Pet Grooming Orange County

Recognizing and Treating Ear Infections in Dogs

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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.

 

 

Apple Cider Vinegar – For Your Dog

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Apple Cider Vinegar – For Your Dog

When your dog is uncomfortable, you’ll likely do anything you can to make them feel better. While it’s always a good idea to visit your vet if you are concerned about a symptom your dog is experiencing, there are a few things you can do at home to ease their discomfort.

Apple cider vinegar is an effective solution for a variety of problems. Apple cider vinegar is cost-effective, easy to obtain and probably already in your home. Apple cider vinegar has been used to treat a number of problems in both pets and people. For use on pets, you’ll want to only use organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar.

Itchy Skin

Apple cider vinegar can be used to relieve itchy skin caused by poison ivy and yeast. Add equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water to a spray bottle. Spray the affected area liberally. Be very careful not to spray this solution on open sores, as the vinegar will cause discomfort.

Keep in mind that a trip to the vet is a good idea if dry skin is excessive or your dog has sores or missing fur.

Ear Cleaner

Dogs that are prone to ear infections often have itchy ears. Apple cider vinegar helps clean the ears, reduce irritation and prevent recurrent ear infections. Combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and distilled water. Clean the ears with cotton balls soaked in this solution. For the best results, repeat this process daily.

Fleas and Ticks

The acidity in apple cider vinegar naturally repels fleas and ticks. During flea and tick season, spray your dog with a 50/50 solution of apple cider vinegar and water. For additional protection, add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to your dog’s food or water.

Tear Stains

Tear stains are unsightly and often smell unpleasant. Treat and prevent tear stains by adding 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to your dog’s water daily. This works by increasing the acidity of your dog’s body pH.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers dog and cat grooming in Orange County, California. Please call 714-962-1005 to set up a grooming appointment.

 

 

 

Stopping Cats From Clawing on Furniture

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Stopping Cats From Clawing on Furniture

Clawing is a natural behavior for cats. Cats scratch to mark their territory and sharpen their claws. While totally natural, cats can do a lot of damage to furniture, drapes and carpet. In fact, it’s one of the reasons why people surrender their cats to the shelter.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to stop your cat from destroying your home. Let’s take a look at the top three ways to stop your cat from clawing your furniture.

Use Deterrents

If you want to stop your cat from scratching your favorite chair, then you need to make it as unpleasant as possible for them. There are many products available over the counter to deter cats from scratching.

Cats are extremely sensitive to both smell and touch. Deterrent sprays smell bad to cats and sticky strips are annoying. Both of these deterrents are extremely effective.

Offer Alternatives for Your Cat to Scratch

In order to stop your cat from scratching your furniture, you need to offer them a suitable alternative. Cats need to scratch. If you take away their favorite scratching place, they’ll naturally move to another one. Offer your cat scratching posts, boards or furniture. You might need to experiment with different types until you find the one your cat prefers.

Trim Your Cat’s Nails

You might not be able to stop the scratching altogether, but you can reduce the amount of damage being done. Trim your cat’s nails every four weeks. If you are unsure how to cut their nails, or your cat is being uncooperative, visit Claws N Paws Day Spa for a kitty pedicure.

In order for these methods to be effective, you must work with your cat to discover what works and what does not. Try using different types of scratching materials and deterrents.

These tips can help decrease or eliminate unwanted scratching. These options are much more humane than declawing or surrendering your cat.

Claws N Paws Day Spa can help keep your cats claws trimmed. We offer full service grooming for cats. Please call 714-962-1005 to set up a grooming appointment. Nail trims do not require an appointment.

Save a Life: Adopt an Older Cat

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Save a Life: Adopt an Older Cat

When people think of adopting a new pet, they often picture an adorable puppy or kitten. Unfortunately, they rarely consider older cats. Adult cats watch while younger kittens come and go. Most of the time, potential adopters never even give them a second glance.

Older cats make wonderful pets. They’ve already passed the kitten phase, which can be tiring and troublesome. Older cats are less likely to attack your feet while you sleep or accidentally miss their litter box. They are typically very affectionate and extremely grateful to have a home. Let’s take a look at the top reasons you should consider adopting an adult cat.

You’ll Know Exactly What You’re Getting Yourself Into

When you adopt a kitten, you have no idea what they’ll be like when they grow up. Adult cats have already developed their personalities. What you see is what you get. You’ll know exactly how big they are, what they look like and what they like and don’t like.

