Pet Grooming Orange County

Grooming for the Spring

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After a long winter, spring is just around the corner! The sun is coming out, and soon enough you and your pup will be too! You’ll want your dog looking and feeling their very best before hitting the park. Get the best out of this season with these simple grooming tips!

Spring Cleaning

During the winter, your dog’s coat likely grew much thicker. This is due to the drop in temperature and extra time spent indoors. A bath will help clean out winter grime, but it will also release loose fur that has accumulated over time. Many pet owners prefer to take their pup to a professional groomer; equipment such as industrial dryers are unmatched when it comes to loosening excess fur. However, some choose to bathe their dogs at home. If this is you, make sure to thoroughly rinse out all shampoo and conditioner. Your dog’s skin will otherwise become irritated, an unfortunate combination with spring allergies.

Brush It Out

The loosened fur will need to go somewhere. A gentle brush following your pup’s bath will help remove it. Additionally, regular brushing also helps to distribute the natural oils across your dog’s skin. Your groomer can do an intensive brush, but brushing between appointments is always a good idea! Plus, it can be a great bonding experience for you and your furry friend.

A Little Off the Top

Spring is an excellent time for a trim.Trimming your dog’s fur removes tangles and damaged hair, leaving the coat softer. Your dog will certainly appreciate a shorter cut as the weather begins to warm up. For this step, make sure to visit a professional groomer. Grooming at home can lead to unfortunate mishaps, such as post clipping alopecia.

Nailed It

Nail trimming is important year-round. However, short nails are especially important during warmer months. On walks or runs, long nails can gather a surprising amount of dirt. This is ultimately very uncomfortable for your pup. Long nails are also more likely to get snagged or cut on outings. To prevent this, invest in some doggy clippers or schedule a regular nail trimming with your local groomer. 

You can find all of these services at Claws N Paws Day Spa. Located in beautiful Fountain Valley, California, Claws N Paws provides a wide variety of professional grooming services to both dogs and cats. For more information or to book an appointment, contact us at 714-962-1005 or stop by today!

Dry Food vs. Wet Food

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As pet owners, we are constantly making decisions about how to best care for our furry friends. One of the most daunting decisions can be choosing a pet food. With so many options, it can be difficult to know which food is best. Here, we will investigate the difference between dry food and wet canned food. The information below should help narrow your deciding process.

Dry Food

Dry food is the epitome of convenience. It is easier to store, meaning that you are less likely to run out suddenly. Furthermore, dry food will not spoil in your pet’s bowl. They can snack all day rather than relying on specific mealtimes. This makes it possible for pet owners to go on day-long outings without worrying that their pet will run out of food.

Usually, dry food contains more grains than wet food. This has been the subject of debate among veterinarians and pet owners alike. Some argue that pets are carnivorous and do not need extra fillers in their diets. However, others argue that even wild dogs and cats are omnivorous and supplement their diets with whatever they can find. Ultimately, it comes down to the specific dry food; some rely more heavily on grains than others.

The texture of dry food also promotes dental health. Unlike wet food, which can build up plaque, dry food scrapes it away. This is never a complete substitute for dental care, but it can certainly help along the way.

Wet Food

Wet food is often considered the more palatable of the two. It is heavily aromatic and easier to chew, making it preferable for ill or elderly pets. Unlike dry food, wet food is not typically bought in large containers. This allows for more variation in your pet’s diet, exciting even the pickiest eater.

Most wet foods contain far less grains than their dry counterparts. This leaves room for more proteins and fats, which many veterinarians and pet owners prefer. Wet foods are also more likely to contain synthetic preserves and artificial flavors/colors. For these reasons, many believe that wet food more closely mimics an animal’s natural diet. However, like with dry food, it is still important to check the ingredients list of any wet food you choose.

Dehydration is a major concern for many pets, and many veterinarians are turning to wet pet food as a potential solution. While this introduces a higher water content to your pet’s diet, remember that food can never be a substitute for drinking water.

In Conclusion

Both foods have their values. The perfect food for one pet may be completely wrong for another. Whatever you choose for your specific pet, it is always important to read the product label and reviews. That way, you can ensure your furry friend is always getting the nutrition they need!

