Pet Grooming Orange County

Dealing With A Dog That Bites

By

Dealing With A Dog That Bites

Dogs bite for a number of reasons. Puppies may bite when teething or playing. It’s up to us to teach them what’s acceptable and what is not. Sometimes, dogs develop aggressive tendencies towards people or other pets. This is extremely common. It’s estimated that around 60-70% of pet dogs will growl or bark at strangers or animals they don’t know.

Most dogs will not act aggressively towards their own family members. Dogs that bite the people or animals they live with are much harder to deal with than those that act aggressively only in certain situations.

When Your Dog Bites Their Vet or Groomer

It’s not uncommon for dogs to bite out of fear and when in pain. This frequently occurs at vet offices and grooming salons. New pet owners are often very surprised to learn that their sweet, gently dog has bitten their vet, vet tech, or groomer. While this type of behavior is common, it should not be ignored. Changing vets or grooming salons will not solve the problem.

It’s crucial that you let your vet or groomer know in advance if your dog has ever bitten their caretakers. This allows them to take the necessary precautions to protect both themself and your dog.

Grooming A Dog That Bites

As one of Orange County’s premier grooming salons, we see a lot of dogs every day. Many of these dogs are fearful or become stressed out when being groomed. When armed with the right information, we can help these dogs overcome their fear and many even end up enjoying the grooming process. However, if you do not let us know that your dog might bite, we will not know to take things slow as your dog adjusts to being groomed.

Typically, a dog will bite during specific procedures such as nail trims or brushing. With proper notice, we can usually avoid being bitten. Our groomers take extra time and care when handling dogs that bite. They move slowly and give plenty of positive reinforcement for good behavior. It’s important to note that because of the extra time and effort involved, dogs that bite do cost extra to groom.

You can get your dog used to being groomed at home between professional grooming appointments. Touch their feet, nails, and ears regularly. Over time, your dog should become accustomed to being groomed.

Sometimes, dogs are too aggressive to be handled. Grooming these dogs is risky for both the groomer and the dog. These dogs must be groomed by their veterinarian. This is usually done under sedation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

By

Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Hip dysplasia is extremely common, affecting mostly large breeds of dogs. When a dog has hip dysplasia, the ball and socket of the hip are malformed. This creates a joint that rubs and grinds as apposed to sliding smoothly.

Causes of Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Signs of the disease can be seen in pets as young as four months old. Hip dysplasia that occurs later in life is typically due to osteoarthritis, a form of joint inflammation.

Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia

Dogs with hip dysplasia often experience decreased activity, difficulty rising, an obvious reluctance to run, jump or climb, limpness of the hind limbs which is typically worse after exercise, pain in the hip joints, and loss of muscle mass in the thighs. Dogs that are suffering from hip dysplasia might sway or bunny-hop.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Only a qualified veterinarian can diagnose hip dysplasia. A physical exam, blood test, and x-rays are generally necessary. It’s important to provide your veterinarian with a detailed history of your dog’s condition including the date that symptoms began and whether injury occurred prior to their onset.

Treatment is generally outpatient unless surgery is required. Weight control is extremely important. Any excess weight can put additional pressure on your pet’s joints. Your veterinarian might prescribe a special diet, as well as anti-inflammatory and pain medications.

Hip dysplasia can be extremely painful. It’s crucial that you do all that you can to reduce your dog’s discomfort.

Grooming Dogs With Hip Dysplasia

Grooming can be difficult for pets with hip dysplasia. Moving in and out of a raised tub and on and off a grooming table might be more than these pets can handle.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, we understand the unique needs of dogs with hip dysplasia. We have low tubs and are able to bathe and groom dogs on the floor if we feel it is best for their comfort and safety.

Our professional groomers truly care about your pet. If you are concerned about having your pet groomed because of their hip dysplasia or other needs, please stop by our Orange County grooming shop to see how we can help.

Please call 714-962-1005 to set up a grooming appointment.

 

 

 

Fun Places to Visit With Your Dog This Spring

By

Fun Places to Visit With Your Dog This Spring

Spring is officially here in Southern California. This means warmer weather and longer days. It also means spending more time outdoors with your dog. Be sure to check out the following dog-friendly spots this spring:

Dog Beach

In case you weren’t already aware, dog beach is located in Huntington Beach. This beach allows you to enjoy the surf with your pet. Your dog is sure to enjoy digging in the sand and playing in the water. Although dogs are allowed at dog beach, it’s still a good idea to bring a leash. Not every dog that visits is used to being around other dogs. It’s also important to remember to clean up after your pet.

Mile Square Park

Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley features lots of trails to explore. You and your dog are sure to enjoy seeing turtles, geese, ducks, and other dogs. There’s plenty of room to throw Frisbees and play catch. This is a large park with lots to do. Take a picnic lunch and make a day out of it.

Park Bench Café

The Park Bench Café is located in Huntington Central Park. This dog-friendly café offers plenty of treats for you and your furry friend.

Fashion Island

If you’re in the mood for some shopping, make sure you bring your dog to Fashion Island in Newport Beach. This dog-friendly mall features a number of shops to explore. Most of the shops allow you to bring your dog in on a leash, and a few even have doggie mascots of their own.

Costa Mesa Bark Park

The Costa Mesa Bark Park offers dogs plenty of room to run, play, and meet other dogs. This provides the perfect opportunity to let your dog roam free while you meet other like-minded pet parents in the area.