Older Cats Fold Into the Household Better

Kittens can be too active for older pets in the home. They can even be a handful for children. Older cats are passed the point where they climb, chew and jump on objects and other living things in your household.

Older Cats Require Less Supervision

Kittens are constantly underfoot. When left alone, they can do a lot of damage. Older cats are more mellow and don’t tend to get into trouble. They’re also better at using the litter box. An older cat is the perfect choice for working families. They stay out of trouble throughout the day and are ready to cuddle when you get home.

You Might Be Their Last Chance At A Home

Older cats often sit for years in shelters and rescue facilities. Adopting an older cat gives them a chance at a good life. Adopters are their only opportunity at a life outside of a cage.

Claws N Paws has many wonderful cats looking for their forever home. Please consider adopting an adult cat. Call 714-962-1005 for more information.

 

Spending New Year’s Eve With Your Pet

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Spending New Year’s Eve With Your Pet

New Year’s Eve can be scary for pets. The combination of large crowds, big parties and fireworks can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. Even if you avoid the crowds, pets can’t usually tell the difference between fireworks outside and on the television.

Fireworks and loud noises may startle pets and cause them to flee. More pets get lost during the holidays than any other time of the year. Keep your pet safe this New Year’s Eve with the following tips.

Update Identification Information

During parties, pets can escape through open doors. They may run when they hear loud noises. Before the holiday, make sure that you update the information on your pet’s identification. If you haven’t already, this might be an excellent time to have your pet micro chipped.

Make Sure Your Pet Gets Plenty of Exercise

Before New Year’s Eve, make sure that your pet gets plenty of exercise. This will hopefully help them sleep through the festivities. Take your dog for a long walk or spend some time playing with your cat.

Make Sure Your Pet Doesn’t Get Any Table Scraps

Table scraps can be dangerous for pets. Onions and garlic are toxic. Fatty foods can lead to life-threatening pancreatitis. Make sure that you keep food out of reach of pets. If you are having guests over for the holiday, let them know that your pets are not allowed to eat table scraps.

Drown Out the Sound of Fireworks

Fireworks, noisemakers and screaming neighbors can upset pets. If possible, play some white noise for your pet throughout the evening. Even classical music can help cover up outside noises.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers dog and cat grooming in Orange County, California. We also offer cats-only boarding throughout the holidays. If you are concerned about your pets, boarding is an excellent option. Our boarding facility is specially designed to be quiet and comfortable. We offer condos for one or more cats. We provide daily interaction and exercise. Please call 714-962-1005 for more information about cat boarding or to schedule a grooming appointment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keeping Your Pet Happy and Healthy This Fall

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Keeping Your Pet Happy and Healthy This Fall

For many Orange County residents, fall means football games, crisp air and beautiful foliage. The weather is perfect for going outside with our pets. Our cats are enjoying the afternoon sunshine as the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting colder.

Your pet is relying on you to keep them happy and healthy this fall. The following are common problems seen in the fall.

Ticks

Ticks continue to be a problem throughout the fall and winter. These pests tend to hide in fallen leaves and grass clippings. After spending time outside, be sure to check your pet for ticks. It’s also important to continue using flea and tick repellants throughout the fall.

Rodent Poison

During the fall, mice and rats tend to seek shelter from the cold in homes and sheds. If you find rodents inside your home, it’s important to act quickly before they reproduce. Be extremely careful when using poisons and traditional traps.

Rodenticides can be deadly to pets and standard traps can cause serious injuries. Ask your veterinarian for safe alternatives.

It’s important to keep in mind that your neighbors might still be using traditional traps and poisons. They might also dispose of diseased rodent carcasses where your pets can access them. Keep your pets away from your neighbor’s homes and waste bins during the fall.

Fungus

Mushrooms and other fungus love the fall. Even though most mushrooms are safe, there are a few types that can be deadly to pets. If you suspect your pet has eaten a toxic mushroom, it’s crucial that you get them to a veterinarian right away.

Antifreeze

Many people service their vehicles during the fall. Part of this process is changing the fluids. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze can kill a ten-pound dog. Even less can kill a ten-pound cat.

Be sure to keep pets away from the area when you are servicing your vehicle, and clean up spilled fluids immediately.

Claws N Paws Day Spa hopes that you and your pets stay happy and healthy this fall. Please call 714-962-1005 to set up a grooming appointment.