Pet Grooming Orange County

Pet Grooming – What You Want VS What You Get

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Pet Grooming – What You Want VS What You Get

Most people have a general idea of what they want their pet to look like after grooming. Sometimes pet parents will offer their groomer what they feel is an accurate description, only to find that their pet ends up looking totally different than what they had pictured in their head. These people are often confused as to what happened. There are actually many reasons why what you want isn’t always what you get at the grooming salon. Let’s take a look at why.

Puppy Cuts and Other Vague Descriptions

The term puppy cut seems to mean something different to everyone. While your groomer will do the best they can, not all dogs will end up looking like a puppy. It’s just not possible to reverse the clock (although we’d all like to sometimes). Instead of using vague descriptions to describe the type of haircut you want, make sure that you give a detailed description and ask your groomer exactly what will be done. Sometimes pets just don’t have the right hair, or enough of it to create the cut you want. Talking to your groomer will ensure that you better understand what your pet will look like after they are done being groomed.

Poor Coat and Skin Conditions

Sometimes the reason your groomer can’t do what you want is because your pet’s skin or coat isn’t in optimal condition. Severe tangles and mats cannot be removed without shaving. So if your pet is completely matted and you ask for a light trim, we’re not going to be able to pull that off for you.  The same goes for if they have mats in certain areas like where the collar sits. While we will discuss your options and do the best we can, you need to understand that we will always put the health and safety of your pet over giving them a particular haircut.

Occasionally, skin conditions will prevent us from giving your pet the haircut you would like. Skin issues, like bacterial and fungal infections, can hide under a thick coat. These might not become obvious until we begin the grooming process. Unfortunately, skin problems can cause unsightly sores and bald spots that just don’t work with certain haircuts. Whenever possible, skin conditions should be treated by your veterinarian before their grooming appointment.

Our groomers will do everything in their power to make your pet look perfect. However, we would like you to understand that some things simply are out of our control.

For more information, please call 714-962-1005.

Why you Might Not Always Get What you Expect From Pet Grooming – Part Two

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Why you Might Not Always Get What you Expect From Pet Grooming – Part Two

Last week we discussed why you might not always get what you expect when you bring an aggressive pet to the grooming salon. We would like you to understand that we will always do everything we can to communicate a problem with you. However, some things are deal breakers. We will NEVER do anything to put the health and safety of your pet or our groomers at risk. Truly aggressive pets will be sent home unfinished. They WILL NOT be allowed to return to our grooming salon.

As always, if you are not satisfied with your pet’s haircut please do not hesitate to let us know. Posting your concerns on social media does not allow us the opportunity to help you understand why your pet doesn’t look as you expected.

OLDER FIRST TIME OR ONCE A YEAR GROOMING

It’s natural for older pets that have never visited a grooming shop to be scared. The sights, sounds and smells are overwhelming for even younger pets. Older pets don’t have the reflexes they used to. They often don’t see or hear well. When they must suddenly endure a bath and haircut it can be overwhelming for them. Older pets are much more susceptible to problems from stress.

We will not continue grooming a pet if it is causing them an unnatural amount of distress. If you are bringing us an elderly pet that has never been groomed, or that hasn’t been groomed in years, there is a good chance that they will not end up looking like you expect. The same is true for pets that only come once a year. ALL PETS SHOULD BE GROOMED EVERY 4-8 WEEKS THROUGHOUT THEIR ENTIRE LIFE.

MATTED PETS

Pets that are extremely tangled or matted need to be shaved. If they are scared of the clippers, or have never been groomed before, this might be impossible to do. While we will do everything in our power to remove mats and tangles, we need you to understand that this is a delicate process. Pets that struggle or fight us excessively might not get finished.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been taking care of Orange County’s pets since 2001. We understand how important your pet is to you and that is why we will never do anything to put their health or safety at risk. For more information please call 714-962-1005.

Honor Your Pet This Valentine’s Day

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Honor Your Pet This Valentine’s Day

Our pets love us unconditionally year after year. If you have a pet, Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the special love that you have for your pet. Honor your pet this Valentine’s Day with any (or all) of the following suggestions.

Have professional photos taken of your pet

We only have our pets for so long, but pictures and memories can last a lifetime. Consider scheduling a special photography session for your pet this Valentine’s Day. Most places offer special backgrounds and props to create the perfect image.

Create a paw print in clay

Just like photographs, a paw print in clay is a lasting impression of your pet that you can keep forever. Creating one can be an excellent opportunity to spend some quality time with your pet. You can purchase clay handprint kits at most craft stores.

Spoil your pet with a special treat

Holidays are the ideal time to treat our pets to something special. Purchase them a special meal or their favorite treat this Valentine’s Day. If your pet has a sensitive stomach, consider getting them a toy instead. Just make sure that anything you give your pet is safe for them!

Pamper your pet with a spa day

If your pet enjoys getting groomed, and many of them do, make an appointment at Claws N Paws Day Spa. While they are here they will receive a soothing bath, blow dry and nail trim. They will look and feel wonderful afterwards! (This is an excellent idea before a photo shoot.)

Set aside some time to spend with your pet

Life can get extremely hectic at times. Between work, shopping, kids and other responsibilities we often don’t put enough time aside for our pets. This Valentine’s Day, set aside an hour or two to spend with your pet. You could go for a walk, or play one of their favorite games at home. You could even take them to pick out a new toy at your local pet store. Your pet will appreciate this special time with you more than anything you can buy.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers full service pet grooming and mobile pet grooming in Orange County, California. To schedule an appointment for your furry friend, please call us at 714-962-1005.

