Pet Grooming Orange County

Is Your Peanut Butter Safe For Your Dog?

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Is Your Peanut Butter Safe For Your Dog?

Many dogs enjoy peanut butter. At almost every pet supply store you can found several different peanut butter treats and snacks for dogs. In fact several people even make these treats in their own kitchen. Peanut butter is often used straight from the jar to get our dogs to swallow pills. However is your peanut butter really safe for your dog?

There is a new type of peanut butter on the market that is actually poisonous to dogs. This peanut butter contains a sweetener called Xylitol. Xylitol exists naturally in some fruits and vegetables. For people, Xylitol is an excellent substitute for sugar and its use results in fewer calories, less tooth decay and fewer problems for diabetics. Xylitol is commonly found in sugar-free gum, candies, toothpastes and baked goods. However xylitol is toxic to dogs even in very small amounts.

In low doses xylitol causes insulin release and low blood sugar in dogs. When blood sugar drops low enough dogs can experience seizures or fall into a coma. In slightly higher doses xylitol causes liver failure in dogs. Any amount of xylitol ingested by a dog should be considered dangerous. The dog must be hospitalized and given an infusion of sugar through IV and medications to protect their liver. Their sugar and liver must be constantly monitored for two to three days in order to detect any liver disease that might develop. If detected, liver failure is extremely difficult to treat.

Having your dog in the hospital for a few days with blood being drawn regularly is tough on both you and your dog. An ounce of prevention can go a very long way in protecting your dog from a potentially serious problem. Always read labels and educate yourself on which foods are safe for your dog. Many people don’t realize that foods such as grapes, macadamia nuts and bread dough are also toxic for their dogs. If you are unsure if something is safe, it’s probably best to avoid it.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa we care about the health and safety of your pets. We offer full service pet grooming in Fountain Valley, California. For more information or to schedule a grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005.

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

 

Supporting Cat Rescue

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Supporting Cat Rescue

Cat rescue groups are committed to the rescue of homeless, unwanted domestic cats. These small non-profit rescue groups support a no-kill community where they do not euthanize cats that are not adopted. However, not all animals can be adopted into a new home. Some animals are simply too aggressive to be adopted. These animals pose a danger to prospective family members or other animals. Other animals might be too sick or injured to be candidates for adoption. The no-kill concept simply means that no healthy, adoptable animals are euthanized for lack of an adoptive home.

Cat rescue groups are dedicated to finding safe and loving forever homes for the cats and kittens that are under their care. Rescue groups are non-profit organizations. They are funded exclusively through donations. Rescue groups help communities provide safe shelter, veterinary care and socialization for stray, abandoned or abused cats until suitable permanent homes can be located.

Prior to adoption, cats and kittens are tested for diseases, given vaccinations, spayed or neutered and checked and treated for ear mites, fleas and worms. Cats that are spayed and neutered live longer, healthier lives, don’t roam as much or spray to mark their territory and reduce the stray cat population.

There are a few things that you can do to help your local cat and kitten rescue:

Volunteer

Rescue groups frequently need good people that are able to help with rescue efforts, foster cats and bottle-feed kittens. Ask your local rescue group if they are in need of volunteers.

Donate money or items

You can help your local cat rescue by donating money or other items such as cat food, litter, kitten formula, blankets, towels, cat toys and scratching posts. Check with your local rescue group to find out if they are accepting donations.

Support local businesses that support rescue efforts

Many wonderful businesses support rescue efforts. Check with your local rescue to find out who supports them!

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been taking care of Orange County’s dogs and cats since 2001. We offer full service pet grooming at our state of the art pet salon in Fountain Valley, California. Additionally, we offer mobile pet grooming to all areas of Orange County. Claws N Paws also has many wonderful cats and kittens available for adoption. Two doors down from our pet salon we have a consignment shop offering several unique and interesting items. 100% of all profits from pet supply sales at This n That Consignment go directly into our rescue efforts! For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

 

Why Your Dog Might Stink After Its Bath

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Why Your Dog Might Stink After Its Bath

It can be extremely frustrating when your dog starts to smell immediately after its bath. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why this can occur.

Skin Infections

One of the main causes of a stinky dog is bacterial or fungal infections of the skin. These types of infections cause inflammation, bumps, hair loss and an unpleasant odor that cannot be removed by soap. A skin infection can affect some or all parts of a pet’s body. Skin infections are commonly caused by open wounds, a compromised immune system, parasites and skin allergies. Skin infections must be diagnosed by a veterinarian. They are treated with prescription shampoos, ointments, diet change and/or oral medications.

Improper Bathing

Some breeds of dogs are more odorous by nature. Breeds such as basset hounds, Labrador retrievers and cocker spaniels secrete more oil from their scent glands than other breeds. Special shampoos must be used on these dogs to remove the oils and odors without drying out their skin. Wrinkled dog breeds such as pugs, shar-peis, bulldogs and Pekingese also require meticulous bathing to remove dirt and debris from their skin folds. If the dirt is not properly removed during bathing it will attract bacteria and develop a foul odor.

Bodily Fluids and Medical Conditions

If your pet becomes excited or nervous during its bath it might emit fluid from its anal sacs. This stinky fluid can get all over the fur on its backside making them smell awful. These sacs can also become infected, leading to an unpleasant odor that will remain even after bathing. Additionally, if your dog does not receive regular dental care it can develop an odor caused by dental disease and bacterial infections in its mouth. Some illnesses such as kidney disease and diabetes can also cause an unpleasant odor that emanates from your pet’s mouth, even after a bath. Have your pet checked by a veterinarian to rule out dental problems and medical conditions and make sure that you empty your dog’s anal sacs with every bath.

