Pet Grooming Orange County

Removing Ticks From Pets

By

Removing Ticks From Pets

Humans, birds, reptiles, wild and domestic animals are all susceptible to ticks. Ticks feed on the blood of their host and can sometimes pass serious diseases. In fact, pets can contract multiple diseases from just one tick bite. Ticks must be removed carefully and should never be removed with bare hands. The following steps will help you safely remove ticks from your pets:

  • Start by filling a jar halfway with isopropyl alcohol. Set the jar on a stable surface where it will not get tipped over.
  • Have another person restrain your pet. Have them gently stroke, praise and reassure your pet to keep it calm.
  • Put on latex gloves to avoid direct contact with the ticks.
  • Dampen a cotton ball with alcohol and gently dab it around the tick. This will disinfect the area and reduce the chance of your pet developing an infection.
  • Using tweezers or a special tick-removing device, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull the tick out by applying steady pressure. Be careful not to jerk or twist the tick. This can cause its mouthparts to detach inside of your pet’s skin.
  • Place the tick inside of the jar of alcohol. This will preserve it in case laboratory identification or testing becomes necessary. Do not flush the tick down the toilet as doing so will not reliably kill it.
  • Disinfect the area around the bite wound with more alcohol.

Ticks should be dealt with as quickly as possible. Inspect your pet regularly for ticks, especially after walking in grassy areas.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers professional pet grooming services in Fountain Valley, California. We also offer mobile pet grooming to all areas of Orange County. If you are unsure if your pet has ticks, or how to remove them yourself, we would be happy to show you. For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

 

Top Ten Reasons to Adopt an Adult Cat

By

Top Ten Reasons to Adopt an Adult CatLil Girl

Adopting a cat is a very exciting time. You’ve probably considered several different breeds, whether you want a male or female and you might have even started thinking about what you will call your new friend. But have you considered adopting an adult cat? You might be surprised to learn that there are many more adult cats waiting for homes than there are kittens. Let’s take a look at the top ten reasons to adopt an adult cat:

  1. What you see is what you get
  2. Adult cats make better companions for older cats in the home
    If you have an older cat at home, a kittens might be too playful and will probably upset your cat rather than provide it companionship.
  3. They still have many years of life to live
    With proper care, cats can live well into their late teens and early twenties. Most of the time they remain active and playful throughout their entire life.
  4. Adult cats don’t chew on everything
    Kittens explore things with their mouths. This type of behavior can be destructive. Adult cats have outgrown this type of behavior.
  5. Kittens get into much more trouble
    Kittens are extremely curious. That curiosity can get them into lots of trouble, frequently resulting in serious injuries and accidents. Kittens eat things they shouldn’t and fall from high places. Adult cats are much more cautious.
  6. Kittens are messy
    Most kittens are too busy exploring to be concerned with self-grooming and they tend to be less than careful in the litterbox. Adult cats spend hours cleaning themselves so you don’t have to.
  7. Adult cats use up less of your energy
    Adult cats sleep more, play less, require less supervision, break fewer things and won’t attack your toes while you sleep. With an adult cat, you sleep better, relax more and have much more energy.
  8. Adult cats are better equipped to deal with children
    Children can be rough with both cats and kittens. Adult cats are typically better at escaping the clutches of a small child than kittens are.
  9. Adult cats are better in the litter box
    Kittens tend to play and sleep in their litter boxes, making a huge mess in the process. Adult cats understand the purpose of a litter box and will usually cooperate with your efforts to keep it tidy.
  10. You could be their last chance at adoption
    Most adult cats end up at rescue centers due to no fault of their own. In fact, most are emotionally devastated by their misfortune. Unfortunately, most people gravitate towards kittens, ignoring the adult cats that must wait year after year for the perfect family. While kittens will always be popular, you are probably the last chance for that heartbroken adult cat.

Claws N Paws has many adult cats available for adoption. For more information, please click here.

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

Dealing with Dry Skin on Maine Coons

By

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.

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

 

Matted Hair is Dangerous for your Pet

By

Matted Hair is Dangerous for your Pet20150402_092205

When an animal’s coat is not properly cared for it can become matted. When the mats are bad enough they can become like a coat that surrounds the pet’s entire body. At this point the matted coat must be shaved off, typically in one big piece. Matted hair can be extremely dangerous to the health of your pet. Let’s discuss why:

