Pet Grooming Orange County

Handling Aggressive Dogs

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Handling Aggressive Dogs

As a pet groomer, people often ask us how we handle aggressive dogs. Although extremely aggressive dogs WILL be turned away for both their own safety and the safety of our groomers, we often encounter dogs that bite. Typically dogs bite while being groomed because they are afraid. Expediting the grooming process is usually the best way to keep frightened dogs calm.

An experienced groomer will attempt to make their canine clients feel comfortable before beginning to groom them. The groomer might offer frightened dogs a treat and speak to them in a soft voice while giving them a little love. Once the dog is more comfortable they will be placed in the tub for a bath. Once in the tub, even aggressive dogs should allow the groomer to bathe them.

After the bath, the dog will be dried before it is moved to the grooming table. Dogs are restrained with a loop and a muzzle when necessary. Neither of these items hurt the dog. They are simply used to ensure the safety of both the dog and the groomer. When needed, the dog will be clipped quickly while being talked to calmly. The nails will be trimmed and the ears cleaned, possibly with the help of another groomer. After the grooming process is complete the dog will be calmed with more treats, kind words and lots of affection.

Sometimes pet parents consider giving sedatives to their dogs before grooming. Please talk to your veterinarian and groomer before doing so. Many groomers do not accept animals that have been sedated. If you are worried about your dog biting their groomer, it is important to discuss this matter with the groomer before scheduling your first grooming appointment. Most professional groomers understand that baths and haircuts are stressful on even the most well behaved dogs.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers dog and cat grooming in Fountain Valley, California. Our professional dog and cat groomers have many years of experience handling pets with all different kinds of temperaments. For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005.

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Dealing with Dry Skin on Maine Coons

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Dealing with Dry Skin on Maine Coons

Maine Coons are one of the largest cat breeds in the world. These gentle giants have medium to long hair that is silky, heavy and water resistant. Regular grooming of Maine Coons is required to prevent tangles from becoming large mats that can cause dry skin, itching and general discomfort. Dry skin can also be caused by diet, environmental factors and medical conditions. Let’s discuss how to prevent and deal with dry skin on Maine Coons.

Maine Coons require regular grooming. Dead hair must be properly removed from the undercoat and tangles must be dealt with promptly. Always use appropriate combs and brushes when caring for your Maine Coon. Never pull or tug on tangles. If the fur has become matted, have a professional groomer remove the mats. Dry skin and dandruff issues are common if your Maine Coon is not able to groom itself properly because of old age or weight problems. Frequent brushing will help to distribute the natural oils in your pet’s skin and keep your cat looking and feeling its best.

Diet plays a big role in the overall quality of your Maine Coon’s coat and skin. Always feed a high quality cat food that is appropriate for your cat’s size and age. Look for a commercial cat food that has an animal protein listed as the first ingredient. In addition, the food should contain very little to no grains, artificial colors or flavors. Adding Omega-3 supplements to your Maine Coons diet can reduce the incidence of dry skin.

Dry skin can also be caused by environmental factors. Keeping your home clean and vacuumed can significantly reduce the amount of fleas, flea eggs, mites and allergens in your home. When treating for fleas remember to treat your whole home as well as your cat. Other environmental factors that can negatively affect your cat’s skin and coat include stress and anxiety. Try to provide your cat with calm living conditions.

Sometimes irritated skin is caused by a medical condition. Check your cat for dry, flaky, irritated skin or hair loss. Constant scratching, licking and chewing of the skin, scabs, inflammation and round, scaly patches on the face and paws are all signs of potentially serious skin conditions. Take your cat to a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. If prescribed oral or topical medications to treat a skin condition, always follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully.

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides professional cat grooming services in Orange County, California. For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005.

