Pet Grooming Orange County

The Problem With Foxtails

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The Problem With Foxtails

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner. Many of us in Southern California are already out and about enjoying the warmer weather with our dogs. While this time of year should be enjoyed outside, pet parents need to be aware of the problems associated with a common grass-like weed called foxtails.

Foxtails can be found everywhere in Southern California, typically hidden in weedy areas along paths and roads. From January to early April, the foxtails are soft, green and harmless. However, in the late spring the seed heads begin to dry, creating a significant hazard for your dog that lasts throughout the summer and early fall.

The dried foxtail seeds detach from the plant and stick to clothing or animal hair. They can easily become lodged in between a dog’s toes, in its ears or in its eyes. Because the seeds are barbed like a fish hook, they are extremely difficult to remove. Once embedded, foxtail seeds can cause severe infections and abscesses.

Sometimes foxtail seeds can be seen clinging to the fur. When embedded, they can be very difficult to spot. Common symptoms include:

  • Inflamed, infected, painful lump anywhere on the body
  • Whining or crying with no apparent reason
  • Compulsive licking or biting at the paw or tail area
  • When in the ear, the dog might rub its head on the ground or shake its head violently from side to side
  • When in the eye, the dog might squint and paw at its eyes
  • Inhaled foxtail seeds can cause violent sneezing and bloody discharge

In addition to causing pain and infection, foxtail seeds can enter through the nose, ears, paws, eyes or skin and lodge themselves in the spine, lungs or other internal organs. The seeds are small, making them difficult to locate and remove. Depending on where the seed has traveled to inside the dog, it can be life threatening and require immediate surgical removal.

To prevent serious injuries from foxtails:

  • Remove weeds from your garden
  • Keep your dog away from weeds when walking or hiking
  • Discourage your dog from chewing on grass
  • Examine your dog daily, feeling for any raised areas on its skin
  • Remove visible foxtail seeds carefully by pulling them straight out, ensuring that they do not break in the process
  • If you suspect that a foxtail is embedded in your dog’s skin, paw, eye or ear, take your dog to a veterinarian immediately

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers professional pet grooming in Southern California for both dogs and cats. If you are unsure about how to remove a visible foxtail we can show you how. Please call 714-962-1005 for more information or to schedule your next grooming appointment.

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Importance of Rabies Vaccines

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Importance of Rabies Vaccines

In the United States vaccinations for dogs and cats are common. This makes it easy to forget the reason why we vaccinate in the first place. Vaccines for pets were created in response to past outbreaks and epidemics that killed thousands of animals. These outbreaks are far less common now because of widespread vaccination programs. However, in developing countries and shelters everywhere, you can see the negative effects of not vaccinating. Pets are euthanized every day because of preventable illnesses.

While parvovirus and distemper infections are common in developing nations, the disease causing the most problems worldwide is rabies. Worldwide, rabies kills approximately 55,000 people every year. In areas where animals are not typically vaccinated for rabies, the disease can quickly spread from animals to people and escalate into a full blown outbreak.

The best way to prevent rabies outbreaks is by vaccinating a large enough portion of the animal’s population in order to create what is referred to as “herd immunity”. Herd immunity creates a level of resistance sufficient enough to prevent the virus from causing an outbreak. While individual animals might become sporadically infected, the overall number of animals infected remains low.

In the United States, if your pet remains unvaccinated and does not catch the disease it doesn’t mean that the practice of not vaccinating is safe. It only means that your pet is lucky enough to live in a country where the level of illness is relatively low because many other pets are vaccinated. However, if your pet ends up in a shelter situation or other location with a large number of unvaccinated animals, the likelihood of your pet becoming sick is extremely high. Worse still, this type of situation increases the likelihood of an outbreak in the United States. In fact, outbreaks of rabies in all parts of the world can be found with a quick Google search.

Claws N Paws Day Spa requires proof of vaccination before grooming. This is to protect our groomers and clients from preventable diseases. For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005.

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Matted Hair is Dangerous for your Pet

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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.

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Getting the Most Out of Your Dog’s Grooming Experience

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Getting the Most Out of Your Dog’s Grooming Experience

Visiting the groomer can be an exciting time for you and your pet. The following tips will help you get the most out of your dog’s grooming experience.

