Pet Grooming Orange County

Thanksgiving Safety for Pets

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With November upon us, Thanksgiving is just around the corner. ‘Tis the season to express gratitude to our loved ones, including our pets! Show them a wonderful holiday this Turkey Day.

Be Careful About Food Scraps

Thanksgiving dinner is well worth the year’s wait. Unfortunately, most of the traditional Thanksgiving dishes contain ingredients that can be dangerous for your pet. It is well-known that pets are not meant to consume common toxins like chocolate and xylitol sweetener, but there are many other foods that can make your dog or cat very ill. Anything cooked with onions, scallions, or garlic is toxic to dogs and cats. This likely includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and more. Furthermore, dairy products can cause serious stomach upset; lactose intolerance is common in dogs and cats and is not detected until after a problem has occurred. Salads made with grapes or raisins can cause kidney damage to dogs. Even meats like unseasoned turkey and ham can create digestive problems, particularly if they contain bones. As a result, it is best to avoid giving anything from the Thanksgiving table to your pet.

Some pets are curious and will attempt to sneak food. You can take it as a compliment to your cooking, but do not let them consume it. Due to the severity of these ingredients, we recommend keeping your pet out of the room during prep, feasting, and clean-up. Remember to take out the trash before letting them back into the room.

Traveling

If you are traveling for Thanksgiving, make sure you have made accommodations for your pet. If they will be flying with you, make sure to read up on airline rules and safety. Update any tags or microchips to ensure that all information is up to date.

If your pet is staying home, they will still need accommodations. Arrange for someone to watch them, or find a boarding facility. Those located near Orange County, California can find professional cats-only boarding at Claws N Paws. Contact us at 714-962-1005 for more information.

Hosting Guests

You may have taken on the brave task of hosting Thanksgiving dinner at your home. Your pet might love the extra attention, but make sure the environment is safe and comfortable. Monitor the door (and alert your guests of any pets in the home) to make sure there are no runaways. Supervise any children, particularly those who have not been exposed to many animals. Keep in mind that it may be ultimately safer to keep your pet in a separate room from guests.

Claws N Paws Day Spa owns and operates a full-service professional grooming salon in Fountain Valley, California. Right next door is our cats-only boarding facility, perfect for the holidays. Stop by today for more information!

Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats

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If you have or have known an elderly cat, you will know that they make excellent companions. Unfortunately, with age comes some additional health concerns. Kidney disease affects 3 out of every 10 geriatic cats. It is important to recognize the signs of chronic kidney disease early in order to best help your beloved feline friend.

What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Your kitty’s kidneys perform the same functions that ours do: remove waste from the bloodstream, balance various minerals, and conserve water. They are integral to the production of healthy urine. Therefore, kidney disease can lead to a buildup of unwanted waste in the body. Chronic kidney disease refers to prolonged renal failure over the course of several months or even years.

How Can I Detect It?

The first signs of chronic kidney disease are extremely subtle. Usually, a cat in the earliest stages will experience increased thirst and urination. If you use clumping litter, look for large clumps. This indicates that your cat is expelling more urine at a single time. Early kidney disease may also manifest in a slight loss of weight. You may also notice some behavioral changes such as extra sleeping, appearing weak or indifferent, and less grooming. As a result, kitties with chronic kidney disease usually appear more unkempt.

As renal function continues to weaken, signs become a bit more obvious. Water consumption and frequent/heavy urination will increase, with a possibility for bloody or cloudy urine. Cats with kidney disease may experience digestive problems such as loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Their coat will likely feel dry to the touch. In some cases, cats may have particularly bad breath or discoloration of the mouth.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you notice your cat exhibiting these signs, a vet visit is in order. Keep in mind that kidney disease can also be detected at regular check ups, so it is always a good idea to schedule these for your elderly cat. Diagnosis usually starts with blood and urine tests. These may be followed by a variety of tests, including ultrasounds and X-rays. If your vet finds kidney disease, they can help you decide on the best treatment for your specific case.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for chronic kidney disease, but there are ways to manage it. This usually includes some level of diet modification. Therapeutic diets include lower levels of phosphorus and sodium, with increased fiber and water-soluble vitamins. However, because cats are rather finicky about their food, make sure to transition their diet gradually. Cats with chronic kidney disease should also be drinking lots of water to expel waste buildup. Some owners find water fountains or other innovative drinking receptacles helpful. Finally, in some cases, your vet may prescribe antibiotics or other medications.

