Pet Grooming Orange County

Traveling With Pets

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As the year continues, people everywhere are beginning to make plans for the holidays. Many of us are preparing to travel. However, those of us with pets must make special provisions. The decision to travel with pets is never easy and takes very careful planning.

Road Trips

Traveling by car is the preferred option for many pet owners. Owners can monitor their pets from the car at all times, and they can intervene in case of emergency. However, the car does pose some challenges.

On long trips, make sure pets are secured in a crate or carrier. While dogs can usually roam free in a car, they may become restless over time. Furthermore, dogs that stick their heads out of the window can become injured from flying objects or particles. They may also take in far too much cold air, damaging their lungs. Since you will probably be doing a lot of freeway driving, it is best to keep your dog safely inside the car. Never keep a pet in the back of a truck, as they can easily jump out into the road.

You should take frequent stops. Take your dog for a short walk, or let your cat roam around the parked car for a bit. Remember that your pet will need to eat, drink, and go to the bathroom, just like yourself. Account for them at every pit stop, and never leave an animal in the car alone.

Always travel with a human buddy when travelling with pets. That way, you can split the responsibilities of driving and taking care of your pet. When you make stops, someone should always stay in the car to take care of your pet.

Flying

Going on a plane with your pet can seem scary, but it is more common than you think! The most important thing to do is read up on your airline’s pet policies. If you have any questions, call ahead of time. This will make your time at the airport much less stressful.

It is safest to bring your pet into the cabin with you. Most airlines allow small dogs or cats into the cabin for a fee. They will require a special airplane carrier to fit under the seat in front of you. For some airlines, you may have to submit health or immunization records. Always call ahead of time, as there are usually limits to how many pets can be in the cabin at a time.

If your pet must travel with the luggage, be aware of the risks. Look up your airline’s safety ratings for transporting pets. Use direct flights and always try to be on the same plane as your pet.

Leaving Them Home

Of course, you have the option to keep your pet home while you travel. Ask a trusted person to watch them, or utilize a boarding facility. Pet boarding facilities are specifically designed to meet your pets’ needs.

At Claws N Paws, you can find safe and comfortable cats-only boarding, as well as professional grooming services for cats and dogs. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at 714-962-1005.

Managing Your Allergies to Cats

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Cat allergies are very common, but that doesn’t mean they have to limit your pet options. In fact, many of the biggest cat lovers are allergic to cats. It’s all about management; while taking the proper precautions, humans with minor allergies can learn to live with a beloved feline friend.

What Causes the Allergy?

Many people believe that they are allergic to their cat’s fur, but this is not entirely true. Actually, they are allergic to the protein Fel d 1, which transfers through the saliva. When cats lick their bodies, they transfer this protein onto dry flaky skin called dander. Dander falls when the cat sheds their fur. Most often, allergic owners experience itchy skin and red, watery eyes.

There are some ways to gauge your cat’s ability to spread Fel d 1. For instance, male cats create more allergenic secretions and thus are more triggered to people with allergies. Furthermore, intact males produce more than neutered males. Finally, adult cats produce more than kittens. 

Hypoallergenic Breeds

Some breeds of cats are actually hypoallergenic. They produce less Fel d 1, meaning that they are safer to their allergic human companions. Hypoallergenic cat breeds are as follows:

  • Oriental shorthair
  • Balinese
  • Siamese
  • siberian 
  • Cornish rex
  • Devon rex
  • Javanese
  • Sphynx (hairless)

Of course, the best way to gauge whether you are allergic to a cat is to meet them. Schedule an in-person appointment, but be sure to mention your allergies to the facility. They can work with you to keep your dander exposure to a minimum.

Living With Cats

Of course, we cannot always choose our breeds. This is especially true for those of us who do rescue; the cat that needs our help may not always be hypoallergenic. Thankfully, there are ways to navigate living with both cats and allergies.

First, designate one area of your house a “pet-free” zone. Wash or replace all bedsheets, blankets, curtains, etc. Clean all surfaces thoroughly. Keep in mind that allergen molecules are one-sixth the size of pollens. They will not disappear overnight; rather, this is a gradual process.

Then, invest in some air cleaners. These should be distributed throughout the house. Clean surfaces and carpeting often, and wash your linens frequently. Not only will this limit allergens, it will help with any pet smells.

If your cat has fur, brush it often. This removes dander and loose fur in a concentrated environment rather than all over the house. If you are the one with the allergies, delegate this task to another housemate or professional groomer. A frequent professional groom can also remove more layers of fur, decreasing your chance of exposure.

