Pet Grooming Orange County

Himalayan Salt Lamps: The Hidden Danger for Pets

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The use of Himalayan salt lamps in the home has become increasingly more popular in the past few years. They have been said to create a more comforting atmosphere, reducing anxiety and providing a unique sense of warmth. However, they pose a serious threat to cats and dogs.

The Problem

A Himalayan salt lamp may not look like food, but some animals may be curious to taste it. This is mostly true with cats, but dogs may also develop this curiosity. Read here for more information on feline compulsions to lick or eat inedible items. Cats are also at more risk of licking salt lamps due to their ability to reach higher places in your home. As with humans, the taste of salt can be addicting to your furry friends. A bit of natural curiosity can easily become an obsession.

The problem with this is that salt is toxic to cats and dogs. They can consume about 16.7 mg per day, but any amount exceeding this can lead to salt poisoning. Salt poisoning has a wide variety of symptoms, including but not limited to vomiting, diarrhea, a change in appetite or thirst, tremors or seizures, and potential kidney damage. If left untreated, it will become fatal. An animal dedicated to licking salt lamps can easily consume over the recommended daily amount and develop salt poisoning.

What You Can Do

Many pet owners simply place their Himalayan salt lamp out of their pets’ reach. This is more possible in homes with dogs because they are not quite as nimble as cats. However, due to the unpredictability of animals, it might be ultimately safer to opt for a mood lighting lamp. If this is going to be in the reach of animals, ensure that it is heavy enough for them not to knock it over.

If you are looking for the atmospheric uplift associated with salt lamps, there are many alternatives that are safe and even beneficial for your pets. For example, growing cat grass indoors is a great way to increase the natural air flow in your home while encouraging safe chewing habits.

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides extensive grooming services to both cats and dogs. Additionally, we operate a cats-only boarding facility. Visit our location in Fountain Valley, California or contact us at 714-962-1005 for more information.

 

Post Clipping Alopecia

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 A trip to the grooming salon is a necessary experience for all dog owners. In these hot summer months, you may feel compelled to shave your double-coated dog to prevent shedding and keep them cool. However, a full shave may result in a condition called post clipping alopecia (also known as clippers alopecia), and it can alter your furry friend’s coat for life.

What is Post Clipping Alopecia?

After a professional groom, your dog’s fur should grow back at a constant and regular rate. However, a dog with post clipping alopecia will show patchy regrowth. When the fur does begin to return, it will not have the same qualities as before. New hair growth will be wispier and sparser, with a “sticky” texture. Shaved portions may also grow fur that does not match the dog’s original coloration.

The condition occurs in double-coated dogs such as pomeranians, huskies, chow chows, and German shepherds. Research your dog’s breed to determine whether they may develop post clipping alopecia. A double-coated dog has a soft undercoat accompanied by longer “guard hairs.” When the weather is warm, a dog will shed their undercoat and leave only the guard hairs. This allows air to reach the dog’s skin and keep them cool. Post clipping alopecia is characterized by regrowth of the undercoat alone, which is too thick for air to permeate. Furthermore, without guard hairs to protect them, a dog with post clipping alopecia will be more susceptible to sunburns, overheating, and even skin cancer.

What Can You Do?

While you should avoid shaving your double-coated dog, regular grooming appointments are still important. A dog left ungroomed may develop mats, and shaving will become unavoidable. Talk to your groomer about ways to keep your furry friend clean and trimmed without potentially altering their coat quality. Additionally, to avoid erratic shedding, you can brush your dog at home. Doing this regularly will limit the amount of hair left around the house.

If your dog has already developed post clipping alopecia, there are some ways to limit its effects. Puppies who develop this condition can almost fully recover, although older dogs are much less likely to regain their old coat. Taking regular care of your dog’s newly sensitive skin is crucial. Limit sun exposure and keep a close eye out for burns or irritation. Talk to your veterinarian about ways to treat alopecia. These methods may include brushing, hydrotherapy, or prescribed oral medications.

Claws N Paws Day Spa in Fountain Valley, California provides informed grooming services with your pet’s well-being in mind. For more information, contact us at 714-962-1005.