 Claws N Paws Day Spa has your pet’s best interests in mind. Located in sunny Fountain Valley, California, we provide high-quality professional dog and cat grooming for your best furry friend. Contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our location for more information or to make an appointment.

How Pumpkin Can Help Your Cat or Dog

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With fall just around the corner, pumpkin is everywhere. You can find almost anything flavored or scented with pumpkin. This year, consider including your pet in the fun. Pumpkin has several hidden health benefits for your furry friend that will persist past the autumnal trend.

Health Benefits

Pumpkin contains both insoluble and soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber helps constipation by drawing water into the GI tract and softening stool. Meanwhile, soluble fiber helps diarrhea by draining excess water out of the GI tract when there is too much. This delicate balance works to regulate an otherwise healthy animal’s bowel movements. For this reason, many pet owners turn to pumpkin for weight management.

In addition to fiber, pumpkin contains many other nutrients that will leave your pet feeling fantastic. Vitamins A and C build immune system health and support vision. Zinc promotes healthy skin and coat. Cucurbitacin has been known to fight intestinal parasites.

While other foods may contain the same nutrients, many pet owners choose pumpkin. This is because its taste and texture are more palatable to even the pickiest of pets. In some cases, mixing pumpkin into a new food can motivate a fussy eater to try it. That being said, some pets have different taste. Not every pet will enjoy pumpkin as a meal supplement.

Introducing Pumpkin to Your Pet’s Diet

Pets can eat canned or fresh pumpkin. Do not give them pumpkin pie filling or anything with added sugars. For cats, start with a single teaspoon and increase as needed. For dogs, do the same with a tablespoon. The issue at hand is also important; constipation requires more pumpkin than diarrheal problems.

Not An End-All Solution

Although a tasty and healthy treat, pumpkin will do little for a sick pet. It is not a “cure” so much as a relief to troublesome symptoms. Monitor your pet’s health and behavior. Diarrhea accompanied by weight loss or dehydration is likely a symptom of something more serious.

Additionally, pumpkin cannot be used as a meal replacement. Dogs and cats cannot survive without meat in their diet.

Claws N Paws in Fountain Valley, California provides professional grooming services to both cats and dogs, as well as boarding services in our cats-only boarding facility. For more information, call us at 714-962-1005.

Why You Should Never Declaw Your Cat

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In July 2019, New York became the first state to ban feline declawing. Throughout the United States, one question emerged: what is so bad about declawing a cat? The procedure may appear like a manicure, but there is a reason why many veterinarians deem declawing inhumane.

Why Do People Declaw?

Scratching is a habit that many cats develop at some point in their lives. They may scratch up furniture or even their human companions, leading to frustrations at home. Some cat owners may see declawing as a quick and easy solution to an expensive problem. However, many are unaware of exactly how invasive and painful the process actually is.

The Declawing Process and Its Effects

Declawing does more than simply remove the claws. Part of a cat’s bone must be amputated in order to ensure that the external nail will not grow back. Cutting off this section is the equivalent of amputating a human finger at the first knuckle. This can cause chronic pain that continues far past the initial surgery.

Additionally, a declawed cat’s paw does not touch the ground at the same angle as a free-clawed cat’s. The cat will have to relearn how to walk, and they will never be able to quite match the comfort and grace they once enjoyed.

Cats that have been declawed are also known to exhibit changed behavior. Instead of scratching, they may choose to bite. Biting is oftentimes more dangerous as bacteria in the mouth can lead to infected bite wounds. Additionally, declawed cats are known to become more antisocial or anxious.

Alternatives to Declawing

Although declawing is still legal in 49 states, it should be avoided at all costs. There are several humane alternatives that will still limit scratching damages. Your best alternative solution depends on the reason why your cat has taken up scratching.

Untrimmed nails. Cats with untrimmed nails may try to remove the dead outer layer by scratching at furniture or other textured surfaces. To avoid this, nails should be kept short. They can be trimmed either at home or at a professional grooming salon.

Boredom. Some cats scratch at humans or objects because they lack stimulation. Invest in a scratching post, or lay out some toys that your cat will enjoy.

