, this simply isn’t the case. The thick undercoat hairs shed every spring and early summer, replacing the thick undercoat with fine hairs. Air travels through the long hairs and finer undercoat, keeping your dog cool during hot summer months. When shaved, the undercoat will still shed but your dog will no longer be able to control its natural cooling ability.

The upper guard hairs do not shed. They provide protection against the sun’s rays. When shaved, the dog becomes more susceptible to sunburn, skin irritation and skin cancer. During summer months, your groomer can shave a strip off your dog’s belly. This allows your dog to lay on a cool surface during hot days.

Long hair that is not matted as well as a thick undercoat keep your pet warm during the winter. During the fall, the fine undercoat sheds and is replaced by thick, crimped undercoat hairs. This creates an effective insulation for your dog.

A double coat should never be shaved unless is it matted to the point of no return. Keeping your double-coated dog’s coat brushed and mat free is an extremely important part of allowing good air circulation through the hair. Coats that are not well maintained stifle air circulation and do very little to help cool or warm the body. A severely matted coat is uncomfortable for your dog and can be very painful.

Claws N Paws Day Spa can help you keep your dog’s fur maintained. For more information or to schedule a grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005.

Mention our blog to receive a free teeth brushing for your pet!!!

 

 

Why People Give Up Their Cats

By

Why People Give Up Their Cats06_02_08_5

Although many people believe that pets end up at shelters and rescue facilities due to behavior problems, this simply isn’t the case. Most pets are actually given up because of changes in the lives of the people that own them, not because of anything that they have done. Let’s take a look at the top ten reasons why people give up their cats:

  1. Too many living in one house
    Cats can multiply quickly and people often give them up when there are too many cats living in one house.
  2. Allergies
    Frequently, cats are given up because someone in the home develops allergies. Sometimes, in the case of small children, the allergy is food related and not actually caused by the cat.
  3. Moving
    Cats don’t like change, but they can adjust to a new home if they are allowed to. Unfortunately many people feel that it is too much hassle to find a new home that allows cats.
  4. Cost of ownership
    Cats are not cheap to care for. You must pay for food, litter, toys, vaccinations and annual net visits. Sometimes cats become sick, injured, require special diets or need medication.
  5. Problems with the landlord
    When you rent, you must get approval from your landlord in order to have a cat. Sometimes people lie about their cat in order to get into their home. When the landlord discovers it, tenants often decide to get rid of their cat rather than move.
  6. Unable to find a home for litters
    A lot of people refuse spay or neuter their cats and end up with a couple of litters each year. Often, the cat’s owner will find homes for one or two of the kittens from each litter and surrender the rest to a shelter or rescue facility.
  7. Not using the litterbox
    When cats become stressed they sometimes forget to use the litter box. There are several reasons that a cat might not use its box including the type of litter used, the placement of the box, how often you clean it, how many cats use the box and the type of cleaner used on the box. Unfortunately, most people don’t take the time to figure out what is causing the problem, and surrender their cat instead. The good news is that most cats move on to their new homes without any litter box problems at all.
  8. Personal Issues
    People give up their cats for a variety of personal reasons such as divorce, job loss, major injury or home foreclosure.
  9. Inadequate facilities
    Renting a home that doesn’t allow pets or a change of situation where an outdoor cat must live inside are both reasons that people give for giving up their cats. Although many people believe that cats can’t adjust to new situations, they can. It just takes a little longer than it does with dogs.
  10. Cat doesn’t get along with other pets
    Cats can be taught to get along with other pets in a household, however they must be introduced slowly.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has many wonderful cats and kittens looking for a second chance. For more information, please click here.

Receive a free teeth brushing when you mention our blog!!!

Trimming Your Dog’s Nails

By

Trimming Your Dog’s Nailsafter2

Nail trims are an extremely important part of your dog’s basic grooming needs. However, most pet parents experience anxiety over the idea of trimming their dog’s nails. Although a lot dogs do not like having their feet touched and will do anything to avoid it, it is possible to keep your dog’s nails properly trimmed. Most dogs can even be trained to tolerate the process.

