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!

Introducing a Cat Into a Home With Children

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Spending time with animals is invaluable to your child’s development. They can learn emotional skills ranging from empathy and compassion to responsibility and care. However, the transition to having animals can be a bit tricky. Many parents are nervous to introduce new animals into their homes for this reason. Follow these tips to help ensure a safe and comfortable transition for you, your children, and your new feline friend.

Why Cats?

Cats are quite like toddlers themselves; they love to play, eat, and sleep. Dogs require more involved care that takes them away from the home, such as walks and potty breaks. Cats, on the other hand, stay in the home, making it easier for young children to take on some responsibility for them.

However, it is important to note that (also like children) cats can be temperamental. This can teach children lessons about discipline and gentleness, but parental guidance is always necessary.

Kittens vs. Adult Cats

Kittens will learn and grow with your children, and they can be in your family for up to about twenty years. New pet owners usually choose to adopt kittens for this reason. However, kittens are much more likely to be temperamental than adult cats. They are growing into their personalities and may experience hormonal phases such as biting and overt playfulness. Children may find themselves afraid of a kitten’s unpredictability. Furthermore, kittens are smaller and thus more fragile. You as a parent will need to take extra care with a kitten, perhaps limiting their access to young children.

Adult cats, on the other hand, have already done their growing. They are the much safer option, as they are larger and less likely to act unpredictably. As a result, adult cats require less attention and can usually spend long periods of time with children. However, some parents are hesitant to adopt a cat they know they will have less time with. The cat has already been socialized a certain way, and so acclamation may be somewhat more difficult.

The best cat for one home may not be the best cat for yours. Always meet an animal before you decide to adopt.

Your Role as Parent and Pet Owner

As mentioned before, parental guidance is of the utmost importance in ensuring a positive transition. Speak to your children before bringing home any animals. They should demonstrate relatively calm demeanor and compassion. When selecting a cat, involve your children in the process. Bring them along to meet any potential adoptees. This will make them feel important and start early kinship between cat and child.

Kids can learn valuable skills such as feeding and cleaning up after a new pet. If you are giving your child any responsibilities, understand that you are ultimately in charge of the animal. Children can learn discipline from taking care of an animal, but your cat should not suffer as a result.

Consider adopting your new cat or kitten at Claws N Paws Day Spa. For more information about adoptions or our other services, visit our location in Fountain Valley, California or contact us at 714-962-1005. You can also follow us on Facebook for photographs of currently available cats.

Your Dog’s “Strange Addiction”

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Sometimes, dogs do things that seem odd to the human eye. Many of their actions are harmless and can be chalked up to natural curiosity. However, these “strange actions” can often become compulsory. Excessive licking at the skin is a common compulsion among dogs. While this may seem like a simple habit, it can have painful consequences.

What Is Acral Lick Dermatitis?

Acral lick dermatitis, or lick granuloma, is a dermal inflammation caused by excessive licking of one concentrated area. It is most common on the feet and legs. Keep an eye out for constant licking or biting, thick skin, and/or baldness. Eventually, the granuloma may appear as a lesion on the skin, and it may be wet or leaking.

What Causes Excessive Licking?

The most common cause of acral lick dermatitis is an undiagnosed allergy. Food allergies give dogs itchy skin that they may feel compelled to lick or pull at. For more information, see our blog on canine food allergies. Other skin conditions such as flea exposure or bacterial infection may also cause itchy skin.

Discomfort of another sort may cause excessive licking. Post-surgical pain or arthritis are only some examples of these uncomfortable conditions. In rare cases, it may indicate more serious ailments such as nerve damage or cancer.

Your dog’s compulsion may also be psychological. For example, licking can be an indicator for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Alternatively, a stressed dog may develop anxiety, for which excessive licking can become an unlikely source of endorphin release. There are a large number of psychological factors that may eventually lead to acral lick dermatitis.

Whatever the case, it is very important to identify your dog’s specific cause. Every case is different, and acral lick dermatitis is effectively just a side effect of something else. It will be in your pup’s best interest to address the cause rather than simply treating symptoms.

Treatment

Usually, vets will prescribe antibiotics to treat acral lick dermatitis. These fight secondary bacterial infections, usually over long-term use. Other possible medications include anti-inflammatory medications or topical treatments. Regardless, the vet will probably give your dog an Elizabethan collar to stop them from licking the affected area. Unfortunately, this is a short-term solution. The best possible treatment is to address and treat your dog’s specific cause for excessively licking.