  1. Bring a photo of your dog in the clip that you liked best, or print out a picture of the style that you would like to see on your dog.
  2. Whenever possible, discuss the trim, style or clip with the groomer that will be working on your dog. They will be able to tell you if your dog has the right type of coat texture and length for the look you wish to achieve. They will also be able to check for any matting or tangles that might limit the type of cut that can be done.
  3. Remember that if you do not take the time to brush and comb out your pet’s fur, then there will only be so much that your groomer can do without causing your pet pain. If the coat is a matted mess, the only humane thing that can be done is to shave it off and start over.
  4. You are paying a professional for their experience and advice, if they tell you that a certain style cannot be done, then they are probably right. While asking questions is always a good idea, allow yourself to be guided by the groomer’s recommendations.
  5. If you have a puppy that is new to the grooming experience, or if you have a difficult adult dog, DO NOT expect perfection for at least the first two to three visits.
  6. Do not take your dog to a different groomer every time. It is important to develop a good relationship with your groomer while allowing your pet to do the same.
  7. When dropping off your dog, don’t hover or transfer your uncertainty to them. Make it a quick and upbeat drop off and be excited and pleased when you pick them up. This way your dog will learn to anticipate pick-up time.
  8. Try not to arrive early for pick-up. If you must wait for your pet, don’t knock on the window where they can see you and keep quiet while the groomer finishes. Dogs tend to get excited when they see or hear their owners, making it difficult to complete the groom, and increase the chance of injuries.
  9. Don’t arrive late for your appointment. Professional groomers are very busy. If you will be more than ten minutes late, call the groomer to make sure that you can still bring your pet in.
  10. Arrive on time to pick up your pet. A grooming salon is not a free pet sitting service. There are typically other pets waiting for your dog’s space.
  11. If you use a mobile groomer, it is extremely important to be home when your groomer is scheduled to arrive.
  12. If your dog was matted when it arrived for grooming, it probably has some skin conditions. Heavily matted coats are often hiding rashes and oozing sore spots. A dog that has had its matted coat removed will usually scratch excessively. This scratching can lead to further skin irritation and sometimes bleeding. This is a reaction to the mats and is in no way the fault of the groomer.
  13. Always let your groomer know in advance if your dog is difficult to groom. A severe bite to the face or hand can end a grooming career and put a groomer in the hospital for weeks at a time. Do not allow an unsuspecting groomer to take the brunt of your difficult dog’s aggression.
  14. It’s always a good idea to walk your dog before dropping it off at the groomer. A nice walk gives your dog a chance to do its business and get some energy out before it must sit still on a grooming table.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers quality pet grooming services 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!!

 

Cleaning Pet Stains with Household Products

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Cleaning Pet Stains with Household Productsduchess

If you have pets then you probably have had to deal with pet accidents. When not cleaned properly, pet accidents can leave behind unattractive carpet stains and odors. Even though there are several retail products available to clean up pet messes and remove carpet stains, these products are often expensive and contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to you and your pet. Pet stains can be cleaned with common household products. These highly effective, inexpensive and natural ingredients remove pet stains quickly and eliminate the odor that is sometimes left behind.

Vinegar

Vinegar works to break up the ammonia in pet urine, killing bacteria and neutralizing odor. To clean up pet messes with vinegar start by blotting up as much of the pet stain as possible then pour the vinegar directly onto the stained area. Use a scrub brush to work the vinegar into the entire area, making sure that it reaches the underside of the carpet as well. Let it sit for ten minutes and then blot with a clean towel. Allow the area to air dry.

Baking Soda

Baking soda can be used to absorb pet stains and eliminate odors. Using a clean towel, blot up as much of the stain as possible. Sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda over the entire area. Allow it to sit for fifteen minutes and then work in the remaining baking soda with a scrub brush. Prepare a spray bottle with one part vinegar and one part water and spray the vinegar solution over the stain. Work the solution in with a scrub brush and then blot up any excess wetness. Once dry, use a vacuum to remove any leftover baking soda.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can be used to remove pet stains, however it can sometimes cause discoloration of the carpeting. Always spot test in an inconspicuous area before attempting to clean carpet stains with hydrogen peroxide. Before cleaning, you will need to absorb as much of the stain as possible with a clean towel. Sprinkle a thick, even layer of baking soda over the entire stain. Next, soak the stain with hydrogen peroxide. The baking soda will bubble up. This reaction is completely normal. Allow it to sit for five minutes and then absorb the leftover peroxide with a clean towel. After the area has dried, use a vacuum to remove any leftover baking soda.

We hope this information has been helpful as we strive to provide education on all aspects of pet care.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers quality pet grooming for both dogs and cats. 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!!

Dealing With a Stinky Dog

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Dealing With a Stinky Dogbath

We’ve all come across a stinky dog. Sometimes the cause is simple such as dog breath or wet fur, sometimes the problem is caused by an underlying medical issue. Stubborn dog smells can signify allergies, ear infections, skin infections, problems with diet or other issues that require a diagnosis from a veterinarian. While some common dog smells can be treated at home, if the problem persists or is severe, it’s imperative that you schedule an appointment with your vet.

Dealing with Dog Breath

Bad breath is typically a sign of plaque buildup on your dog’s teeth. You can help to keep your dog’s teeth clean by offering chew toys and by having your dog’s teeth brushed every time they visit the groomer. Occasionally the smell is from an infection caused by foreign matter that has become lodged in the gums. If regular teeth brushing does not solve the problem, it is wise to have your dog’s teeth checked by a veterinarian.

Dealing with Smelly Ears

Dogs that have droopy ears often have problems with ear infections and smelly ears. This is because moisture gets trapped and wax builds up, providing the perfect home for bacteria, ear mites and fungus. If there is no infection or open sores you can use diluted vinegar, colloidal silver, mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide to clean the ears. If you suspect that your dog has an ear infection, a veterinarian can prescribe medication.

Dealing with a Stinky Coat

A coat that is naturally oily can trap odor causing debris, but shampooing too often can dry out your pet’s skin and lead to allergies and infection. Regular grooming every four to six weeks is ideal for dealing with a stinky coat. Your groomer should only use soap-free shampoo. Between baths you can rub baby powder, baking soda or diatomaceous earth into your dog’s coat and then brush it to keep it odor free.

Dogs with thick undercoats have a hard time getting completely dry after getting wet. A damp undercoat can smell terrible. These types of dogs should be professionally groomed to ensure they are completely dry after their bath.

Other causes of dog odor include full anal glands and urine soaked fur. Always have your groomer check and express your dog’s anal glands when necessary and trim the fur around their genitals to keep urine and excrement from sticking to them.

Claws N Paws Day Spa can help you keep your dog odor free! Please call 714-962-1005 to schedule a grooming appointment today!

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