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Gum Disease in Dogs

July 26, 2019 By //  by Madison Scheafer

It can be hard to tell when a dog is feeling unwell. A slight change in behavior or appearance may go unnoticed, but it can be symptomatic of something more. Gum disease often hides among a dog’s regular functions and is therefore difficult to catch. However, it is important to understand the symptoms to avoid a major problem.

Here’s What Happens

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, occurs as a result of excessive plaque buildup. This may affect a single tooth, an isolated area, or the entire mouth. Plaque buildup creates cavities between the teeth and gums, allowing bacteria to enter and grow.  Eventually, a dog with unchecked gum disease will experience tooth and bone loss. It can also facilitate heart disease, as bad bacteria from the mouth continues to move through the circulatory system.

Detection

While gum disease is extremely silent, there are a few ways to detect it before it becomes a serious problem. Usually, the earliest way to tell is by smelling your dog’s breath. Dogs with especially foul-smelling breath may have it as a result of excessive plaque buildup. You may also catch early to intermediate-stage periodontal disease by monitoring your dog closely. Are your dog’s gums red or swollen? Do they have any yellow or brown teeth? Do they have an abnormal appetite? These are signs of gum disease.

In the later stages of gum disease, dogs will begin to show signs of discomfort. They may have problems picking up or eating food. The aforementioned symptoms will be much worse, with physically loose teeth and bloody saliva.

If you notice anything abnormal, schedule a trip to the vet. The official diagnosis of periodontal disease must come from a number of lab tests.

Treatment

In the early stages of periodontal disease, deep cleaning is essential. Your vet may prescribe products or simply suggest a professional tooth cleaning. Dental wash is an increasingly popular way to prevent and even reverse some of the damage caused by gum disease. Talk to your vet about which option best suits your dog. Intermediate stages are marked by a clear separation of the teeth and gums. This space will need to be cleaned by a vet. Additionally, your dog may require antibiotics. In the late stages, invasive procedures such as tooth extraction and bone replacement become necessary.

Due to the severity of periodontal disease, prevention is extremely important. Good dental hygiene is the only defense against plaque buildup and bad bacteria. Brush your dog’s teeth every day using pet-safe toothpaste, and schedule regular professional teeth cleanings at your local groomer or veterinary office.

Claws N Paws Day Spa is a full-service grooming salon where your pet’s health and hygiene are made a priority. Contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our location in Fountain Valley, California for more information on our services.

Filed Under: Our Blog Tagged With: california, cat grooming, dog grooming, groomer, grooming, grooming salon, orange county, orange county groomer, pet grooming, southern california

Himalayan Salt Lamps: The Hidden Danger for Pets

July 19, 2019 By //  by Madison Scheafer

The use of Himalayan salt lamps in the home has become increasingly more popular in the past few years. They have been said to create a more comforting atmosphere, reducing anxiety and providing a unique sense of warmth. However, they pose a serious threat to cats and dogs.

The Problem

A Himalayan salt lamp may not look like food, but some animals may be curious to taste it. This is mostly true with cats, but dogs may also develop this curiosity. Read here for more information on feline compulsions to lick or eat inedible items. Cats are also at more risk of licking salt lamps due to their ability to reach higher places in your home. As with humans, the taste of salt can be addicting to your furry friends. A bit of natural curiosity can easily become an obsession.

The problem with this is that salt is toxic to cats and dogs. They can consume about 16.7 mg per day, but any amount exceeding this can lead to salt poisoning. Salt poisoning has a wide variety of symptoms, including but not limited to vomiting, diarrhea, a change in appetite or thirst, tremors or seizures, and potential kidney damage. If left untreated, it will become fatal. An animal dedicated to licking salt lamps can easily consume over the recommended daily amount and develop salt poisoning.

What You Can Do

Many pet owners simply place their Himalayan salt lamp out of their pets’ reach. This is more possible in homes with dogs because they are not quite as nimble as cats. However, due to the unpredictability of animals, it might be ultimately safer to opt for a mood lighting lamp. If this is going to be in the reach of animals, ensure that it is heavy enough for them not to knock it over.

If you are looking for the atmospheric uplift associated with salt lamps, there are many alternatives that are safe and even beneficial for your pets. For example, growing cat grass indoors is a great way to increase the natural air flow in your home while encouraging safe chewing habits.

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides extensive grooming services to both cats and dogs. Additionally, we operate a cats-only boarding facility. Visit our location in Fountain Valley, California or contact us at 714-962-1005 for more information.