Why Your Dog Needs Regular Nail trims

Like human nails, dog nails grow constantly. Although some dogs naturally wear down their nails by walking on concrete, most dogs do not spend enough time outside to keep their nails short. This is especially true for small dogs. If your dog’s nails are left to grow they can quickly curl under and grow into the pads of their feet. This leads to painful sores and infections. Even if their nails do not curl under, long nails make it difficult for a dog to walk and can lead to torn or split nails, a condition which must be treated by a veterinarian.

When to trim your dog’s nails

How often you trim your dog’s nails depends on your dog. The rate of nail growth vs the amount of natural wear varies from dog to dog. In order to determine when to trim your dog’s nails, look to see if they touch the floor when your dog is standing. If so, then it’s time for a trim. Most dogs require a nail trim every four to six weeks.

When a puppy should receive its first nail trim

It is extremely important to start handling your puppy’s paws the moment that you bring them home. Offer treats and toys whenever you play with their feet. This will get your puppy used to the sensation and help them associate it with a positive experience. Once your puppy is comfortable with having its feet handled, start with small nail trims every week or two. Be very careful not to cut too much or your puppy will associate nail trims with pain. This can make them fearful of the experience.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers professional grooming and nail trims for dogs of all ages. Nail trims are given every time your pet is groomed or bathed. Walk in nail trims are also available and can be extremely helpful for getting your new puppy or dog used to the grooming experience. For more information, please call us at 714-962-1005.

Receive a free teeth brushing when you mention our blog!!!

 

Basics of Dog Grooming

By

Basics of Dog Groomingbasics of dog grooming

Grooming is one of your dog’s basic needs. Just like people, dogs must be physically maintained in order to look and feel their best. Luckily, dogs don’t need to bathe as often as humans do. It is up to you to learn just how much grooming your dog actually needs. Typically a dog’s grooming needs depend on its breed and hair type. The following are the basics of dog grooming:

Hair brushing

A dog’s brushing needs depend largely on their hair type. Long-haired dogs typically require daily brushing in order to prevent tangling of the fur. Medium-haired dogs should be brushed weekly or more depending on how prone they are to matting. Short-haired dogs should be brushed every two to three weeks. Regardless of their hair type, dogs can be brushed daily if they enjoy it. Regular brushing not only keeps their coat shiny and healthy, but it will strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

Nail Trimming

Nail trims are usually the least favorite part of grooming for both dogs and their owners. Most dogs don’t like having their paws handled because they know how much it hurts to have their nails cut too short and pet parents are often uncomfortable with the process because they are afraid of hurting their dog. Dogs will develop an aversion to nail trimming once they have experienced pain from it. Ideally, nails should be trimmed by a professional groomer or veterinarian to avoid any injury or undue stress. Most dogs require monthly nail trims although some need less or more depending on their nail’s rate of growth.

Bathing

Most dogs should be bathed monthly, but bathing as often as once a week is not considered harmful. Dogs should be bathed with soap-free shampoo that is specifically made for use on dogs. Depending on the condition of your dog’s skin and coat, special shampoos might be necessary.

Ear care

Your dog’s ears can quickly become home to yeast and bacteria if they are not cleaned properly. Some dogs can go their whole lives without any ear problems, only requiring ear cleaning during their monthly bath. However, many other dogs suffer from chronic ear problems and require multiple ear cleanings each day.

Haircuts

Long haired dogs such as Poodles and Shih-Tzu’s need their hair cut every two to four weeks. This task is best left to a professional groomer who has the right tools and understands how to cut your dog’s hair without causing them injury.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers dog and cat grooming in Orange County, California. For more information, or to schedule a grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005.

Receive a free teeth brushing for your pet when you mention our blog!

The Dangers of Free In-Home Grooming Ads

By

The Dangers of Free In-Home Grooming Ads

We all enjoy browsing through the classifieds on websites like Craigslist. Even though most of the products and services offered on these websites are legitimate, there are many possible dangers in answering these types of ads.

Recently there has been an increase of people offering in-home pet grooming for a reduced price or for free. Many of these individuals claim that they are professional groomers that are trying to earn money to open a shop or to purchase a mobile pet grooming van. Sometimes they advertise that they are offering services for free or for very little in order to collect before and after pictures for their website. While this might seem like an incredible deal, there are several reasons why you should never allow one of these so-called groomers into your home.

