Pet Grooming Orange County

The Language of Cat Food

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Whether you are a first-time cat parent or a seasoned veteran, cat food labels can be extremely tricky to read. You may find yourself purchasing products based on flashy phrases, without actually knowing what these phrases mean. You may fall for the most expensive food or settle for the cheapest option. However, as many cat parents will tell you, there is a specific language of cat food labels you must know to ensure your cat’s happy, healthy lifestyle. 

What’s In A Name?

The name of a cat food can be very telling of its contents. If the food has a simple title like “chicken cat food,” there is a 95% minimum requirement of that meat. If it has descriptive words like “dinner, recipe, platter, etc.” in the name, there is a 25% minimum requirement of meat. If it has “with” in the name, such as “cat food with beef,” there is a 3% minimum requirement of that meat. Finally, you want to avoid anything with the word “flavor,” which has no minimum requirement and may in fact contain no meat products.

The Ingredients List

Like humans, cats require specific food for optimal energy and quality of life. Many cat foods consist mainly of fillers, which is why they can be so inexpensive. You should always check a cat food’s ingredient list before feeding it to your cat. It will be organized by weight, with the most prominent ingredients listed first. Meat should always be the first ingredient, likely followed by meat by-products. By-products include blood, bone, brain, liver, etc. As carnivores, cats are most drawn to and get the most energy from these products.

Guaranteed Analysis

While ingredients are important, it may be easier for you (and your cat) to digest the nutrient content of a food. Cat foods come equipped with something called a “guaranteed analysis,” which lists the minimum and maximum amounts of certain nutrients. These measurements are not exact due to the mass produced nature of pet foods, but they provide some guidance for the nutrients your cat will receive. Alongside meat products, domestic cats need water, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals to survive. You want all of these to be present in the food. Nutrient needs vary by cat; if you’re worried your cat is not receiving the proper nutrients, you may want to consult your vet.

At Claws N Paws in Orange County, CA, your pet’s needs are always our top priority. Our full-service grooming salon provides professional grooming services to both cats and dogs. Right next door, your kitty can find a lovely place to stay at our cats-only boarding facility. For more information or to set up an appointment, you can call us today at 714-962-1005.

Saving Face

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We often say that our dogs have souls. And it’s true; you need only to look at your dog’s face to know they are thinking about and reacting to their environment. Dogs have complex emotions just like human beings. As pet owners, it can be helpful for us to understand our animals’ facial expressions. This can help us accurately assess their mood and how to respond accordingly.

From Ear to Ear

Many dogs smile at their owners. A happy dog has a relaxed mouth, and chances are that your pup’s relaxed state mirrors a smile. Their mouth appears loose, with their lips falling to reveal gums. Sometimes, the smile can appear slightly more taught. An upward grin can mean excitement; your dog may bare their teeth at the sight of a ball or other toy. They may also exhibit a “submissive grin.” Usually reserved for dog-to-dog interactions, the submissive grin shows trust and places dominance on the receiver. Experts even suggest that this grin mimics a human smile.

Of course, some smiles are less friendly. Dogs may bare their teeth in a “grin” when they are upset. When their lips pull back horizontally, it is a sign of stress or fear. When their lips pull up vertically, it is a sign of aggression. Whatever the case, your dog should be removed from a situation that makes them tense.

For More than Hearing

Sometimes, dogs show their emotions with their ears. A relaxed dog shows no tension in their ears. This may look different for prick-eared versus drop-eared dogs, but the concept is the same: if their ears look “normal,” they are likely feeling relaxed.

Dogs move their ears in response to external stimuli. A dog who is excited will point their ears forward. However, in this state they may feel either happy or threatened. If your dog is happy, their eyes will be soft around the edges and their body will be wiggly or loose. If your dog is tense, their eyes and body will be firm.

A dog with their ears pulled back is even more aroused. In some cases, such as playing, a dog may face their ears back in happy excitement. However, it is important to check out their demeanor. If they are tense, they might squint their eyes and/or bark.

Windows to the Soul

We already mentioned eyes in relation to the ears, but a dog’s eyes can tell a story on their own. Naturally, a dog makes soft eye contact. They gaze rather than stare, looking restfully toward their point of focus. Their eye contact may sharpen when they are enticed. This “hard stare” may be unnerving, and you may want to keep small children back just in case. Dogs in this state are known to bite.