 

Flea Treatment in the Summer

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Summer has arrived. As we prepare to enjoy these upcoming months of warmer weather, so do unwanted pests. The risk that fleas will become a major problem in your home increases drastically during the summer. However, there are many ways to prevent this from happening.

Faster Development in the Summertime

While fleas survive throughout the year, summer provides the optimal conditions for their breeding and spreading. Flea development from egg to adult depends on a certain level of humidity. Eggs cannot survive in low humidity, so humid summers provide the perfect atmosphere for fleas to breed. Fleas do not depend on temperature to reproduce, but warmer weather speeds up development. This makes it easier for a home’s flea problem to escalate into something much less manageable. It is especially important, in this case, to treat for fleas quickly and before the problem spirals out of control.

Over-the-Counter Treatments

The most popular type of flea treatment is over-the-counter medication such as Advantage or Frontline. However, many pet owners are finding that these medications only do half of the job. Their only purpose is to target fleas on the animal itself, and they therefore cannot rid the home of fleas. Fleas can survive without a host for 100 days, and new ones can easily enter a home after an old population has died out. Thus begins a vicious cycle of reapplication which can be potentially dangerous for your pet.

Additionally, over-the-counter medications have confusing and often misleading labels. Many contain ingredients that are potentially harmful to your pet, including essential oils and insecticides. These can have lasting harmful and even fatal effects on your pet. If you do choose to use over-the-counter medications, remember to read the label carefully and understand any risks involved.

Recommended Treatments

Home treatment begins at the host animal. Rather than opting for over-the-counter medication, consider using a flea collar. Flea collars slowly release their preventative ingredients from the collar to your pet’s skin and coat. Fleas that come into contact with these ingredients are immediately killed. Collars are especially effective because they are close to the eyes and face, where the majority of fleas gather. Collars across brands have some different factors, but it is always important to size them correctly. Seresto collars last 8 months and are heavily trusted by the staff at Claws N Paws.

However, a collar alone is not enough to fight a flea outbreak. As previously mentioned, fleas can survive quite a long time off of the host. Furthermore, their bites are painful to both animals and humans. Fleabusters Rx powder kills flea at the larval stage in your carpet. Its ingredients are much safer than common insecticides, and a little powder goes a long way.

Claws N Paws Day Spa is a full-service pet grooming salon in Fountain Valley, California. Our staff is passionate about making sure your pet is safe and flea-free. Stop by or contact us at 714-962-1005 for more information about flea prevention.

Common Dog Grooming Questions

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Your dog relies on you to keep them happy and healthy. Allowing your pet’s coat to become dirty, tangled, and matted not only looks bad, it also makes your dog uncomfortable. Tangles can easily turn into mats, or densely tangled clumps of fur. Matted fur pulls on delicate skin and makes it impossible for you or your pet to see (or scratch) underneath. If left untreated, mats can spread throughout your pet’s entire body. This causes numerous problems for your pet as moisture, bacteria, and fungus often hide under mats. This is why it’s so important to take the time necessary to properly groom your dog.  

Many pet parents have questions when it comes to caring for their pet’s coat. Below are the most common dog grooming questions we hear.

How do I make my dog less anxious about grooming?

Many pets are nervous about visiting the groomer. These pets are usually not accustomed to being touched in sensitive areas like the snout, eyes, ears, paws, tail, and groin. You can ease your dog’s anxieties by working with them at home. Touch their ears and paws regularly. Give them a plenty of praise throughout the process.

How do I prevent shedding?

Some breeds are more prone to shedding than others. You need to brush your dog regularly if you want to reduce the amount of fur around your home. Brush them outside for five minutes every day.

Do I need to brush my long-haired dog?

While brushing your long-haired dog might take some time, it’s important to their health and comfort. Comb or brush your dog at least every other day.

How can I get my dog to enjoy bath time?

If you bathe your dog at home, you’ll want to make their bath is an enjoyable experience. Never chase your dog or force them into the tub. This will only make them anxious. Instead, offer treats and praise while you gently coax them into the tub.

How can I get rid of my dog’s tear stains?