Bathing Frequency

One bath every month is typically sufficient for keeping your pet smelling fresh without drying out its skin. Between baths you can freshen up your dog’s fur with regular brushing. If your dog likes to roll in stinky things, or has an extremely stinky coat, more frequent baths might be necessary.

Wet Dog Odor

If your dog has been properly bathed and has received a clean bill of health from your veterinarian, it shouldn’t continue to smell. If it does, you probably have not properly dried your pet. If the undercoat is not completely dried immediately after a bath, your dog will have an offensive wet dog odor. Power dryers used at most pet salons are the best way to make sure that your pet is completely dry.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers quality pet grooming services in Fountain Valley, California. For more information, or to schedule a grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005.

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

 

Hot Spots

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Hot Spots

Hot spots on pets are extremely common during the summer. A hot spot is a localized area of skin that is inflamed and infected. The infection can be superficial or deep. Hot spots are also known as moist dermatitis and acute moist dermatitis.

Hot spots are typically caused and made worse by excessive biting, licking and scratching. There are several factors that can initiate this behavior. Common factors include fleas, mites, other external parasites, insect stings or bites, injuries or allergies. Occasionally animals will start a hot spot out of boredom or during periods of stress.

Hallmark signs of a hot spot include redness, oozing, pain and itchiness. Hair loss might also be present. Sometimes hair can become matted over the lesion, obscuring the size or magnitude of the problem. It is extremely common for a pet parent to notice a small area of inflamed skin on their pet in the morning and arrive home hours later to find that the affected area is much larger. This is because pets often become highly agitated and will not leave the area alone. Sometimes the pet might even growl or snap when the area is touched.

The treatment of hot spots varies depending on the severity of the problem. It is extremely important to have all hot spots promptly checked by a veterinarian as the problem can quickly spread and further skin infection can occur. There are a few things you can do at home to help alleviate the pain of hot spots:

  • Shave the area, allowing air to dry the hot spot
  • Cleanse the area with cool water and a mild skin cleanser
  • Apply a cool washcloth to the area two to four times a day
  • Use an E-collar to prevent licking, biting or scratching of the area
  • Follow your veterinarian’s instructions thoroughly when applying topical medications, bathing or administering oral medication

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers dog and cat grooming in Fountain Valley, California. Our experienced groomers understand how uncomfortable hot spots can be for your pet. We can bathe your pet in their prescription shampoo and assist you with your pet’s topical medication. We can also safely remove the hair from around most hot spots. For more information or to schedule a grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005.

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

 

Support Cat Rescue! Shop at This N That Consignment Shop

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Support Cat Rescue! Shop at This N That Consignment Shop

The Difference Between a Consignment Shop and a Thrift Shop

Most people don’t fully understand the difference between a consignment shop and a thrift shop. The major difference is that consignment shops get to choose the items that they consign and offer for sale. Many consignment shops will ask you to make an appointment to bring things in and will typically sort things by season. Consignment shop owners are extremely careful about what they take for consignment and will not accept items that are poor quality. Consignment shops pay you for your gently used items and will often offer you a tax credit for donating your unsold items to their shop. Consignment shops, when managed well, are a lovely place to visit and shop for quality, recycled items.

Thrift shops are often overloaded, disorderly and overwhelming to shop in. Because thrift shops only sell donated items they are not able to be as selective as a consignment shop. Thrift stores typically offer many different types of items for sale such as clothing, accessories, dishes, bakeware, books, games, furniture and more. Although thrift stores usually have good prices, their items are often not as good or long lasting as those purchased in a consignment shop.

One benefit of both thrift stores and consignment shops is that you can purchase green, recycled products. This is an excellent way to save money and help the environment at the same time.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been taking care of Orange County’s dogs and cats since 2001. We offer full service pet grooming at our state of the art pet salon in Fountain Valley, California. Additionally, we offer mobile pet grooming to all areas of Orange County. Claws N Paws also has many wonderful cats and kittens available for adoption. Two doors down from our pet salon we have a consignment shop that offers many unique and interesting items. 100% of all profits from pet supply sales at This n That Consignment go directly into our rescue efforts! For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

 

Is Your Dog’s Disease Linked to Their Food?

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Is Your Dog’s Disease Linked to Their Food?

Many illnesses can be traced back to your pet’s food. Low quality pet food encourages infestations of insects, mites and molds, leading to chronic allergies. However, grain mites that feed on poor quality feed grains can quickly combine with insects to create a far bigger issue for your dog. These mites can pick up and spread the spores of extremely dangerous molds that are capable of producing some of the world’s deadliest natural toxins.

Molds are members of the fungi family. Unlike other fungi such as mushrooms, molds are invisible to the naked eye. They reproduce by creating small, seed-like particles known as spores. Because molds and mold spores are microscopic, they can spread easily by traveling on the small bodies of mites and weevils. When this occurs it doesn’t take very long for an entire bag of grain to become contaminated.

Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to the molds and mold spores commonly found in pet foods. However, the greatest danger lies in the potential for ingestion of the poisons produced by these molds. Symptoms of mold poisoning can include:

  • Fever
  • Jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes
  • Dark colored urine
  • Persistent violent bouts of vomiting
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Death

Even small amounts of the mold can accumulate in a dog’s liver, causing cancer to develop over time. Once the mold enters the liver there is no antidote and no known cure. Any amount of mold in your pet food should be considered unsafe. Every single time you choose to feed your dog commercial pet food made with cheap, low quality cereal grains you are putting them in danger.

In order to protect your dog from these potential dangers you must never buy cheaply-made dog food and avoid dog foods that contain grain by-products or mill waste. Dog food ingredients are often the most overlooked cause of serious disease in healthy dogs. Don’t allow your dog to become one of the ones affected.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers dog and cat grooming in Orange County, California. For more information, or to schedule a grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005.

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