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides professional grooming services to both cats and dogs. For more information, contact us at 714-962-1005 or stop by our Fountain Valley location today.

Canine Digestive Health

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We always want our dogs to feel their very best. Unfortunately, health problems can be unpredictable, including many digestive issues. The best way to prevent this from happening is to practice good gut health before a problem can arise. Your dog—and their tummy—will thank you!

Invest in Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that occur naturally in the body. Inflammation kills these bacteria, leading to uncomfortable digestive complications such as diarrhea and constipation. A lack of good bacteria in the body can also lead to poor health throughout the body, including skin health. These probiotics do not simply have to occur naturally; they may be taken in the form of dietary supplements.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, we personally use Purina’s FortiFlora to ensure good gut health. Using guaranteed live microorganisms, t is the number 1 brand recommended and prescribed by veterinarians. Talk to your veterinarian about starting your puppy or adult dog on FortiFlora.

Ditch the Grains

Grains in your pet’s diet may be causing inflammation in their digestive system. It is also extremely possible that your dog is living with an undiagnosed allergy to grain. For more information on how to detect these, see our blog on canine allergies. Whatever the case, grains are fairly unnecessary to a healthy dog’s diet.

Like with all dietary changes, make sure to introduce your dog to their grain-free diet gradually. A sudden shock to the diet may cause more harm than good to the digestive system. Slowly fade grains out to create a more comfortable transition. This may be done by mixing some old food into the new grain-free food, at least in the beginning.

A Balanced Diet

Your dog may be reacting negatively to an unvaried diet. They may not be getting the proper nutrients they need, or perhaps consuming too many added fillers. Furthermore, a dog with no variation in their diet will experience a larger reaction to sudden changes. Dogs are unpredictable and will often eat whatever they can get their paws on. Sudden shocks to the diet can lead to diarrhea and vomiting. You can vary your pup’s diet with different proteins or vegetables. Always remember to make these changes gradually.

At Claws N Paws, we always have your pet’s best interest in mind. We provide grooming services to both cats and dogs at our salon in Fountain Valley, California. In addition, we provide boarding services in our cats-only boarding facility located right next door. For more information, call us at 714-962-1005 or drop by today!

Get The Best Out of Your Grooming Appointment

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A trip to the grooming salon is a necessary experience to having a pet, but many first-time pet owners may feel intimidated by the process. In truth, a grooming appointment is nothing to stress about, and it leaves your pet happy and clean. Here are some tips to ensure that you and your pet will get the very best out of the salon experience.

Warming Up

Practicing good coat health at home can have real benefits at the grooming salon. Brush your pet regularly to decrease the chance that they will have mats. If your groomer finds mats, they will have no choice but to shave them. However, keep in mind that mats often start close to the skin. Groomers recommend brushing down to the skin every time. Frequency depends on your pet. Dogs and cats with shorter coats only require brushing twice a week. Meanwhile, pets with longer coats should be brushed either every night or every other night.

You can also practice regular grooming techniques such as clipping your pet’s nails and brushing their teeth. Not only do these improve their physical health, it normalizes the grooming process. A pet who is exposed to these procedures is more likely to feel comfortable at the salon.

Know Your Pet’s Needs

Every pet is unique! Professional pet groomers are equipped to handle a wide variety of conditions and behaviors. However, it always helps when they know what to expect. Does your pet have any allergies or medical conditions? Any behavioral concerns such as aggression or fear of loud noises? These are all good questions to consider prior to a grooming appointment. It will help ensure a positive and stress-free experience for you, your pet, and your groomer.

Bathroom Break!

Many pets soil themselves during or after being groomed, which can add time or extra expenses to your visit. Therefore, it is always a good idea to let your pet do their business before a grooming appointment.

Schedule Regular Appointments

Unfortunately, the effects of a grooming fade over time. Your pet’s coat is constantly growing, and they are experiencing life in all its messiest ways. Scheduling regular appointments with a trusted groomer is a good way to keep your pet looking and feeling great. Plus, becoming a “regular” has its own benefits. Your groomer will learn your pet’s specificities, and your pet may very well make a new friend that they look forward to seeing. Talk to your groomer about how often to schedule appointments; this will vary based on a number of factors.

