Pet Grooming Orange County

Valentine’s Day Safety For Pets

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It’s Valentine’s Day, which means that you may be introducing new gifts or decorations into your home. Unfortunately, some of these products can be dangerous to your pets. Share the love this holiday by ensuring a safe and comfortable home!

Flowers

Flowers are a beautiful way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Many are harmless, but some are less so. Calla lilies, azaleas, daffodils, chrysanthemums, daisies, carnations, tulips, and hydrangeas are all common in flower arrangements but toxic to dogs and cats. While these are the most toxic, other flowers can harm pets in other ways. If ingested, flowers such as morning glories, amaryllis, and peonies can cause digestive distress such as vomiting, diarrhea, and gas. Contact with cactuses, primroses, and ficuses can cause rashes.

Meanwhile, flower arrangements often contain roses, sunflowers, gerber daisies, orchids, and snapdragons. These are all nontoxic to pets and can be kept in your home. To be safe, keep all flowers away from your pets. This also reduces the possibility of breaking vases, which cats are known to do.

Candles and Scents

Certain ingredients in candles can be dangerous to your pets. These include paraffin, lead, acetaldehyde, benzene, and toluene. Burning candles that contain these ingredients can cause a variety of different complications. Instead, look for candles made of soy, bluecorn, or beeswax.

However, artificial scents can also be problematic for dogs and cats. Studies have shown that candle and air freshener scents make us and our pets sick over time. Furthermore, essential oil scents such as peppermint, wintergreen, tea tree, and eucalyptus are extremely dangerous, especially to cats. As a safety precaution, avoid using essential oils at home.

Chocolates

Another traditional (and delicious) Valentine’s Day gift is chocolate. Chocolate is dangerous to pets, but only when consumed. Keep any products containing chocolate wrapped and far away from your animals’ reach.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, your pet’s needs are always first. We provide professional grooming services to both cats and dogs. Additionally, we provide boarding to cats in our adjacent facility. For more information or to book an appointment, contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our Fountain Valley location today!

Feline Dental Care

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February is National Cat Health Awareness Month! This February, why not focus on the little things? Cats rely heavily on their teeth, which are much more delicate than they appear. Feline dental care is an important, but often forgotten, part of owning a cat.

Dental Problems in Cats

Feline periodontal disease affects approximately 70% of cats by their third birthday. Unchecked plaque build-up solidifies and becomes tartar over time. Eventually, this tartar will dig into and under the gums. This introduces harmful bacteria to the gums, triggering continued infection and damage to the surrounding teeth. Affected teeth may fall out. Furthermore, periodontal disease can cause organ damage to the kidneys, liver, heart, and nervous system.

It can be extremely difficult to detect dental disease in cats. The most common giveaway is their breath. Cats with dental disease will often have foul-smelling breath. There are a few more signs, including:

  • Visible tartar on the teeth
  • Drooling
  • Difficulty eating or refusal to eat
  • Missing or loose teeth
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Red or swollen gums (gingivitis)
  • Weight loss

These signs are often subtle and therefore very easy to miss. It is important to keep a close eye on your cat if you think they might have dental complications.

Dental Care

Feline dental care begins with good nutrition. Some foods are better for your cat’s teeth than others. Some pet owners find that dry food scrapes teeth clean, while wet food remains in the mouth for longer periods of time. However, good ingredients and a balanced diet are the most important factors in preventing dental disease.

It is also important to establish a teeth cleaning routine. This is easiest to do when your cat is still young. Cats cannot use human toothpaste, but there are special formulas made specifically for your feline friend. Use your finger (and perhaps a bit of gauze) the first few times to get them used to the process. Eventually, you can switch to a bristled finger brush or other cats-only toothbrush. Feline teeth should be brushed once daily, or at least twice a week.

Cats should have a dental checkup at least once a year. Veterinarians are trained to detect the subtle signs we tend to miss. Talk to your veterinarian about proper dental care at home; they may recommend specific foods or treats for additional care.

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides professional grooming services to your cat or dog. Contact us today at 714-962-1005, or stop by our location in Fountain Valley, California!