After exploring Orange County with your dog, make sure that you stop by Claws N Paws Day Spa for a bath. We can help rid your pet of that pesky sand from dog beach or dirt buildup from playing at the park. Please call 714-962-1005 to schedule a grooming appointment.

 

 

Spring Cleaning – Why It’s Important to Remember Your Pet

By

Spring Cleaning – Why It’s Important to Remember Your Pet

It’s that time of year again. Spring brings with it flowers, warmer days, and baseball season. This is the time when many of us will be organizing and cleaning every square inch of our homes. It’s important not to forget to get your pet groomed this spring as well.

Reduce Shedding

As spring gets warmer you’ll probably notice your pet is shedding more than usual. This is normal as we transition from winter to summer. Some pets shed more than others but you’ll likely spend the next few months cleaning up fur. This can be frustrating when you’re trying to clean your home.

Regular grooming can help reduce the amount of hair that ends up on your floors, furniture, and your clothes. A professional groomer uses special tools including heavy-duty dryers and brushes to remove dead hair and encourage natural oils to moisturize the skin.

Improve Your Pet’s Health and Well-Being

A professional grooming can help make your pet feel like a million bucks. When you bring your pet to the groomer, they get pampered from head to toe. Grooming service typically includes a bath, blow-dry, brushing, ear cleaning, and nail trim. Not only does this help your pet look and feel their best, it also helps keep them healthy. Your groomer will be able to spot any issues that should be addressed.

Choosing a Groomer

You have many choices when it comes to choosing a groomer for your pet. It’s important to choose a groomer that has ample experience and a reputation for providing quality care.

It can be scary to leave your pet for the very first time. The groomer you choose should take the time necessary to properly care for your pet and address any questions or concerns you might have.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers quality dog and cat grooming to pets living in and around Orange County. We have been in business for over fifteen years and have become a trusted groomer in our community. Please call 714-962-1005 to set up a spring grooming appointment for your pet.

 

 

 

 

Recognizing and Treating Ear Infections in Dogs

By

Recognizing and Treating Ear Infections in Dogs

Regular ear care is extremely important for dogs of all ages. Cleaning your dog’s ears helps keep them free from debris and helps you spot ear infections sooner. Regular cleaning also helps prevent infections from happening in the first place.

Causes of Ear Infection

Ear infections are common. They are caused by buildup of yeast and bacteria in the ear canal. They can also be caused from water trapped in the ears. This is why regular cleaning, especially after swimming and bathing, is important. Cleaning the ears helps remove wax buildup, yeast, dirt and bacteria from the ears. It also helps dry any water that is left after swimming.

Ear Infection Symptoms

Spotting an ear infection can be tricky. Dogs cannot tell us when their ears are bothering them. It’s important to look for any changes in behavior. Excessive head shaking or ear scratching are possible signs of a problem. Foul smelling ears typically indicate an infection. Your dog’s ears might also become red, swollen and sensitive to the touch.

If your dog exhibits any or all of these symptoms, it’s crucial that you contact your vet. Ear infections are painful and can become worse over time.

Treating Ear Infections

A quick trip to the vet can help you determine whether or not your dog is suffering from an ear infection. Veterinarians often use a swab to test to determine the exact cause of the infection. This is a quick and easy procedure.

Depending on the severity and cause of the infection, you might be given eardrops, oral antibiotics or medicated ear wash. Sometimes, all of these treatments are prescribed at the same time. It’s crucial that you follow your veterinarian’s recommendations and use all of the medication prescribed for your pet. Stopping a medication too early can cause the infection to come back.

Preventing Ear Infections

Although some dogs are more prone to ear infections than others, regular ear cleaning can help prevent infections from returning. This also helps you spot the signs of an ear infection early, when they are easier to treat.

Claws N Paws Day Spa can help keep your dogs ears clean. Ear cleaning is included in our basic groom and bath service. Please call 714-962-1005 to set up a grooming appointment for your dog.

 

 

Creating a Pet Trust

By

Creating a Pet Trust

Our pets bring us so much joy. They provide us with unconditional love and are always there to cheer us up. Most people would do everything in their power to keep their pet safe. However, many pet owners never consider what would happen to their pet if they were no longer able to care for them.

No matter how well behaved and trained your pet is, it will never be able to care for itself. In the event of your death, someone will need to keep your pet safe.

Protect Your Pet With a Pet Trust

Unfortunately, the pets of deceased owners are often sent to the shelter, or worse. It’s crucial that you take the necessary steps to ensure your pet avoids this fate. A Pet Trust allows you to leave money for your pet and assign a guardian to care for them.

When setting up a Pet Trust, you’ll need to designate a trustee. This is the individual who will be in charge of the finances you leave for your pet. You will also need to assign a beneficiary. This is the person who will be responsible for the day-to-day care of your pet.

Your selected guardians will be responsible for both your pet and the money you leave for them. You need to be extremely careful when choosing these individuals. Always ask their permission before naming any guardians in your trust. It’s a good idea to have alternatives in place just in case your first choice in unavailable.

It’s common to choose guardians that are close to you and your pet. If you have several pets, you might want to assign different guardians for different pets.

Leaving Money for Your Pet

When determining how much money to leave for your pet, you’ll need to consider how much money it will cost to care for your pet until the end of its life. This figure should include medical care and other expenses. It’s a good idea to include stipends for both the guardian and the trustee.

Always include specific details about your pet on your Pet Trust. Include your pet’s name, breed and identifying marks. Your pet’s microchip number should also be included if applicable. This helps prevent fraud and protect your pet.

For more information about Pet Trusts, please call 714-962-1005.