Pet Grooming Orange County

Choosing the Best Dog Food

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A trip to the pet store can be daunting for new dog parents. Some days, the dog food aisle seems to stretch for miles. Among all of the cans and bags, you know the perfect food is somewhere—but where? Luckily, there are ways to narrow down the process. 

The Canine Diet

A good dog food attempts to mimic the natural canine diet. Many people believe that dogs eat only meat, but this is not entirely true. Unlike cats, dogs are not strict carnivores. The domestic canine diet consists of primarily meat, but also fruits, vegetables, and grains. These other ingredients contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. 

Your dog may also have specific needs. Puppies, new mothers, and highly-active dogs require more calories than most. Alternatively, older or less active dogs require less calories. This affects not only the type of food you choose but also the amount you feed to them. If your dog has any health concerns, they may require a specific food formulated for their conditions. Talk to your veterinarian if you think your dog needs a more “scientific” diet.

Uncomfortable with Labels?

Every dog food claims to be “the best dog food out there.” Knowing how to properly read a dog food label is an important skill for every dog owner. Always look at the ingredients list. The first two or three ingredients should be meat-based. Avoid dog foods with high amounts of wheat, corn, and soy fillers. Not only are these common allergens, these fillers may contribute to poor health and obesity later down the line. Finally, avoid any food with excessive chemical preservatives.

Try, Try Again

Unfortunately, dogs can be difficult to feed. At one point or another, you will likely choose a food that your dog dislikes. When trying a new food, look out for any adverse symptoms such as excessive licking of the paws or gastrointestinal problems. These symptoms point to a food allergy and may benefit from medical diagnosis. Alternatively, your dog may simply dislike the taste or texture of their food. They may refuse to eat. In either case, you will need to start the process over again.

Claws N Paws Day Spa in Fountain Valley, California provides professional grooming services to both cats and dogs. Right next door, Claws N Paws offers cat boarding in our cats-only facility. For more information or to make an appointment, call us at 714-962-1005.

Grooming Older Pets

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Grooming is an extremely important part of your pet’s life. As they grow older, you may wonder whether the same grooming standards apply. While your aging pet may look different than their younger self, there are several health benefits to maintaining a regular grooming routine. 

Keeping It Clean

Your pet’s appearance may change significantly over time. Although they may not retain their youthful glow, your older pet still deserves to feel healthy and beautiful. A regular grooming schedule can ensure a much more graceful aging process.

With age comes important grooming precautions. Over time, your pet’s skin can become dry and flaky or excessively oily. Thankfully, you can help their skin by brushing them daily. Brushing distributes necessary oils evenly across their fur, to ensure a consistently healthy  coat.

A Little Help Here!

Pets, particularly cats, try their best to keep themselves clean without human aid. However, as a pet ages, it becomes harder for them to reach the more difficult spots. Older pets may experience ailments such as joint pains and arthritis that limit their flexibility.

Many older pets experience unkempt sanitary areas. Located around the groin, this area can be very difficult for older pets to clean themselves. Your groomer may suggest a short trim around the sanitary area to avoid urine or feces getting trapped. Older dogs will also need their sanitary glands expressed regularly by a professional groomer, which is done during a bath.

Getting A Closer Look

Professional grooming requires a close eye, which can be helpful for older pets. Your groomer will be able to spot changes such as skin discoloration or growths that may otherwise be difficult to find. While grooming can never replace regular vet visits, a regular groom can help to identify potential health problems.

A Sense of Security

In addition to physical benefits, grooming can have major mental health benefits for your older pet. Maintaining a regular grooming schedule can provide comfort to your dog or cat. They often form strong bonds with their groomers, giving them a sense of love and security even outside of the home. Older pets leave the grooming salon refreshed and pampered: a vision of their younger selves!

Located in Fountain Valley, California, Claws N Paws Day Spa offers professional grooming services to cats and dogs of all ages. We are currently open, with certain precautions in place to protect our clients and staff from COVID-19. For more information, visit our blog about reopening. To schedule an appointment, call us at 714-962-1005.

Understanding Feline Diabetes

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Diabetes mellitus is an increasingly common—and often silent—occurrence among cats. Unlike human diabetes, we know surprisingly little about the causes of feline diabetes. Thankfully, it is still very treatable. If you live with a cat, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of diabetes so they can receive the proper treatment.

