Pet Grooming Orange County

Foxtails and Your Dog

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As the weather grows warmer, you and your dog may be enjoying longer walks around the neighborhood. Certain plants are also enjoying the seasonal changes. Unfortunately, with summer comes foxtail plants, which can prove dangerous to your dog. To ensure a safe and enjoyable walk, you should know how to identify foxtails.

What Are Foxtails?

Foxtails grow from the tops of grasses. Therefore they can grow anywhere that grass does, including in open fields, along sidewalks, and even in your own backyard. Foxtails have been spotted in every state west of the Mississippi and are gradually spreading across the entire United States. As the name suggests, they look like fox’s tails; they contain hairy appendages covered in sharp, sticky barbs. These barbs latch onto skin or fur and will eventually migrate inward, towards the internal organs.

How to Spot a Foxtail on Your Dog

Foxtails can burrow anywhere on your dog, but there are a few common places owners have found foxtails. Mainly, foxtails are found near or in openings such as the ears, eyelids, nose, or genitals. Dogs often also pick foxtails up with their feet. Watch to see if any of these areas are irritated. Is your dog pulling at their ears or licking their feet? Are they sneezing or coughing frequently? Watch for any unusual behavior, especially following a walk.

Foxtail wounds may also become infected, regardless of where on your dog they are embedded. Check for sores or visible discomfort. Dogs with an infected wound may also emit an unpleasant odor.

It is best to find foxtails as soon as possible. Always check your dog’s skin and coat all over immediately after every walk. A good way to do this is to give your dog a good brushing. This permeates the thick outer layers and can find anything hidden within your dog’s fur coat.

What to Do If You Find a Foxtail

Try to brush or pick the foxtail out. Foxtails in the coat have not yet embedded themselves in skin and thus have not yet caused a problem. If it will not budge, it may be embedded in the skin. This will require veterinary treatment as soon as possible. Foxtails often require surgery to remove. If they are not removed, it can lead to serious complications or even death.

Sometimes owners do not find the foxtail, but their dogs still require veterinary attention. If your dog has been acting strange or exhibiting symptoms associated with foxtails, call your vet.

Claws N Paws Day Spa owns and operates a full-service grooming salon in Fountain Valley, California. Although Claws N Paws is currently closed to observe social distancing, we are constantly preparing for a grand (and safe) reopening. For more information and regular updates, you can follow our Facebook at Claws N Paws Day Spa or our Instagram @clawsnpawsdayspa_.

Exercising With Your Dog at Home

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If you have a dog, you are probably used to exercising outside. However, in the time of COVID-19, that allotted daily walk may not feel like enough. You have probably noticed that, come midday, you and your dog have far more energy than usual. Luckily, there are many ways to observe social distancing and get a great workout for both you and your furry friend.

Using Your Space

Certain features of your house may lend themselves to exercise. For example, stairs can be a great workout! Put your dog on their leash and take them up and down the stairs. This can be an intense workout, so make sure you and your dog are both equipped for the task. Don’t go too fast, and make sure your stairs are not too slippery (carpeted stairs are best).

If you have a backyard, now is the perfect time to use it! You can play the usual games—like fetch, tug of war, etc.—or try something new! Blow some bubbles and watch your dog chase them. Play some loud music and dance around with your pup. Bury treats in the dirt and encourage them to dig (this one can be quite messy, but rewarding). If you have a pool, you and your dog can swim together. This is a great exercise for both of you; just make sure your dog is safe, comfortable, and supervised at all times. Especially small dogs (such as puppies) can even swim in the bathtub.

Thinking Outside the Box

If your home does not have these features, don’t worry! There are still plenty of ways to exercise with your pup. Grab your dog’s favorite toy and play tug of war. Not only does this game take up very little space, it is a great way to have fun and exercise your arms. Many owners also find dog yoga a fun way to exercise and relax. All it takes is doing yoga in the same room as your pup—chances are, they will join in!

There are also ways to spice your daily walk. Instead of strolling, try running or cycling with your dog. Taking a quicker pace will tire your furry friend out, and you will get a great exercise in the meantime! Always make sure your dog is up for the challenge before taking on a more strenuous routine.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, you and your pet’s needs are always our first priority. Our full-service grooming facility and cats-only boarding facility are currently closed due to the COVID-19 lockdown, but we look forward to safe and comfortable reopening. For more information and regular updates, you can follow us on Facebook at Claws N Paws Day Spa or on Instagram @clawsnpawsdayspa_.