  1. Matted hair traps moisture, insects, fleas and bacteria. Often time’s sores develop under the mats.
  2. When a dog has severely matted ears, the tightness of the mats can cause the delicate blood vessels in the tips of the ears to burst. This causes blood to pool under the hair on the tips of the ears. These hematomas can be extremely painful for your pet. When the matted hair around the tips of the ears is shaved, they will typically bleed. This is caused by the mats and is not the fault of the groomerPets that are severely matted must be shaved very close to the skin. This increases the chance of irritation of the skin and injury to your pet.
  3. When an animal’s coat is matted down to the skin, every time they scratch their nails catch the mats and tears at the skin. This can quickly lead to rips in the skin. These rips usually require stitches and antibiotics after the pet has been shaved down by a professional groomer.
  4. The eyes, ears, mouth, paw pads and sanitary areas are extremely prone to serious, life-threatening infections when a pet’s coat is matted.
  5. Aside from the physical effects of matted fur, the animal’s behavior can change as a result of the constant pain and discomfort. Dogs can get snappy and bite without provocation and cats might disappear into their occasional hiding spots for days on end.
  6. In order to avoid mats and the health problems associated with them, you must take the time necessary to properly care for your pet’s coat. Use a metal comb and/or a slicker brush several times a week and have your long-haired dog or cat professionally groomed every five to eight weeks.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been offering professional pet grooming services in Fountain Valley, California since 2001. For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

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

 

 

Keeping Your Cat’s Teeth Clean

By

Keeping Your Cat’s Teeth Clean

Having a healthy set of teeth and gums are essential to your cat’s welfare. In the wild, big cats prevent plaque and tartar build-up by tearing through tough skin and bones. While modern day cat foods supply your cat with the proper vitamins and nutrients, they do very little to keep their teeth healthy. In order to keep your cat’s teeth strong and free from plaque, tartar build-up and gum disease you must regularly examine your cat’s mouth and clean its teeth. Let’s take a closer look at how to keep your cat’s teeth clean.

Although many people believe that brushing their cat’s teeth will be a difficult job, even the most stubborn cat can become used to a daily teeth cleaning. The younger your cat is when you begin your teeth cleaning routine the better. However, you can begin a tooth cleaning routine at any time, even if your cat is older and has never had its teeth cleaned before.

If your cat already has tartar build-up then it’s a good idea to have your veterinarian perform an oral inspection and cleaning. While dental treatments can be costly, keeping your cat’s teeth clean between visits will mean that they can go much longer before needing these detailed cleanings.

Start by obtaining a cat toothbrush and toothpaste that is specially formulated for pets. Toothbrushes that are designed for humans are much too harsh for a cats delicate gums and normal toothpaste will upset your cat’s stomach when swallowed. Pet toothbrushes and toothpaste are available from most pet supply stores.

Once you have the correct toothpaste and toothbrush, begin by putting a small amount of toothpaste on your finger and seeing if your cat will allow you to gently massage its teeth and gums. Be encouraging and be sure to give plenty of praise if your cat allows you to do it. If your cat resists, try again the next day.

After your cat becomes accustomed to your finger, try using the toothbrush instead. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the brush and put it in your cat’s mouth. Once your cat is happy with the feel of the brush against its teeth you can gently begin brushing. Don’t worry if you aren’t able to get all of your cat’s teeth brushed at first. Begin with a short, fifteen second session then gradually increase to thirty seconds. Try to clean every tooth during these longer sessions.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers quality pet grooming services in Fountain Valley, CA. For more information about cat grooming services, please call 714-962-1005.

Mention our blog to receive a free tooth brushing for your pet!!

The Problem with Fleas on your Cat

By

The Problem with Fleas on your CatFleas on pets

Fleas can quickly take over your home and your cat. Fleas bite both people and pets, causing welts and intense itching. These tiny pests are not only difficult to live with, but they can also cause some serious problems as well. Let’s discuss the problems associated with fleas on your cat.

Tapeworms

Fleas are an essential part of a tapeworm’s life cycle. If your cat swallows an infected flea, it will end up contracting these intestinal parasites. Tapeworms can cause serious problems for your cat including malnutrition and intestinal blockage. These problems aside, the sight of tiny wriggling tapeworms on your cat or in their litterbox will be enough to send you running to your vet for medication. However, treating the tapeworm infestation is only a small part of the battle, as long as your cat is still coming in contact with fleas, they are subject to re-infection.

Anemia

A cat that has a severe flea infestation is not only suffering from the intense itching these pests can cause, but they can also cause your cat to die. Every time a flea bites your cat, it takes a little of its blood. If your cat has a large number of fleas on it, they can consume so much blood that your cat becomes anemic. Even though cats of any age can become anemic from fleas, the most likely to suffer are young kittens and elderly cats. Controlling fleas can protect your cat from this life-threatening situation.

Allergies

Cats that are repeatedly exposed to fleas can develop a flea allergy causing them to react strongly to every single flea bite. Cats with flea allergy scratch and lick constantly. Their skin becomes red and inflamed causing obvious distress. Flea allergy can also cause your cat to lose fur and develop sores. In severe cases you might see cracked, crusty brown patches that ooze clear fluid or pus.

Dealing with fleas can be an ongoing battle, especially in California where the weather is ideal for fleas all year long. Fleas must be dealt with aggressively and quickly to avoid serious problems for your cat. In order to ensure that fleas are dealt with properly, your cat and home must both be treated.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been taking care of orange county’s pets since 2001. We can help you rid your pet of fleas. For more information or to schedule a grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

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