 

Why you Might Not Always Get What you Expect From Pet Grooming – Part One

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Why you Might Not Always Get What you Expect From Pet Grooming – Part One

There are many reasons why you might not always get exactly what you expect when you bring your pet to the groomer. It’s extremely important that you understand that your pet’s health and safety are our number one concern. We will never put either of these in jeopardy to create the perfect haircut.

Before dropping off your pet for grooming, please discuss your concerns with your groomer, but be prepared to listen to ours as well. Typically, if your groomer feels there will be a problem with grooming your pet, they will let you know. However, if you fail to provide valuable information that will affect the grooming process, then we can only do our best with what we have to work with.

Unfortunately, some things are out of our control. If you are not satisfied with your pet’s haircut please do not hesitate to let us know. Posting your concerns on social media does not allow us the opportunity to help you understand why your pet doesn’t look as you expected.

AGGRESSIVE PETS

Your pet might be the sweetest, gentlest animal at home. They may cuddle up with your children and other pets, and you might believe they would never hurt a fly. Please keep in mind that we see a very different side of your pet. Grooming can be stressful, especially if they only visit once or twice a year. Normally gentle pets can quickly become aggressive when scared or stressed.

There are two types of aggression. When a pet is scared, it will usually bite at hands or fingers. This is the type of behavior that warrants a muzzle and some patience on the part of the groomer. This is often seen in first time pets or pets that haven’t visited in a while. Sometimes these pets struggle so much that it makes it impossible to groom them. We will not allow a pet to become overly stressed just to finish their haircut. They will be sent home unfinished. TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING, ALL PETS SHOULD BE PROFESSIONALLY GROOMED EVERY 4-8 WEEKS.

The second type of aggression is when a pet deliberately bites at a face. This is not typical behavior for pets. Pets that pose a significant risk to themselves or our groomers CANNOT be groomed. This is for their safety and ours.

Click here to see part two of this post.

 

Taking Care of Your Dog When it Rains

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Taking Care of Your Dog When it Rains

We’ve been seeing an awful lot of rain in Southern California lately. While we definitely need it, it can cause some trouble for our furry friends. Fortunately, taking care of your dog when it rains isn’t that difficult.

Get out of the house

Being cooped up inside can be bad for your dog’s physical and psychological health. Just like us, dogs need regular exercise and time outdoors. They are creatures of habit and a sudden change in routine can cause them a lot of stress. A pet that is stressed out is more likely to fall ill. If you normally go out for a walk during the day, that shouldn’t change because of the rain. However, there are precautions you should take before venturing outside with your dog.

Protect them from the elements

Your dog’s fur coat can only protect them so much. When wet, it becomes a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria. After walking in the rain, it is extremely important to dry your dog as much as possible. Also, unless you will be visiting the groomer, only use dry shampoo when bathing your dog during the rainy season.

Your dog’s feet are especially vulnerable to infection. When walking in the rain, protect your dog’s feet with boots or shoes. If your dog will not tolerate this, wipe their feet well after they’ve spent any amount of time in the rain. If you have a long-haired breed, have your groomer trim the hair between their pads to further prevent infection.

Keep their bedding dry

Everyone needs a warm, dry place to rest. If your pet normally sleeps outdoors, bring them inside, or at least make sure they have a covered area for when it rains. Also, put down dry bedding so that they don’t have to sleep on the cold ground. Their food and water bowls should be covered as well.

Keep their ears clean

As moisture accumulates in a dog’s warm ears, bacteria begin to multiply. This is why ear infections are so common when it rains. The best way to ward off infection is by keeping your dog’s ears clean and dry during the rainy season.

If your dog has been getting muddy in the rain, consider bringing them in for a bath. Contact us at 714-962-1005 to set up an appointment today.

 

Taking Care of Your Pet’s Skin in the Winter

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Taking Care of Your Pet’s Skin in the Winter

Winter can be extremely hard on our pet’s skin. The cold, windy weather combined with the dry heat found in most homes can cause a number of problems for both us and our furry friends. During the winter months your pet’s skin might become dry, itchy and flaky. Luckily, it isn’t that difficult to take care of your pet’s skin in the winter.

Bathing and Grooming

One of the most common complaints during the winter is dandruff. Dandruff is the result of dead skin cells that can be seen on the surface of the skin or in the hair. This can be an unsightly problem, especially when the skin tries to compensate by producing more oil, leading to dead skin cells that clump together and become patchy layers on the surface of the skin.

Unfortunately, bathing can make dandruff worse. This is because bathing too often, or with the wrong shampoo, can cause chemical reactions or strip the skin of its natural oils. In order to avoid this you must use a moisturizing shampoo specially designed for pets and bathe your pet no more than once a month.

After bathing and drying your pet, use a soft brush to gently remove any patches of skin and stimulate the hair follicles and natural oil glands. Careful removal of dead skin cells and loose hair allows the skin to repair itself.

Diet

It is extremely important to feed your pet a healthy and well balanced diet all year long to ensure healthy skin. While a nutritious diet cannot completely eliminate the chance of your pet developing skin problems, it will make them easier to treat. During the winter, you might want to consider adding supplements to your pet’s diet. Ask your groomer or a veterinarian for recommendations.

Other Causes

Sometimes winter skin problems are the result of allergies, health issues or parasites. Your veterinarian can help determine what’s causing the problem and how you can solve it. If your pet is scratching non-stop and is causing damage to their skin, you will need to see your veterinarian immediately before they develop an infection.

Pets have different needs during the winter. Claws N Paws Day Spa can help you determine what your pet needs to keep their skin and coat healthy. Please call us at 714-962-1005 to schedule an appointment!