Claws N Paws Day Spa owns and operates a full-service pet grooming salon in Orange County, California. For more information or to make an appointment, contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our location in Fountain Valley.

Canine Digestive Health

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We always want our dogs to feel their very best. Unfortunately, health problems can be unpredictable, including many digestive issues. The best way to prevent this from happening is to practice good gut health before a problem can arise. Your dog—and their tummy—will thank you!

Invest in Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that occur naturally in the body. Inflammation kills these bacteria, leading to uncomfortable digestive complications such as diarrhea and constipation. A lack of good bacteria in the body can also lead to poor health throughout the body, including skin health. These probiotics do not simply have to occur naturally; they may be taken in the form of dietary supplements.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, we personally use Purina’s FortiFlora to ensure good gut health. Using guaranteed live microorganisms, t is the number 1 brand recommended and prescribed by veterinarians. Talk to your veterinarian about starting your puppy or adult dog on FortiFlora.

Ditch the Grains

Grains in your pet’s diet may be causing inflammation in their digestive system. It is also extremely possible that your dog is living with an undiagnosed allergy to grain. For more information on how to detect these, see our blog on canine allergies. Whatever the case, grains are fairly unnecessary to a healthy dog’s diet.

Like with all dietary changes, make sure to introduce your dog to their grain-free diet gradually. A sudden shock to the diet may cause more harm than good to the digestive system. Slowly fade grains out to create a more comfortable transition. This may be done by mixing some old food into the new grain-free food, at least in the beginning.

A Balanced Diet

Your dog may be reacting negatively to an unvaried diet. They may not be getting the proper nutrients they need, or perhaps consuming too many added fillers. Furthermore, a dog with no variation in their diet will experience a larger reaction to sudden changes. Dogs are unpredictable and will often eat whatever they can get their paws on. Sudden shocks to the diet can lead to diarrhea and vomiting. You can vary your pup’s diet with different proteins or vegetables. Always remember to make these changes gradually.

At Claws N Paws, we always have your pet’s best interest in mind. We provide grooming services to both cats and dogs at our salon in Fountain Valley, California. In addition, we provide boarding services in our cats-only boarding facility located right next door. For more information, call us at 714-962-1005 or drop by today!

Practice Pet Safety This Halloween

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Halloween is approaching! As we all prepare for the spookiest season, we must not forget our furry friends. These safety tips will ensure that you and your pet will have an amazing Halloween 2019!

Candy is for Humans Only

Your children may bring home bags full of goodies on Halloween night. Unfortunately for the curious pet, these sugary sweets are more of a trick than a treat. Many Halloween candies contain ingredients such as chocolate or xylitol, which can be dangerous if consumed by animals. Make sure that you or your kids keep a close eye on the trick-or-treat bags.

As an alternative (yet still festive!) meal supplement, consider introducing some pumpkin into your cat or dog’s diet! See our blog on pumpkin for more information.

Be Careful With Decorations

Changes to the home can be surprising and even disorienting to your pets. They may knock things over or chew on something they are not supposed to. It is always a good idea to keep any candles and Jack-o’-lanterns out of reach of pets. If knocked over, they can quickly start a fire. Wires and electric decorations should also be kept out of reach. Dogs, cats, and small animals alike often feel compelled to chew these objects, leading to potential electric shock. Furthermore, moving animatronics or decorations that make loud noises can be scary for your pet. If you are a devout Halloween decorator, it may be best to keep these decorations outside or away from your furry friends.

Be Conscious About Costumes

As cute as they may be, many pets do not enjoy wearing costumes. Often wearing a costume can cause undue anxiety or discomfort. Always test costumes before committing to one for the whole night, ensuring that your pet is comfortable and can function properly.

Keep Them Indoors

Regardless of your plans, your pet should be kept inside on Halloween night. It can be a whirlwind of activity, easily overwhelming animals. Some children even play pranks involving animals (particularly black cats). Overall, it is a dangerous night to let your pets go outside.

You can still walk your dog on Halloween. Many dogs will love the experience of trick-or-treating with you and your children! However, make sure to always keep them on a leash. Unfamiliar Halloween costumes or decorations may scare some dogs and cause them to run away. As a general rule of thumb, always make sure your dog has proper identification just in case.

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides professional grooming services to both cats and dogs at our shop located in Fountain Valley, California. Stop by today or contact us at 714-962-1005 for more information or to set up an appointment.

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.