Pet Grooming Orange County

Looking For A New Pet? – Why Adoption Is The Better Choice

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Looking For A New Pet? – Why Adoption Is The Better Choice

Most people have fond memories of the pets they lived with as a child. Sometimes, the pet you acquire as an adult is your first experience living with a furry friend. Whatever the case, adding a new pet to the family is exciting.

You have many choices when looking for a pet. There are pet shops, shelters, rescue groups, and breeders. There are also several people looking for homes for their pets on websites like Penny Saver and Craigslist. Although you might have an idea of what type of pet you’re looking for, there are some things you need to consider before choosing where to get one.

The type of place you get your pet from can help determine its health, behavior, and the future of millions of other pets. Please read below for more information.

Pet Shops

Unless they offer rescued pets for adoption, pet shops are one of the worst places to get a pet. Pet shops get their pets from places known as “puppy mills”. Puppy mills force pets (dogs, cats, and other species) to breed over and over. They do not provide adequate nutrition, space, or exercise for the animals they keep.

Animals from puppy mills can have severe problems such as diseases, muscular, and skeletal deformities. These pets are frequently sick when they arrive at the pet shop. They are also more likely to suffer from behavior problems.

In addition to the health and behavior risks associated with buying a pet from a pet shop, supporting puppy mills puts millions of pets in danger every year. This is why pet shops that sell animals are being banned around the state.

Breeders

Although there are some very respectable breeders, most are in it just to make money. Inexperienced breeders often do not know how to properly care for the pets they are in charge of. Much like a puppy mill, pets from breeders are prone to physical deformities, diseases, and behavioral problems.

Classifieds

You’ll likely see lots of pets offered on websites like Penny Saver or Craigslist. While there are definitely perks to helping a pet in need, you never really know what you’re going to get. It’s not uncommon for well-meaning people to take a pet only to find it has aggression or other issues they hadn’t anticipated.

Shelters

Adopting from the shelter is an excellent way to give a pet a second chance at a good life. The only issue is that you won’t know what kind of behavior your pet has until you bring it home.

Most of the time, pets are dropped off at the shelter because of behavior problems. Keep this in mind when adopting.

Rescue Groups

Rescue groups take the time and effort necessary to get to know each and every pet. They understand what type of behavior problems they have and they’ve taken the time needed to resolve them. They have each pet checked by a licensed veterinarian to ensure they are healthy and free from disease. Since they’ve taken the time to get to know each pet, they will be able to tell you which one will be the right fit for your family.

Claws N Paws offers cat and kitten adoptions. Please call 714-962-1005 for more information.

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.

 

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.

 

 

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.

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.

Protecting Our Pets From Coyotes

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Protecting Our Pets From Coyotes

Our pets rely on us to keep them safe throughout the year. During the winter, coyotes pose the greatest threat to our pets. Coyotes are forced into our neighborhoods as we use up more and more of their land. They have just as much right to be here as you and I. While you cannot make coyotes go away, it’s up to you to do all that you can to protect your pets.

Coyote Mating Season

Coyote mating season typically lasts from late February to early March. During this time, male coyotes can become more aggressive. Coyotes can breed with unspayed and unneutered pets. Unspayed dogs will attract male coyotes when they are in season. Similarly, male dogs can be attracted to the scent of female coyotes in season. It’s not uncommon for male dogs to be lured away by the scent of a female coyote only to be killed by her male companions.

Coyote Habits

Coyotes are extremely smart. They learn the activities and schedules of people quickly and easily. If you let your dog out at the same time every evening, any coyotes in your neighborhood probably know what time that occurs. They will also know when you walk your pet, especially if your pet is walked off leash. Once they’ve become accustomed to your activities, it makes it easy for them to move in and make a meal of your pet.

Protecting Your Pets

It’s a good idea to change your schedule every now and then. Make sure that you keep your pet close and leashed at all times. Unattended pets should be kept indoors or fully enclosed, especially at night. Check your yard for wildlife before allowing pets to go outside. Do not ever feed coyotes and keep food dishes inside at all times.

If you spot a coyote, it’s important to let them know that you don’t want them near your pets. Keep noisemakers on hand or clap your hands to scare them away. If you spot coyotes in your yard, try banging pots and pans together. The more noise the better. If you find yourself in close proximity to a coyote you will need to make yourself appear as large as possible. Coyotes are generally very shy so this isn’t likely to happen.

Claws N Paws understands how important it is to keep your pets safe. We hope this information has been helpful.