When dogs open their eyes wide enough to see the whites, it is called a whale eye. Sometimes, you can see these whites without major suspicion. However, dogs who show the whites of their eyes purposefully are usually distressed. Be prepared for them to make sudden movements.

Your dog is in good hands at Claws N Paws Day Spa. Our dedicated team of professional groomers know how to assess their emotions and act accordingly. For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

Feline Colitis

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Sometimes, we don’t quite understand our pets’ symptoms. We may know that something is wrong and try to determine the source. However, in many cases, pet parents are ill-equipped to fully assess their pet’s health. Colitis is one of many “confusing” ailments that domestic cats may experience in their lifetime. Knowing the symptoms, risks, and treatments of colitis will make you better equipped to handle your cat’s illnesses.

What is Colitis?

A cat’s colon regulates the amount of water in their feces. Watery droppings (also known as diarrhea) indicates an irritated or inflamed colon. Many cats have diarrhea; it may be due to allergies, spoiled food, or changes in their environment. When a cat has a sudden but short-term bout of diarrhea, it is called acute colitis. This is not usually a cause for concern. Like us, cats can have upset tummies for a couple of days and be okay.

However, colitis can also be a chronic condition. Chronic colitis results in diarrhea lasting for two to three weeks or more. Colitis can also be episodic, meaning that it reappears in bouts over time. Chronic and episodic colitis are more common in older or middle-aged cats.

What Are the Symptoms?

Mostly, you will be looking out for diarrhea. Cats with colitis may take more frequent trips to the litter box, and there might be bright red blood in their stool. Sometimes, a cat will experience uncontrollable bowel movements, defecating outside of the box.

In cases of chronic or episodic colitis, cats may show other symptoms than diarrhea. They will become dehydrated, emaciated, and/or lethargic. Basically, they will experience a shutdown of their daily processes.

What Are the Causes?

Colitis has a wide range of causes, so prognosis varies by cause and by cat. Colitis may be a result of increased stress or anxiety. It may also be a reaction to food or medication. In more rare cases, parasites, fungal agents, or foreign bodies may cause colitis. Cats may contract colitis if they consume cleaning agents or other toxic substances. Cats with other chronic illnesses such as diabetes and pancreatitis are more likely to experience colitis.

When Should I Go To the Vet?

If you suspect your cat may have chronic or episodic colitis, you should take them to the vet. Treatments include lifestyle changes such as new diets or a calmer environment. They may run some tests to determine underlying factors; this may lead to new medications to treat colitis symptoms.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa in Fountain Valley, California, your dog or cat can find professional grooming services from a dedicated team of groomers. Right next door, your cat can find boarding in our cats-only facility. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

New Year, New ‘Do

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As we start into the new year, you may be wondering what things you can change up. Many Americans had a difficult year in 2020 and are looking for a fresh start. Your dog is no exception! Like us, pets like to feel fresh and clean; it feels like a new beginning. January is a perfect time to bring your pet in for a grooming appointment!

Scrub-A-Dub-Dub

Has your dog bathed since last year? Schedule a bath for your dog to make sure that they don’t carry old dirt with them. Like humans, dogs need regular baths in order to feel, look, and smell clean. They do not clean themselves like cats, so dirt and oil build up on their skin. Dirt and debris buildup starts to smell and can actually lead to major health problems. Does your dog seem itchy? Is their skin dry to the touch? These could be indicators of clogged pores or other skin conditions due to under-bathing.

Brush It Out

Like baths, brushing is essential to a dog’s cleanliness and general health. Daily brushing distributes natural oils across your dog’s fur, limiting buildup and encouraging healthy coat growth. Brushing also eliminates the chance of mats, particularly in double-coated dogs with a thick undercoat. Although you should brush your dog every day, your groomer can help with a more professional approach. Certain brushes that groomers use demat dogs and leave the coat healthy for a longer amount of time. 

Shave and a Haircut

Your dog may also want a new hairstyle. A new cut can make a major difference in a pup’s life, but make sure you don’t go too drastic. A dog’s fur grows in a certain way for a reason. Because of this, you must take your dog’s build and breed into account for every cut. Talk to your groomer about the best cut for your specific dog.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, your dog’s needs are always a priority. Our dedicated team of professional groomers will work with you to determine your specific dog’s best interests. For more information or to set up an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

Managing Pet Hair in Your Home

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Animals shed. This is a fact every pet owner knows and understands. Unfortunately, pet hair can be annoying to manage. It gets everywhere, and it often means that friends with pet allergies cannot visit our homes. Thankfully, there are easy ways to manage shedding. This will ensure that you, your pet, and your guests are comfortable in your home. 