At Claws N Paws, your cat or dog can find quality professional grooming from a dedicated team of individuals. Going out of town? We also offer cats-only boarding right next door in our separate facility. Claws N Paws Day Spa and Cat Boarding are currently open with provisions in place protecting our clients and staff from COVID-19. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

The Purrfect Communication

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Cats are extremely comforting creatures. This is especially true when they are purring; the gentle sound and feeling of a purring cat is the perfect cure to a stressful day. It is the most common sound a housecat can make, yet humans know relatively little about its causes and uses. In some cases, the mystery of purring can actually limit our reception of it.

How Does It Work?

Purring has always stumped scientists. We know that cats can purr during both inhalation and exhalation, unlike meowing which only occurs during exhalation. Currently, the most common consensus is that purring begins in the brain. The brain sends a message to the voice box, which begins to vibrate. Animal behaviorists liken this to opera singing. When your cat purrs, place a finger on their throat. You will be able to feel the vibrations.

Is It Limited to Housecats?

Many people believe that purring is solely a way for domestic cats to communicate with their human counterparts. However, this is not true. Cats in the wild, including bobcats and mountain lions, purr to communicate with other animals. Even animals like raccoons, hyenas, and guinea pigs can purr. Alternatively, roaring cats like lions and tigers cannot purr. This is because their voice boxes (meant for making loud, booming noises to communicate) are much too loose to vibrate.

Why Do Cats Purr?

Most pet owners assume that their cats only purr when they are happy. In many cases, this is true; the most common reason for purring is to express contentment. Content cats will appear relaxed. Their eyes may be half-closed, and their tail will sit relatively still.

Sometimes, cats purr to express other emotions or even needs. A hungry cat may purr to get your attention. Usually, this urgent purr accompanies mews, also referred to as feline crying. This taps into early kitten behavior. When they wish to nurse, kittens cry to get their mother’s attention among a full litter.

Purring can bring comfort to both cat and owner. Like a toddler sucking its thumb, some cats purr to provide relief in stressful situations. In fact, studies suggest that the low vibrations of a cat’s purr can actually help them heal faster. These vibrations trigger processes that lessen pain, ease breathing, heal bones and wounds, and build muscle.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, your cat’s health and happiness is always important. Our grooming salon provides professional services to both cats and dogs. Right next door, you can find cats-only boarding in our specialized facility. Missing the comforting purr of a cat in your home? We have several kittens and cats readily available for adoption at the moment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at 714-962-1005.

Canine Epilepsy

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Sometimes, our pets’ behavior comes out of nowhere. When a dog does something unexpected, it can be a scary experience for both the pet and their owner. Seizures are one of these occurrences. Knowing the signs, causes, and treatments of canine epilepsy can bring comfort and clarity to such an unprecedented situation.

What is Canine Epilepsy?

While there are other causes of seizures in dogs, idiopathic epilepsy is the most common. “Seizures” occur when brain cells experience an abnormal surge of electrical activity. A dog has “idiopathic” epilepsy when brain activity appears normal but cells are more predisposed to sudden surges. By definition, even experts cannot determine the underlying cause of idiopathic epilepsy. The diagnosis appears in approximately 1 in 111 dogs.

What Does A Seizure Look Like?

Seizures can look a variety of ways, but they are recognizable to the trained eye. During a seizure, many dogs experience abnormal motor activity such as facial twitches or limb movements. They are often fearful, and they may lose ability to control bodily functions. Seizing dogs may salivate, vomit, urinate, or defecate.

Although seizures are caused by neural excitement, most occur when a dog is asleep or resting. In some cases, dogs may experience seizures during exercise or emotional arousal, but this is much less common.

Despite their violent nature, seizures are not painful to your dog. At most, they may experience confusion or panic. Never try to intervene if your dog starts seizing. Let the seizure run its course before acting.

When Should I Call the Vet?

A short, single seizure is not necessarily dangerous to your dog, but you should still contact your vet after the first seizure. The vet will ask for a detailed history, looking for potential head trauma or exposure to toxic substances. They may administer blood, urine, or heartworm tests to rule out other causes. If they cannot find any other causes, they may diagnose your dog with idiopathic epilepsy.

Usually, vets only administer treatment for severe regular seizures. Treatment includes anticonvulsants such as phenobarbital and potassium bromide, and it will most likely continue for life.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers professional grooming services to both cats and dogs in Orange County, California. Claws N Paws is currently open with various provisions in place to protect customers and staff from COVID-19. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

Help! My Cat Is Chewing Cords!