Feeling threatened. A cat that feels unsafe in any way may resort to scratching their human companions. Analyze points of stress in your cat’s life. If there are children in the home, speak to them about proper handling and your cat’s specific boundaries.

Regardless of the reason, your cat will benefit from having a scratching post. It provides a way for them to keep their nails clean and bodies exercised. If the problem persists, consider nail caps. These allow the cat to scratch but limit any resulting damage.

Claws N Paws Day Spa in Fountain Valley, California provides professional grooming services with your pet’s best interest in mind. Visit our location or contact us at 714-962-1005 for any inquiries.

Why You Should Vaccinate Your Cat for Rabies

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California is one of twenty-three states that does not require a rabies vaccination for cats. This means that, unlike with dogs, it is entirely up to a cat’s owner to decide whether or not to vaccinate. Here is why it is always a good idea to vaccinate your cat for rabies.

A Serious Threat

Although it is rare, rabies is extremely dangerous. Once an animal is bitten, the disease is almost one-hundred percent fatal. It can take anywhere from ten days to a year for symptoms to arise following a bite. Rabies does not currently have a known cure and can only be diagnosed in deceased animals. In the United States, cats contract rabies more than any other domestic species.

An unvaccinated cat that has been potentially exposed to rabies must be either euthanized or strictly quarantined for several months. Meanwhile, a vaccinated cat that has been exposed is simply recommended a booster vaccination in the thirty days following a bite. Talk to your vet if you think your cat may already have been exposed to rabies.

Benefits of the Rabies Vaccine

Simply because the vaccine is not required does not mean that it is not preferred. Most veterinary organizations heavily recommend the vaccine, and many facilities will not accept cats into their care if they have not received it.

Owners of indoor-only cats may feel that their cat is protected from rabies. This is mostly true. However, many cats are tricky and unpredictable. It only takes an open window for your cat to escape. When they return, there is no way to know what other critters they may have come across on their adventure. A variety of wandering animals carry rabies, including foxes, raccoons, and other community cats and dogs. Even a brief departure from the home can be fatal to an unvaccinated cat.

Owners of cats that go outdoors should always stay up-to-date on rabies vaccines and boosters. However, the most effective way to prevent against rabies and other viral diseases is to keep your cat indoors.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers professional grooming services for both dogs and cats. Contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our location in Fountain Valley, California for more information.

Himalayan Salt Lamps: The Hidden Danger for Pets

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The use of Himalayan salt lamps in the home has become increasingly more popular in the past few years. They have been said to create a more comforting atmosphere, reducing anxiety and providing a unique sense of warmth. However, they pose a serious threat to cats and dogs.

The Problem

A Himalayan salt lamp may not look like food, but some animals may be curious to taste it. This is mostly true with cats, but dogs may also develop this curiosity. Read here for more information on feline compulsions to lick or eat inedible items. Cats are also at more risk of licking salt lamps due to their ability to reach higher places in your home. As with humans, the taste of salt can be addicting to your furry friends. A bit of natural curiosity can easily become an obsession.

The problem with this is that salt is toxic to cats and dogs. They can consume about 16.7 mg per day, but any amount exceeding this can lead to salt poisoning. Salt poisoning has a wide variety of symptoms, including but not limited to vomiting, diarrhea, a change in appetite or thirst, tremors or seizures, and potential kidney damage. If left untreated, it will become fatal. An animal dedicated to licking salt lamps can easily consume over the recommended daily amount and develop salt poisoning.

What You Can Do

Many pet owners simply place their Himalayan salt lamp out of their pets’ reach. This is more possible in homes with dogs because they are not quite as nimble as cats. However, due to the unpredictability of animals, it might be ultimately safer to opt for a mood lighting lamp. If this is going to be in the reach of animals, ensure that it is heavy enough for them not to knock it over.

If you are looking for the atmospheric uplift associated with salt lamps, there are many alternatives that are safe and even beneficial for your pets. For example, growing cat grass indoors is a great way to increase the natural air flow in your home while encouraging safe chewing habits.

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides extensive grooming services to both cats and dogs. Additionally, we operate a cats-only boarding facility. Visit our location in Fountain Valley, California or contact us at 714-962-1005 for more information.