 

Filed Under: Our Blog Tagged With: california, cat adoption, cat boarding, cat grooming, dog grooming, groomer, grooming, grooming salon, orange county, orange county groomer, pet grooming, southern california

Post Clipping Alopecia

July 12, 2019 By //  by Madison Scheafer

 A trip to the grooming salon is a necessary experience for all dog owners. In these hot summer months, you may feel compelled to shave your double-coated dog to prevent shedding and keep them cool. However, a full shave may result in a condition called post clipping alopecia (also known as clippers alopecia), and it can alter your furry friend’s coat for life.

What is Post Clipping Alopecia?

After a professional groom, your dog’s fur should grow back at a constant and regular rate. However, a dog with post clipping alopecia will show patchy regrowth. When the fur does begin to return, it will not have the same qualities as before. New hair growth will be wispier and sparser, with a “sticky” texture. Shaved portions may also grow fur that does not match the dog’s original coloration.

The condition occurs in double-coated dogs such as pomeranians, huskies, chow chows, and German shepherds. Research your dog’s breed to determine whether they may develop post clipping alopecia. A double-coated dog has a soft undercoat accompanied by longer “guard hairs.” When the weather is warm, a dog will shed their undercoat and leave only the guard hairs. This allows air to reach the dog’s skin and keep them cool. Post clipping alopecia is characterized by regrowth of the undercoat alone, which is too thick for air to permeate. Furthermore, without guard hairs to protect them, a dog with post clipping alopecia will be more susceptible to sunburns, overheating, and even skin cancer.

What Can You Do?

While you should avoid shaving your double-coated dog, regular grooming appointments are still important. A dog left ungroomed may develop mats, and shaving will become unavoidable. Talk to your groomer about ways to keep your furry friend clean and trimmed without potentially altering their coat quality. Additionally, to avoid erratic shedding, you can brush your dog at home. Doing this regularly will limit the amount of hair left around the house.

If your dog has already developed post clipping alopecia, there are some ways to limit its effects. Puppies who develop this condition can almost fully recover, although older dogs are much less likely to regain their old coat. Taking regular care of your dog’s newly sensitive skin is crucial. Limit sun exposure and keep a close eye out for burns or irritation. Talk to your veterinarian about ways to treat alopecia. These methods may include brushing, hydrotherapy, or prescribed oral medications.

Claws N Paws Day Spa in Fountain Valley, California provides informed grooming services with your pet’s well-being in mind. For more information, contact us at 714-962-1005.

 

Filed Under: Our Blog Tagged With: california, cat grooming, dog grooming, groomer, grooming, grooming salon, orange county, orange county groomer, pet grooming, professional grooming

Controlling Ticks

July 5, 2019 By //  by cnpadmin

Ticks pose a major threat to your pet and home. Ticks are painful to pets and have the ability to spread disease. In rare cases, a tick can consume enough blood to cause anemia. It is for these reasons that controlling ticks is extremely important to your pet’s well-being.

When Ticks Strike

Ticks usually sit on the tips of grasses or other plants, waiting for a host to brush past. They look for warm and moist places on an animal to attach themselves. If you suspect that your animal has a tick, first check between the toes, in and around the ears, in the “armpits,” around the neck, and near the base of the tail. However, a tick can situate itself anywhere on your pet. Make sure that, wherever you search, you look deep within the fur. Ticks are small and very easy to miss.

What to Do If You Find a Tick

If you do find a tick on your pet, removing it successfully is crucial. This limits how much blood the tick can consume. Ticks can be removed using either fine-point tweezers or specialized tick removal tools. Wear gloves to avoid the spread of unwanted disease. Grab the tick as close to your pet’s skin as possible, and pull out its entire body with one straight outward motion. It is important not to squeeze the tick to avoid breaking it. Pieces left embedded in an animal’s skin may cause infection. Clean the area surrounding the tick bite with alcohol, and keep an eye on the wound for a few days. Write down the date that you found that tick in case an infection or disease does occur.

Prevention

Even a pet who is outside for a brief time may be exposed to ticks. Because it is impossible to regulate every space your pet comes into contact with, it is important to practice regular prevention. Methods range from spot-on medications to tick collars. Your vet can provide you with the best information on tick products. Keep in mind that these products use sensitive chemicals and must be approved for your specific pet. Every pet is unique!

Meanwhile, there are various ways to ensure that your home and yard are tick-free. Ticks are attracted to a messy yard. Mow the lawn often and dispose of leaf litter and old furniture. Ticks will have less places to hide and will be more likely to move onto another yard. Keeping ticks out of the home is a similar process. Organization is the most important step; a clean home will be less likely to attract ticks. Prevention is important because, in the case that ticks do enter the home, it will become necessary to call an exterminator. This is an expensive and extremely invasive process.

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides grooming for dogs and cats. Visit our location in Fountain Valley, California, or contact us at 714-962-1005 for more information on our grooming services.