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Cats are known for their unpredictable and uniquely wild personalities. Over the course of their lives, domestic cats develop a number of strange habits. Unfortunately for cat owners, many of these habits are destructive in nature. Electrical cord-chewing is one of the more common (and more destructive habits) of the modern housecat.

A Dangerous Habit

Cord-chewing is both frustrating to owners and highly dangerous to cats. While it may damage expensive electronic equipment, a plugged-in cord can potentially electrocute your cat. Cords are also considered a serious choking hazard, as any severed pieces can get lodged in your pet’s throat.

Reasons for Cord-Chewing

Cats chew cords for a variety of reasons. One of the more common reasons is for their dental health; similarly to human babies, cats “teethe” when their teeth or gums hurt. This is especially true for kittens cutting new teeth, but older cats can also experience oral pains.

Cats with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are also more likely to chew objects like cords. OCD increases the urge to suck or gnaw on inedible objects like cords or blankets. Your pet may have OCD if they self-mutilate, chase their tail, or overgroom. While OCD is a common and livable mental condition, its symptoms can be difficult to manage.

Sometimes, cats chew cords or other objects for dietary reasons. They may know there is something missing in their diet and resort to eating just about anything they can find. In severe cases, this condition is called pica. Pica is dangerous, as it can lead to major digestive problems.

Finally, a cat’s environment can often influence their recurrent behaviors. Bored cats are more likely to chew or even destroy objects. Because cords look like another cat’s tail, they are a common casualty of boredom. Alternatively, a stressful environment may also cause unwanted chewing. In either case, you should reevaluate your pet’s living condition.

Curbing Cord-Chewing

Cord-chewing, like any abnormal behavior, should be addressed at the source of the problem. Whether it is OCD or pica, a vet visit is always a good idea. However, due to its dangerous nature, cord-chewing itself must be immediately addressed.

If possible, tuck all cords away from your cat’s reach. This is the best solution, but it can be unrealistic in the modern home. Exposed cords should be as unappetizing as possible. You can smear bitter apple substance (a common cat deterrent) or a menthol-containing product on cords. These offensive smells and tastes should encourage your cat to steer clear of cords. You can also try to cover them up with PVC pipes.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, your pet’s needs are always the top concern. Our professional grooming salon provides a wide range of services to both cats and dogs. Right next door, your cat can find comfort in our cats-only boarding facility. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

Walking Your Dog in the Summer

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Summer can be a great time to exercise with your dog! However, summer heat (especially in warmer areas) can provide unique challenges to daily walks. It is important for dog owners to know the various dangers of summer heat, as well as the various precautions they can make. This will ensure safe and exciting summer walks with your beloved furry friend!

Heat Stroke

Dogs regulate body temperature through panting and releasing heat through the nose and paw pads. Unlike humans, they cannot sweat through their skin. As a result, dogs are at higher risk of heat stroke than humans. Certain dogs, such as flat-faced, younger, and obese dogs, are at higher risk of contracting heat stroke. For these dogs, temperatures as low as 70°F can be dangerous. 

Heat stroke can look a few different ways, but it often follows a similar pattern. Panting is normal, but excessive panting may suggest difficulty breathing. Check their mouth for thick saliva or pale gums. Dogs with heat stroke may also experience disorientation or, in severe cases, vomiting and/or diarrhea. They will often appear weak or fatigued with a chance of collapsing.

If your dog is showing signs of heat stroke, you must react quickly. Provide immediate access to drinking water. If possible, give your dog a cool bath. Do not use ice or very cold water; this can make your dog go into shock. Contact your vet, especially if your dog is vomiting or experiencing diarrhea.

Pad Burn

Hot weather can increase pavement temperature severely. As a result, pad burn is very common among dogs during the summer. Pad burn is characterized by discolored or blistered paws. Dogs with burned pads may limp or refuse to walk.

Pad burn is avoidable; you can check the pavement’s temperature with the palm of your hand or base of your foot. If you can’t hold your bare skin to the pavement for more than thirty seconds, it is too hot for your pup.

If your dog experiences pad burn, immediately remove them from the hot sidewalk or asphalt. Keep them in a cool (preferably grassy) area to cool down their paws. Monitor your dog’s pads and behavior; licking paws may lead to infection. Seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, your dog or cat can find professional grooming services from a passionate, dedicated staff. Right next door, your cat will love our cats-only boarding facility. Claws N Paws is currently open with provisions in place to protect our clients and staff from COVID-19. For more information or to set up an appointment, contact us at 714-962-1005.