Skip the Rawhide

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We take it as one of the facts of life—dogs love bones. Children often watch cartoon puppies lugging around huge rawhide bones, gnawing on them and burying them deep in the yard. However, veterinarians are urging pet owners to rethink this association. It turns out that rawhide bones can be quite dangerous for your furry friend.

What is Rawhide, Actually?

Despite the name, rawhide bones are not real bones. They are made of the inner soft hide or skin of an animal. Usually, this animal is a cow, but rawhide production is not well-regulated, so it may contain any variety of livestock products. The “bone” is not the only form; rawhide is used to make a variety of shaped chews.

Rawhide is meant to satisfy a dog’s need to chew. Not only does this keep your dog entertained, it keeps your shoes and table legs safe. They can also serve as treats; many chews contain extra flavoring.

The Dangers of Rawhide

Perhaps the most common danger of rawhide is choking. Strong chewers (usually larger breeds such as Rottweilers) are more likely to dislodge large pieces from their rawhide treats. If inhaled, these can cause choking or blockages. Blockages may require invasive abdominal surgery to remove. On the other hand, weaker chewers (usually smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas) are at risk of shattering their teeth on rawhide chews.

Another common danger associated with rawhide is contamination. During processing, rawhide may come into contact with a variety of toxic chemicals such as bleach, hydrogen peroxide, arsenic, and formaldehyde. Rawhide may also become contaminated with harmful bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. Not only do these harm your furry friend, people in your home can also become sick from handling contaminated rawhide.

Rawhide chews may also cause your dog some digestive distress. Added flavors or other ingredients can cause gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting or diarrhea. For these reasons, many pet owners are turning to alternative chews and treats.

Claws N Paws offers a wide variety of professional grooming services to your cat or dog. To set up an appointment or for more information, contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our location in sunny Fountain Valley, California!

Detecting Ringworm in Pets

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Ringworm is an extremely contagious fungal infection that can affect cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, and even humans. Having pets may increase your chances of introducing ringworm into your home. Therefore, it is important to know the signs and treatments of ringworm in order to limit potential damage.

What is Ringworm?

Despite its name, ringworm does not include any squiggly insects. Rather, it is a fungal infection that appears as a red ring on the skin. It can be difficult to spot, especially under a full coat of fur. It thrives in humid conditions, and therefore it is most common in hot climates and on sweatier parts of the body.

There are varying levels of ringworm. Pets with a mild condition may not show symptoms. However, in more serious cases, you may notice dandruff-like flaking, discolored or crusty skin, hair loss in patches, and/or itching. In some cases, you may find the typical red “ring” lesion, usually on the head, tail, or back. However, these can be incredibly hard to spot.

Ringworm is mainly dangerous for its contagious nature. Ringworm fungi can survive for up to 18 months on surfaces such as bedding and dishes. If you have reason to believe that your pet has been exposed to ringworm, you should contact your veterinarian.

Diagnosis

Other ailments such as spider bites and eczema can appear like ringworm. These have different treatments, so it is important to properly diagnose your pet’s infection. A vet can do this with a variety of diagnostic tests. These may include observation, a Wood’s (or ultraviolet) lamp, a microscope, or fungal culturing.

Treatment

Treating ringworm can take several weeks, and there are many different methods vets use to treat ringworm. Topical treatments include antifungal creams, ointments, and shampoos. Depending on the severity of the infection, you may apply treatments to one specific spot or over your pet’s entire body. Oral medications are used in more serious cases. An infected pet should always be kept separate from other pets and people in the home during the treatment period.

It is also important to rid the home of any lingering fungi. Anything your pet may have come into contact with should be vacuumed, washed, or otherwise sanitized. This will ensure that ringworm will not persist in your home.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, we provide professional grooming services to both cats and dogs. For more information or to set up an appointment, contact us at 714-962-1005 or stop by our location in Fountain Valley today!

Those Who Wander…

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Cats are free spirits. Sometimes, this means that they do unpredictable things such as wandering around seemingly without purpose. While we recommend that all domestic cats remain indoors, this is not always the case. Understanding why your cat wanders (or roams) outside is important in understanding how to best keep them safe.

Why Do Cats Wander?