You can find a comfortable and professional grooming experience at Claws N Paws Day Spa. Located in Fountain Valley, California, our staff is extremely dedicated to making sure your pet has the best possible experience every time they come in. Stop by our location or call 714-962-1005 to make an appointment.

Pet Grooming for the Fall

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As the days grow shorter and colder, we know that we have begun our transition into fall. Our pets are also noticing this change. These grooming tips will help them stay happy and healthy this autumn.

Don’t Neglect Your Routine

It is natural for your pet’s hair to grow longer during colder seasons. However, this does not mean that you should stop grooming them altogether. Keeping a regular routine ensures that natural hair growth can occur in the healthiest way possible.

Brushing

Most cats and dogs shed their fur twice a year: once in the spring to remove their heavy winter coat and once in the fall to remove their lighter summer coat. Regular brushing is especially important during these time periods. It can remove loose guard hairs and dead undercoat. Rather than finding it in piles on your carpet and furniture, you can control where your pet’s shedded fur goes. Brushing can also help combat mats, remove dead skin, and distribute natural oils across the skin.

Regular Baths

Autumn means that new environmental irritants are floating around. Even a short walk can introduce your dog to dirt, pollen, mold spores, and more. Regular baths are important to remove any potentially harmful particles. A “regular bath” means something different to every dog. Talk to your groomer about your dog’s specific needs.

Many cat owners wonder whether they should bathe their feline companions. Cats are notoriously clean animals, and a bath may seem like unnecessary stress. However, some cats need baths more than others. Elderly or disabled cats may not be able to clean themselves properly. Outdoor cats or those who go on walks are more likely to be exposed to fleas, ticks, pollens, and other environmental irritants. If your cat looks or feels dirty, consider making an appointment at your local groomer. Professionals are trained to give your cat a fast, stress-free bath.

Keep Winter in Mind

Your pet’s coat should remain at a reasonable length at all times. A longer coat increases the chance for matting, and the worst time to shave these mats is when the weather is at its coldest. This is particularly true for Shih Tzus and other silky-haired dogs, whose fur must be trimmed frequently.

You can find professional grooming services at Claws N Paws Day Spa. Our groomers are armed with the experience and knowledge to help your specific dog or cat this autumn. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 714-962-1005. You can also visit our location in Fountain Valley, California.

Why You Should Vaccinate Your Cat for Rabies

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California is one of twenty-three states that does not require a rabies vaccination for cats. This means that, unlike with dogs, it is entirely up to a cat’s owner to decide whether or not to vaccinate. Here is why it is always a good idea to vaccinate your cat for rabies.

A Serious Threat

Although it is rare, rabies is extremely dangerous. Once an animal is bitten, the disease is almost one-hundred percent fatal. It can take anywhere from ten days to a year for symptoms to arise following a bite. Rabies does not currently have a known cure and can only be diagnosed in deceased animals. In the United States, cats contract rabies more than any other domestic species.

An unvaccinated cat that has been potentially exposed to rabies must be either euthanized or strictly quarantined for several months. Meanwhile, a vaccinated cat that has been exposed is simply recommended a booster vaccination in the thirty days following a bite. Talk to your vet if you think your cat may already have been exposed to rabies.

Benefits of the Rabies Vaccine

Simply because the vaccine is not required does not mean that it is not preferred. Most veterinary organizations heavily recommend the vaccine, and many facilities will not accept cats into their care if they have not received it.

Owners of indoor-only cats may feel that their cat is protected from rabies. This is mostly true. However, many cats are tricky and unpredictable. It only takes an open window for your cat to escape. When they return, there is no way to know what other critters they may have come across on their adventure. A variety of wandering animals carry rabies, including foxes, raccoons, and other community cats and dogs. Even a brief departure from the home can be fatal to an unvaccinated cat.

Owners of cats that go outdoors should always stay up-to-date on rabies vaccines and boosters. However, the most effective way to prevent against rabies and other viral diseases is to keep your cat indoors.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers professional grooming services for both dogs and cats. Contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our location in Fountain Valley, California for more information.