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How to Choose a Pet Groomer

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How to Choose a Pet Groomer

Responsible pet parents want what is best for their pets. However, choosing a pet groomer can be a little confusing. Currently, pet groomers in the United States are not required to undergo any special training before handling sharp instruments around pets. While even the best groomer will sometimes nick an animal, an inept groomer can cause serious injuries. This is why it is so important to find an experienced pet groomer that is both skilled and kind. When choosing a groomer you should consider the following:

  1. Training and experience
  2. Cleanliness and attitude of the grooming shop
  3. How the groomer handles difficult pets

The last person you want handling your pet is someone who has just picked up a pair of clippers and posted an ad on Craigslist. It is extremely important to find out how your prospective groomer got their training. For example, they might have taken special courses or learned the art through an apprenticeship. Whatever the case, make sure that you choose a groomer who has received the proper training and has an ample amount of experience.

Whether it is hair on the floor around a pet being groomed, or an accident from a nervous pet, a grooming shop is bound to have the occasional mess. However, a grooming shop shouldn’t be excessively messy and pets should never be left in soiled cages. If the grooming salon handles both dogs and cats, they should be kept well away from each other. Barking dogs will frighten most cats and a pet groomer who takes this into consideration is a groomer that is mindful of the comfort and well-being of the animals that they are responsible for.

Don’t be afraid to ask a prospective groomer how they handle difficult pets. Confrontational and coercive reactions have a high probability of escalating the pet’s aggression, making them respond badly to any future attempts of grooming. Using grooming muzzles is acceptable however they should be used carefully and only for short periods of time. Groomers should never administer sedatives unless they are provided by the pet’s guardian under a veterinarian’s recommendation. The best responses regarding dealing with difficult pets will mention gentleness, breaks from the grooming session, not rushing the process, distracting with treats and stopping if the pet becomes overwhelmed.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been taking care of Orange County’s pets since 2001. Our talented groomers are experienced and fully trained. For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment please call 714-962-1005.

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Does My Cat Need To Be Groomed?

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Does My Cat Need To Be Groomed?catshave

Cats groom themselves regularly in order to keep their bodies cool and remove dirt and debris. Most people believe that since cats spend so much time grooming themselves they do not require professional grooming. However, regular professional grooming can significantly reduce shedding, ingestion of hair (hairballs) and matting of the fur.

Long-haired cats can become severely matted if they are not brushed regularly. When their fur is dirty it is even more likely to become matted. When a cat is matted, bathing them can actually make the knots worse. This happens because as their fur dries, the knots tighten against the skin. This causes your cat severe discomfort. Any knots or mats must be removed prior to bathing with the help of good quality clippers and NEVER scissors!

A cat’s skin is much thinner than a human’s or a dog’s skin. It is so thin in fact that if it is accidentally nicked with a clipper blade it can tear just like tissue paper. This is why using clippers on a cat should be left to a professional groomer that has experience working with cats.

Cats have very different grooming needs than dogs. Only certain shampoos are meant for use on cats. Using the wrong shampoo can cause severe skin irritation and other major health issues. For example, certain flea shampoos designed for use on dogs can enter your cat’s bloodstream through their pores, poisoning their body from the outside in. Similarly, if the shampoo is not properly rinsed then your cat will likely ingest the residue when they groom themselves after their bath. Professional cat groomers know which shampoos are best for use on cats.

Cats must also have their nails trimmed at least every four to six weeks. Regular nail trims reduce the sharpness of claws, decreasing the amount of damage that your cat can do to your furniture.

Cats have very special needs when it comes to grooming. An ideal cat groomer understands these needs and knows exactly how to make your cat’s grooming experience as stress-free as possible. One way of accomplishing this is by designating a special area that your cat is familiar with. A cat carrier provides a safe place where your cat can relax away from any dogs that are being groomed at the same time. When you provide your own cat carrier for your cat groomer, your cat can rest in an area that is free from any unfamiliar scents. Another excellent option for cats is mobile grooming.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has many years of experience grooming cats in Orange County, California. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 714-962-1005.

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