Many cats possess an urge to explore the world around them. As humans, we know very little about feline roaming behaviors. We know that they are quite savvy in a constant environment; they remember familiar landmarks and furry friends. Regardless, cats with an urge to roam are near impossible to restrict once they are already outside.

Cats may also wander during mating season. Typically, experts place kitten season in the period from April to October. However, it can begin as early as February. Cats that have not been spayed or neutered exhibit changed behavior during mating season. Females will howl and sometimes act overly affectionate. Both males and females will wander quite a bit more, subconsciously seeking a mate.

Dangers of Wandering

Roaming, while beloved by many cats, has its risks. Domestic cats are usually too small for drivers to avoid or even see crossing the street. Therefore, cars and other large vehicles pose the most major threat to outdoor cats.

Cats may also encounter living risks. Other animals such as foxes, coyotes, and fellow cats also roam the streets. Many of these animals are vicious, and some carry diseases such as rabies and upper respiratory infections. Additionally, your pet may run into some unfriendly humans during their roam.

During mating season, roaming has more consequences. Your male cats can impregnate unspayed females, and your female cats may return pregnant. While kittens seem cute, they require unique resources. Many kittens born in neighborhood conditions will not survive.

Precautions

We heavily recommend that domestic cats are kept indoors. However, if you decide to let your cat roam, there are some precautions you can take. Always make sure your cats’ tags are up-to-date and secured. Their vaccinations should also be kept meticulously up-to-date. These steps limits some of the more common risks to an outdoor cat.

It is also extremely important that your cat is either spayed or neutered. There are behavioral and health benefits to this, but it will also ensure that they will not breed. Even if your cat stays strictly indoors, they should be fixed.

At Claws N Paws, we put your pets’ needs and safety first. We provide professional grooming services to both cats and dogs, and we provide cats-only boarding right next door. For more information or to set up an appointment, stop by our Fountain Valley location today or contact us at 714-962-1005.

New Year, New Pooch

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Happy New Year! As we all prepare for a 2020 full of personal growth, we may feel inclined to make some healthy New Year’s resolutions. Why not include your furry friend? Here are some of the best ways to exercise your dog and have fun in the process.

Staying Home

There are a number of ways to exercise your dog without even leaving the house. Perhaps the most obvious option is to invest in some toys. Many dog owners recommend the flirt pole, which is essentially a giant cat toy meant for dogs. It consists of a stick for you to hold onto, attached to a rope with a dog toy attached to the other end. You can buy a flirt pole (usually for less than $30), or make one yourself. Even the most selective dogs love this toy, so make sure to clear the area of anything breakable before starting a game!

Owners who want to stimulate their dogs’ muscles and minds should consider puzzle toys. These dispense treats, but not without some work! To take it one step further, you can hide these puzzle toys, adding an element of foraging to your dog’s exercise regime.

Home assets can also provide a way to exercise. Many dogs enjoy running up and down stairs, but make sure to take your dog’s physiology into consideration. Stairs are especially challenging for long-backed breeds such as Dachshunds and Corgis. Additionally, treadmills are an excellent way to exercise a particularly energetic dog, especially when the weather is unfavorable.

If the weather is good, your backyard is also an excellent place to exercise. As a low energy exercise, blow some bubbles for your pup to catch. Not only is this a good workout, it is fun to watch! If you have a pool, many dogs love to swim—especially with their owners. One of the best things about these outdoor activities is that anyone can join in, including energetic children.

Getting Out

For a more involved workout, there are a number of places you can take your furry friend to exercise. Hiking is a good workout for both you and your dog. Walk familiar paths, or spice it up and find somewhere new! Dogs like to see new scenery on their outings. However, you must always make sure that the trail you choose allows pets.

Your dog does not always have to exercise alone. From birth, puppies learn how to play with their siblings. This experience is perhaps the most natural form of exercise to a dog. Visit a dog park or arrange puppy playdates with friends. Remember to always monitor your dog and others, particularly on their first few playdates. Some dogs may not get along.

Professional classes and sports such as agility are amazing sources of exercise. Your dog can learn how to do a number of new skills and tricks, all the while having fun and staying healthy. Consider signing them up!

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides professional grooming services to both dogs and cats. To set up an appointment, contact us at 714-962-1005 or stop by today!