Law enforcement agencies agree that you should never give out your home address when answering classified ads. Once you provide your physical address, you become a potential victim. The individual offering grooming services can use your address to commit crimes against you, or pass your address along to their acquaintances. Remember that scammers on Craigslist are professionals at what they do. Even if they are extremely friendly and professional on the phone or through email, you should never give out your address to strangers. Bogus groomers, once over the doorstep, can become menacing and even violent.

In addition to the dangers of allowing strangers into your home, there are potential dangers for your pets as well. If you don’t take the time to check your pet groomer’s credentials, the consequences could be severe. Inexperienced, unlicensed groomers are more likely to cause serious injuries to your pet including:

  • Cuts
  • Burns
  • Falls
  • Eye Injury
  • Ear Injury
  • Brush Burn

Even though these injuries can happen when you use a licensed groomer, if your groomer is not licensed and is un-insured, then you will be the only one who is responsible for these injuries.

Using a professional, licensed groomer just makes sense. If you are unable to leave your home to bring your pet to the groomer, consider mobile grooming. Never allow strangers into your home, or allow inexperienced groomers to touch your pet.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers mobile grooming for both dogs and cats in Orange County, California. Our pet grooming salon has been in Fountain Valley, California since 2001. For more information, or to set up your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

Receive a free teeth brushing for your pet when you mention our blog!

 

Why You Should Adopt Your Next Cat

By

Why You Should Adopt Your Next Catadopt807

If you are considering adding a new cat to your family, there are many reasons why you should adopt, not shop. Let’s look at the top five reasons why you should adopt your next cat:

  1. When you adopt, you save a life
    In the United States, approximately 2.7 million dogs and cats are euthanized every year simply because too many people give up their pets and not enough people adopt. This number could be reduced dramatically if more people adopted pets instead of buying them from pet shops. When you adopt, you save the life of two animals; the pet that you adopt and the homeless animal that can be rescued because of the space that you helped free up.
  2. Adopted pets are healthier pets
    Animal rescue groups are full of happy, healthy pets just waiting for someone to take them home. Rescue groups ensure that pets are vaccinated and examined by a veterinarian when they arrive, and most will spay or neuter them before they are adopted. In addition to medical care, rescue groups also screen animals for specific temperaments and behaviors to ensure each family finds the perfect pet for their lifestyle. While many people believe that animals end up at a rescue facility because they are abused or because they have behavior problems. The truth is that most pets are given up due to people reasons, not because of anything they’ve done. The most common reasons people give up their pets include financial reasons, a divorce, a move or simply lack of time.
  3. Adoption saves you money
    Adopting a pet is far less expensive than buying a pet from a pet shop. In addition, most adopted pets are already spayed or neutered and vaccinated, making adoption a much better bargain.
  4. Adopting makes you feel better
    Pets have a special way of putting a smile on our faces. They give us unconditional love, and caring for a companion animal can provide a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment and lessen feelings of loneliness in all age groups. When you adopt a rescue animal you will receive all of these benefits as well as the good feelings that come from the knowledge that you gave them a second chance at life.
  5. When you adopt you won’t be supporting puppy mills or pet shops
    Puppy mills are factory style breeding facilities that put their profits above the health and well-being of the pets that they “produce”. Animals raised in puppy mills are housed in horrible conditions and they do not receive proper medical care. Breeding animals are bred over and over again without human companionship or hope of ever being part of a family. Once they are done being profitable, they are simply discarded. Animals that are produced at puppy mills are sold to unsuspecting customers of pet stores, over the internet and through newspaper classified ads. They are often advertised as coming from great breeders but customers will never get to see where these animals actually come from. Most animals that come from puppy mills have serious health and behavioral problems that will cost their owners thousands of dollars to treat, if they can be treated at all. Puppy mills will continue to exist until people stop purchasing from them. By adopting instead of buying a pet you can be certain that you are not supporting puppy mills with your money.

Claws N Paws has many cats and kittens available for adoption. For more information, please click here or give us a call at 714-962-1005.