What is Feline Diabetes?

Similar to human diabetes, feline diabetes is split into Type I and Type II. In Type I diabetes, the pancreas fails to secrete an adequate amount of insulin. In Type II diabetes, the pancreas cannot process incoming insulin properly. Cats with either type of diabetes have elevated levels of glucose in their blood.

Symptoms

Veterinarians diagnose diabetes in approximately 0.5% to 2% of all cats. However, this number is most likely underdiagnosed. Symptoms of diabetes can be subtle and thus difficult to spot. Keep a close eye on your cat, and you will stand a better chance at identifying feline diabetes early.

Look out for increased thirst and increased urination. Experts conclude that these are the most common signs of feline diabetes. You might notice larger clumps in the litter box, indicating more output during urination. Additionally, while diabetes can occur in any cat, it is more common among obese cats. In more severe cases, diabetic cats may experience weight loss and/or muscle wasting. Muscle wasting refers to nerve damage in the hind limbs. As a result, cats with muscle wasting may walk lower to the ground or experience difficulty moving.

Diagnosis

If you suspect your cat may have diabetes mellitus, schedule a vet visit. Diabetes is fairly common, but it can also be fatal. Your vet will ask you about clinical symptoms and run a variety of blood tests. 

Treatment

Diabetic cats almost always require insulin therapy. Follow your vet’s instructions and dosage carefully. Insulin injection may seem like a daunting task; always remember to stay calm. Over time, the task will become routine and thus more comfortable for both you and your cat.

Diet is also a component of treatment. Diabetic cats benefit from a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. Sometimes, this means switching from dry food to wet, canned food. Ask your vet for their best recommendations for your feline friend.

At Claws N Paws, your pet’s needs are important. Our professional grooming salon provides full-service grooming to both cats and dogs. Additionally, your cats can find a place to stay in our cats-only boarding facility right next door. We are currently open, with certain provisions in place to best protect our clients and staff from the current pandemic. For more information, see our blog on reopening. To schedule an appointment, call us at 714-962-1005.

Why Your Dog’s Eyes Are Red

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When you know your furry friend well enough, small changes to their appearance can be obvious and upsetting. Your dog’s eyes are no exception. While red eyes are somewhat common among dogs, they may cause concern for you and your family. Knowing the causes of red eyes will bring relief to you and help ensure a healthy recovery for your pet.

The Canine Eye

While they may seem tough, dogs are sensitive animals! The canine eye is so sensitive that it requires unique provisions to keep it safe from the environment. Dogs have a third eyelid—called the nictitating membrane—which extends from the inner corner of the eye. This provides extra protection from trauma and other irritants.

Certain breeds are more likely to develop eye problems. These include flat-faced dogs like shih tzus and pugs and dogs with long hair around their eyes such as sheepdogs and poodles. Additionally, older dogs or dogs with preexisting health conditions develop eye problems at a higher rate than young, healthy dogs.

Causes of Red Eyes

There are several reasons why your dog’s eyes might be red. Often, redness is a symptom of trauma or irritation. Check for scratches or foreign objects embedded in the eye or eyelids. Irritation can range from minor to severe. In severe cases, your dog may develop a corneal ulcer. Allergies to food or environmental agents can also cause redness. Has your dog’s diet or lifestyle changed recently?

Certain ocular conditions may cause redness. Like humans, dogs can develop conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye. Pink eye is caused by environmental irritants in the air or on surfaces. Alternatively, your dog may have dry eye syndrome, a condition where the tear ducts do not produce enough moisture. Dry eye is accompanied by inflammation and may be indicative of various other health complications.

When to Call the Vet

While eye redness is not necessarily an emergency, it may have a serious underlying cause. Do not wait to schedule an appointment with a trusted veterinarian. Your dog will thank you; eye conditions can cause severe pain and discomfort. With honest and detailed information, your vet will be able to identify a cause and provide a plan for treatment.

Claws N Paws Day Spa in Fountain Valley, California provides professional grooming services to both dogs and cats. Right next door, we provide boarding services in our cats-only boarding facility. Claws N Paws is currently open, with special provisions 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.

All About Marking

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Cats make great indoor pets, but their more wild behaviors are sometimes made visible in domestic settings. Many cat owners become frustrated with their cats’ “marking” behaviors, or urinating outside of the litter box. Thankfully, spraying is an avoidable nuisance.