Anxiety in Dogs

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Like humans, dogs can experience high levels of stress and anxiety. Every dog experiences and reacts to anxiety differently. Luckily for us and our furry friends, there are many ways to ease an anxious dog.

Do I Have An Anxious Dog?

Anxiety is defined as the fear of unknown or imagined dangers. Every person (and dog) experiences feelings of anxiety, but in severe cases it can become habitual or chronic. Dogs with anxiety may exhibit the following physiological symptoms:

  • Restlessness
  • Aggression
  • Compulsive or repetitive behaviors
  • Pacing 
  • Depression or lethargy
  • Excessive barking
  • Panting 
  • Inability to control urine or defecation
  • Destructive behavior

These symptoms can stem from a number of causes. Some dogs develop anxiety from a traumatic or fearful life experience. Even aging can cause anxiety; older dogs are more likely to react negatively to anxiety triggers. However, perhaps the most common form of canine anxiety is separation anxiety; many dogs experience stress and anxiety when their families leave home. 

How Can I Ease My Dog’s Anxiety?

Dogs thrive from a daily routine. Inconsistencies in their feeding and walking schedules might be causing their anxiety. This is particularly true for dogs with separation anxiety. Furthermore, allotting a certain amount of time will ensure that your dog gets the right amount of exercise. Excess energy may also cause anxiety.

An anxious dog will benefit from some basic pampering. Without regular physical contact, dogs may become stressed out. Go one step further and give your dog a massage. This is especially helpful in stressful situations like the vet’s office. Still, always exercise caution when dealing with an anxious dog. They may want to be alone during an anxiety or panic episode, and unwanted physical contact can lead to further aggression. If you need to keep a safe distance from your anxious dog, try putting on some calming music. Studies have shown that reggae, soft rock, and classical music can actually lower dogs’ heart rates. 

There are some products that may be helpful for your dog’s anxiety. Weighted dog blankets and compression wraps apply pressure, which can be calming for many dogs. Make sure that these products are dog-specific, as normal weighted blankets may be too heavy for your furry friend. Furthermore, many dog owners have found success with CBD oil for pets. Not only can CBD calm down your anxious dog, it has a wide variety of health benefits such as reducing seizures.

Claws N Paws Day Spa in Fountain Valley, California provides professional grooming services to both cats and dogs. Although we are currently closed to observe social distancing, we look forward to a safe reopening. For more information and updates, follow us on Facebook at Claws N Paws Day Spa or Instagram at @clawsnpawsdayspa_.

COVID-19 and Your Pet (Part Two)

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The news regarding this pandemic is still everywhere. While you social quarantine, make sure to stay updated on how this affects your pet and their regular activities. This will make your and your pet’s transition back into regular life much easier.

COVID-19 on Surfaces

In our last blog post about COVID-19, we discussed the fact that animals cannot transmit COVID-19 to humans. This is still very much true. However, we may want to consider the surfaces animals come into contact with. Pets often wear collars or clothes, and they require a multitude of other assets in your home such as litter boxes, toys, and more. In a recent study conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine, scientists determined the life of COVID-19 on several different surfaces. They found that it survived on plastic for up to 72 hours, on stainless steel for up to 48 hours, on cardboard for up to 24 hours, and on copper for up to 4 hours.

So what does this mean for your pet’s things? Many pet products such as collars and litter boxes are made of plastic. Food dishes may be made of stainless steel, and cat scratchers are often made of cardboard. While your pet cannot contract it, any human that comes into contact with these surfaces may transmit COVID-19 to them. If you know COVID-19 has passed through your home, make sure to avoid these surfaces for the suggested amount of time. Once that time has passed, sanitize the surfaces.

Addressing Your Grooming Needs

With many parts of the country on complete lockdown, Claws N Paws is currently closed. However, your pets’ needs are still important to us. We are spending our social quarantine carefully and thoroughly cleaning the shop. When we reopen, we will ask that all customers remove clothes and collars off of their pet before dropping them off. This will help ensure that the virus does not continue to spread.