Certain dog breeds are more prone to tear stains than others. These rusty stains stretch from the corner of the eye down each side of the nose. This is more obvious on white or light-colored dogs. Talk to your vet about treatment and prevention of tear stains.

Can I trim my dog’s nails?

It’s not uncommon for dogs to cower in fear from nail clippers. Fortunately, it is possible for your dog to tolerate, or even enjoy, getting their nails trimmed. Make sure you give your dog plenty of praise while trimming their nails. You’ll need to be consistent and trim their nails every two to four weeks. Take your dog to a professional groomer if you’re nervous about trimming their nails.

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

 

Most Common Canine Health Problems

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While well-cared for pets are less likely to become sick, there are still some common conditions that can affect your dog regardless of the type of care you provide. It’s important to learn all you can about these conditions so that you can spot them early. This gives you the best chance at successful treatment. 

The following are the most common health problems seen in dogs:

Skin Issues

Dogs can experience multiple skin issues ranging from parasites to fungal infections. These conditions may be extremely uncomfortable for your pet. It’s important to seek help at the first sign of a problem.

Check your dog regularly for fleas and ticks. Keep an eye out for missing fur, redness, dry patches, or other abnormalities. If you notice your dog scratching or licking more than usual, you might want to visit the vet. Skin conditions get worse over time. It’s crucial you have them dealt with quickly.

Ear Infections

Ear infections are extremely common, especially in dogs with floppy ears. If left untreated, ear infections can cause pain, discomfort, and permanent damage to the ear.

Dogs with ear infections might scratch at their ears. Excessive discharge might be present as well as a persistent odor. Ear infections are easy to treat but do require a trip to your veterinarian.

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are one of the leading causes of inappropriate urination. If your dog suddenly begins eliminating in the house, is more tired than usual, or seems to be thirsty all the time, it’s time for a trip to the vet. Treatment typically involves antibiotics.

Dental Disease

Over time, plaque and tartar build up in your dog’s mouth, increasing the risk of periodontal disease. Dental disease in pets can lead to multiple problems. In addition to making it difficult for your dog to eat, bacteria buildup in the mouth can spread to the bloodstream affecting the heart and kidneys.

Preventing periodontal disease is easier than treatment. Make sure you have your dog’s teeth brushed every time they visit the grooming salon. Visit your vet for more detailed cleaning.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers dog grooming for pets living in and around Orange County, California. Please call 714-962-1005 for more information about our services.

Dementia in Dogs

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Many people do not realize that senior dogs can suffer from dementia. In fact, thousands of dogs go undiagnosed with this condition each year. It’s up to every pet owner to recognize the signs of a potential problem and seek appropriate treatment.

The following are common signs that your dog might be suffering from dementia:

Your Dog Appears to Get Lost in Corners

This is one of the most common signs of a possible problem. Some dogs will stand headfirst in a corner or at the hinge side of a door. These dogs may look as though they are waiting to be let out. They might appear helpless, unsure of what to do next.

Pacing

A dog suffering from cognitive dysfunction syndrome might pace or wander around the house. These pets often appear anxious.

Sudden Onset of Accidents

A pet suffering from dementia might suddenly appear to have forgotten that they are supposed to go outside. It’s important to note that a loss of housetraining isn’t always related to dementia. It might be a sign of another issue such as a urinary tract infection or gastrointestinal problems. A trip to the vet can help you determine the cause.

Not Greeting Family Members

If your dog used to eagerly greet family members but now avoids human companionship, it’s important to have them seem by a vet. This is often a sign of a problem.

Pointless Barking

A dog that barks for no reason might be confused. They may bark because they no longer recognize family members, or because they don’t know where they are or what to do next.

Loss of Appetite

Anytime a pet stops eating, it’s important to have them seen by a vet. If your pet is suffering from dementia, they may have forgotten they need to eat.

Sleep Changes

A dog suffering from dementia might sleep more than usual or mix up day with night.

Stops Responding to Voice Commands

It’s time for a visit to the vet if your pet suddenly seems confused by their name or other voice commands.

Keep in mind that senior dogs can suffer from hearing loss. This should be ruled out before assuming your pet has dementia.