Why Do Cats Mark?

Cats rely heavily on their sense of smell to communicate with one another. In face-to-face interactions, cats will smell one another to assert dominance and/or compatibility. However, cats cannot ensure that they will always be around to sniff out potential threats. Marking often serves as a sort of boundary-keeping around beloved surfaces. That way, other cats or animals will steer clear of the marked territory until your cat can properly assess them.

Of course, there are exceptions to this case. Some cats may mark or spray due to medical issues including urinary tract infections or blockages. These conditions (particularly blockages) are both very serious and require immediate medical attention. If your cat is urinating right in front of you or licking their genitals frequently, they may be trying to get your attention. They may completely avoid the litter box and instead rely on marking to empty their bladder. Call your vet immediately if you suspect urinary tract complications, as these can be fatal.

What is Spraying?

Spraying is the act of urine marking on vertical surfaces such as drapes, walls, or anything that is not directly beneath your cat. While unneutered male cats are the most likely to spray, any cat has the ability to spray their urine. Spraying is not discernible from marking except for its location. However, because it is largely behavioral, cats with medical complications are not likely to spray.

How Can I Prevent Marking?

To prevent marking, many pet owners turn to negative reinforcement such as shouting at their cat. However, this does not help and in many cases worsens the behavior. Cats who feel threatened or stressed are more likely to attempt to establish territory.

If your cat marks, clean the affected area thoroughly using a cleaner designed for pet odor. Then, consider why your cat might be marking their territory. Is there another cat, either in the home or through the window? Have their circumstances suddenly changed or become more stressful? Getting to the root of the problem will help to establish long-term solutions. Potential solutions might include adding more litter boxes to the home or changing their locations. Get creative; your home should feel safe and comfortable to both you and your cat.

Claws N Paws owns and operates a full-service grooming salon for dogs and cats in Fountain Valley, California. Right next door, we offer cats-only boarding in our designated facility. Claws N Paws is currently open, with specialized safety precautions in place to protect our clients and employees from the current pandemic. For more information, visit our blog on reopening. To schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

Summer Grooming Tips

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It’s June, which means summer is quickly approaching! As the weather gets warmer, your dog’s grooming needs will change. Ensure that your dog is comfortable this summer with these grooming tips.

Regular Care

Your dog needs regular grooming throughout the year. However, summer poses certain challenges that require more specific care. Most notably, warmer weather allows longer walks during the summer. These longer walks provide necessary exercise, but they can expose your dog to grass, dirt, ticks, and a number of other environmental elements.

Regular baths are always important, but they are especially important during the summer. Without baths, grass and dirt can stain fur on the paws and body. Bathing requires close attention to detail, so it is often more effective for spotting parasites such as ticks and fleas. Therefore, summer is a great time to set up a regular bathing schedule with your groomer.

Regular care extends well past bathing. Dogs also need to be brushed often. Every day, take a brush through your dog’s coat. Brushing evenly distributes oils across your dog’s coat and prevents mats from growing. This is especially important in the summer because mats trap heat and moisture, leading to painful skin infections.

Your dog’s nails also require maintenance during the summer. On walks, long nails are more likely to snag. Pulled nails are extremely painful to dogs. Always make sure your dog’s nails are trimmed before going on walks.

Why You Shouldn’t Shave Your Dog

Many pet owners think their dog needs a shorter coat in the summer. As a result, they often resort to shaving. However, conducting a complete shave can negatively affect your dog’s wellbeing. Shaving a double-coated dog may even alter their coat for life. Dogs have fur coats for a reason; fur can even protect against environmental factors such as sunburns, ticks, and foxtails.

Instead, talk to your groomer about your best option for the summer. For double-coated dogs, this may be a deshedding. Deshedding removes the thick undercoat, while leaving the protective outer layer. Other dogs may benefit from a shorter cut or altered bathing schedule. A professional groomer will be able to identify the best possible option for your dog.

Claws N Paws owns and operates a full-service grooming salon in Fountain Valley, California. Our dedicated team of professional groomers always have your dog’s specific needs in mind. We are currently open, with various precautions in place to protect our staff and customers from COVID-19. For more information, see our blog on reopening. To set up an appointment, call us at 714-962-1005.