Claws N Paws Day Spa is a full-service professional pet grooming salon located in beautiful Fountain Valley, California. Right next door, Claws N Paws also operates a cats-only boarding facility. We are currently closed, but you can follow us on Facebook (Claws N Paws Day Spa) or Instagram (@clawsnpawsdayspa_) for regular updates.

COVID-19 and Your Pet

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With COVID-19 at the center of the news, we truly are living in a historically significant time. Amid these extraordinary circumstances, we may find ourselves overwhelmed with conflicting information. You may be wondering how exactly your pet functions into the COVID-19 situation.

Can My Pet Transmit COVID-19?

In the general panic associated with this pandemic, several news sources have spread unnecessary fear regarding people’s pets. They refer to a case in Hong Kong, where a 17-year-old Pomeranian tested “weak positive” for COVID-19. However, after conducting thousands of tests on both cats and dogs, IDEXX Laboratories found no more positive cases. Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) contends that there is no evidence to suggest pets or livestock can transmit the virus.

As a result of these sensationalized news stories, people are concerned that their pet may give them or others COVID-19. Shelters around the world have reported a massive uptake in abandoned pets. Rest assured, you should not abandon your pet. In fact, their support can help you greatly during social distancing.

Social Distancing with Your Pet

Social distancing is the practice of staying away from people in order to slow the spread of infectious disease. During social distancing, it can be easy to feel bored or unmotivated. Having a pet is a great remedy for this! Pets provide routine and responsibility to our lives. They provide low-pressure companionship that can help through particularly difficult situations. During a social quarantine, a pet is a nice reminder that we are never truly alone.

If you have a dog, you can still take them on walks! Visit an open outdoor space that you know will not be crowded. Before and after the walk, make sure to practice good hygiene and wash your hands.

For more information, see our blog about pets and your health!

What To Do If You Get Sick

In the case that you fall ill, you may need to make accommodations for your pet. Stock up on pet supplies while you are healthy. You may find it helpful to compile an “emergency kit.” In this kit, we recommend including 30 days worth of any necessary medications and two weeks worth of food. Should you become ill, this kit will keep your pet safe without you having to run to the store, putting yourself and others at further risk.

Claws N Paws Day Spa in Fountain Valley, California provides professional grooming services to both dogs and cats. For more information or to book an appointment, contact us at 714-962-1005.

Feline Vestibular Disease

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Cats rely on their superior abilities to jump, stalk, run, and maneuver the world in their own special way. When these abilities are compromised, it can be disorienting or frustrating. This is a reality for cats with vestibular disease.

What is Vestibular Disease?

The vestibular system is located in the inner ear. It consists of a complex arrangement of nerves that govern balance as well as head and eye movements. When this system becomes damaged, it can throw off your cat’s equilibrium.

Thankfully, this syndrome is easy to spot. Often, a cat with vestibular disease will experience a head tilt to either side. As a result, the cat’s mobility will be visibly thrown off. They may walk in circles or fall over. Often, these cats will have eye problems. Cats with vestibular disease may move their eyes in back and forth, left to right, or rotary motion. They may also experience nausea.

There are a few causes of vestibular disease. Infections of the middle and inner ear can affect the vestibular system. Exposure to toxins (even antibiotics) can also affect this system. In more extreme cases, a brain tumor can cause vestibular damage. This is more common in elderly cats. However, many cases of vestibular disease are described as idiopathic. These cases are not traceable to any specific cause.

What Should I Do If I Suspect My Cat Has Vestibular Disease?

You will want to schedule a visit to the veterinarian immediately. There is no specific test for vestibular disease, but your vet can help you determine its cause. Tests may include MRIs, skull X-rays, blood and urine tests, or ear cultures. Your vet will pick from these tests based on clinical symptoms and your cat’s medical history.

Depending on its cause, treatment for vestibular disease varies. Symptoms typically subside after 24-48 hours with supportive care. This may include hand feeding or fluid administration. If your cat is nauseous or vomiting, your vet may prescribe anti-nausea medication. If they detect an ear infection, they will prescribe antibiotics.

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides professional grooming services to your cat or dog. We also provide cats-only boarding services in our adjacent facility. For more information or to make an appointment, contact us at 714-962-1005 or stop by today!