The Root of the Problem

Pets shed normally, but excessive shedding may mean inadequate grooming. You can limit shedding by brushing your pet daily, bathing them often, and setting up a regular schedule with a professional groomer. These schedules all depend on your specific pet. For example, short-haired dogs need to be brushed less than long-hair dogs, and cats can manage with less frequent baths.

Excessive shedding may also signal certain health issues. A poor diet does not supply the proper nutrients for normal hair growth. To encourage healthy hair growth, invest in a food with high-quality proteins and fats. Even better, your pet’s coat will feel softer and stronger than ever! Past diet, shedding may be a symptom of a larger condition. Excessive shedding paired with itchiness, skin lesions, patchy hair loss, and other signs of illness should be monitored. Your vet can help you determine the root cause of shedding.

You can also curb shedding by putting your furry friend in clothes. Animals (especially most cats) find this controversial, but a tolerant pet will love a sweater or T-shirt. Not only will they look adorable, the fabric will catch a large percentage of fur.

Keeping It Clean

In most homes, it is unrealistic to expect pets will stay off the furniture. Instead, toss a blanket or a sheet over your pet’s favorite spot. They may even prefer this; it gives them something to cuddle with. Washing a blanket is much easier than cleaning a couch. If carpeted floors or rugs are your concern, vacuum cleaners are a great defense against loose fur. Certain brands produce vacuums designed specifically for cleaning pet messes. For clothing, curtains, and other fabrics, many pet owners find it helpful to have a lint roller handy.

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides a wide range of professional grooming services to both cats and dogs. Our dedicated team can work with you to determine your best grooming schedule to curb hair loss. For more information or to schedule an appointment, you can call us today at 714-962-1005!

Fall Grooming Tips

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As the weather begins to change, so do our attitudes. We may begin to reminisce about the end of summer, but we also remember what we love about the fall. Your pet also notices these changes! Whatever their feelings towards autumn, you can ensure a safe and happy transition with these specialized fall grooming tips.

Recovering from Summer

What fun summer is! Outdoor walks are a great way to bond and exercise with your dog, but they can also expose them to harsher conditions than usual. Their paws are particularly sensitive. Pavement and asphalt heats up dramatically in summer and can actually leave burns on your dog’s feet. Check out their feet; are they dry and chapped? If so, they may benefit from some light pampering. Grab some paw pad balm or petroleum jelly and slather it on their feet. While it is soaking in, give your dog a chew toy to keep them occupied. If their pads are actually cracked, schedule an appointment with your vet. In the meantime, you can use some ointment and gauze to create a temporary fix.

The summer sun can also wreak havoc on your dog’s coat. It may bleach or frizz certain areas, giving your dog a scruffier appearance. Thankfully, this is all temporary. The bleached and damaged bits all fall out eventually to be replaced with your pup’s natural coat. However, a professional grooming session certainly helps speed up this process. Groomers use special brushes to remove dead hairs and special conditioners to smooth out more damaged sections.

Maintaining a Routine

The most important part of grooming your pet is consistency. Many pet owners skip baths during the colder months, but more time indoors does not necessarily mean your dog is clean. In fact, that “dog smell” comes from oils that occur naturally on your dog’s skin. This is completely independent from the amount of walks your furry friend goes on. Furthermore, the beginning of fall tends to stir up a lot of allergens. Baths are a great way to clean pollen and dust from your dog’s fur.

You should also stay vigilant with brushing. Dogs’ coats change with the weather, and shedding is much more manageable with a regular brushing routine. Of course, brushing depends on your dog’s fur. Because of mats, long-haired dogs need to be brushed more often than short-haired dogs.

Professional Grooming

There is nothing quite like a professional groom. A trim here and there will keep the coat neat and tidy at all times. If you’ve been scheduling regular grooming sessions, keep it up! If not, the fall is a perfect time to go for a first visit. The groomers will assess your pet’s needs and work with you to determine the best courses of action.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, you can find professional grooming services for your cat or dog. Our passionate and knowledgeable team is dedicated to you and your pet’s specific needs. We are currently open with safety precautions in place to protect our clients and staff from COVID-19. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.