Filed Under: Our Blog Tagged With: california, cat grooming, dog grooming, grooming, grooming salon, orange county, orange county groomer, pet grooming, southern california

Why Is My Cat Eating That?

June 28, 2019 By //  by cnpadmin

Most cat owners have asked themselves this question. Cats chew on anything they can get their teeth on, from plastic bags to houseplants. This compulsion to eat nonfood items is called pica, and it is caused by a variety of reasons.

Is it Pica?

Pica describes the actual consumption of nonfood objects. Sometimes cats will suck on nonfood objects without actually consuming them. Cats who exhibit this behavior generally suck on soft or fuzzy objects such as wool blankets and even their owners’ hair. It arises in cats who were weaned from either their mother’s milk or a bottle too early, and it is not directly associated with pica. However, cats with this tendency must be monitored. They may begin to actually consume these inedible objects.

Chewing alone can be a routine feline activity. Cats are adventurous creatures, meaning that many chew objects out of pure curiosity. Many cats, for example, chew on plastic objects. This may become a habit. However, a habit of chewing plastic may eventually develop into pica depending on why the cat exhibits this behavior.

The best way to determine whether your cat has pica is to catch them in the act of eating nonfood objects. However, this may be difficult. Look out for changes in your cat’s digestive health. These include constipation, vomiting, fatigue, decreased appetite, and diarrhea. Any of these symptoms may be a result of pica.

Explanations

A cat may develop pica in response to their environment or lifestyle. They may be experiencing dietary deficiencies. This is especially true in cases where cats consume litter or plant material; they are looking to add more sustenance to their diets. They may also be affected by their environment. Cats who lack stimulation may turn to chewing as a fun hobby. Playing with them and making sure that they have exciting toys is a great way to keep your cat happy. A happy cat will be less likely to develop pica. Cats may also chew nonfood items as a way to relieve stress and aggression. This is common after a move or when a new pet has been introduced into the home, but every situation is unique. Ensure that your cat’s needs (proper diet, clean litterbox, etc.) are fulfilled in order to limit any stress your cat may be feeling.

Something More Serious

The reasoning behind this behavior is sometimes more complicated. If an improved diet and stress-free lifestyle is not helping your cat, consider a trip to the vet. The behavior of eating nonfood items may in fact be its own compulsive disorder. It may also be symptomatic of diseases such as feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus.

Claws N Paws owns and operates a full-service dog and cat grooming salon as well as a cat boarding facility, both located in Fountain Valley, California. For more information on our services, contact us at 714-962-1005.

Filed Under: Our Blog Tagged With: california, cat grooming, dog grooming, grooming, grooming salon, orange county, orange county groomer, pet grooming

Flea Treatment in the Summer

June 21, 2019 By //  by cnpadmin

Summer has arrived. As we prepare to enjoy these upcoming months of warmer weather, so do unwanted pests. The risk that fleas will become a major problem in your home increases drastically during the summer. However, there are many ways to prevent this from happening.

Faster Development in the Summertime

While fleas survive throughout the year, summer provides the optimal conditions for their breeding and spreading. Flea development from egg to adult depends on a certain level of humidity. Eggs cannot survive in low humidity, so humid summers provide the perfect atmosphere for fleas to breed. Fleas do not depend on temperature to reproduce, but warmer weather speeds up development. This makes it easier for a home’s flea problem to escalate into something much less manageable. It is especially important, in this case, to treat for fleas quickly and before the problem spirals out of control.

Over-the-Counter Treatments

The most popular type of flea treatment is over-the-counter medication such as Advantage or Frontline. However, many pet owners are finding that these medications only do half of the job. Their only purpose is to target fleas on the animal itself, and they therefore cannot rid the home of fleas. Fleas can survive without a host for 100 days, and new ones can easily enter a home after an old population has died out. Thus begins a vicious cycle of reapplication which can be potentially dangerous for your pet.

Additionally, over-the-counter medications have confusing and often misleading labels. Many contain ingredients that are potentially harmful to your pet, including essential oils and insecticides. These can have lasting harmful and even fatal effects on your pet. If you do choose to use over-the-counter medications, remember to read the label carefully and understand any risks involved.

Recommended Treatments

Home treatment begins at the host animal. Rather than opting for over-the-counter medication, consider using a flea collar. Flea collars slowly release their preventative ingredients from the collar to your pet’s skin and coat. Fleas that come into contact with these ingredients are immediately killed. Collars are especially effective because they are close to the eyes and face, where the majority of fleas gather. Collars across brands have some different factors, but it is always important to size them correctly. Seresto collars last 8 months and are heavily trusted by the staff at Claws N Paws.

However, a collar alone is not enough to fight a flea outbreak. As previously mentioned, fleas can survive quite a long time off of the host. Furthermore, their bites are painful to both animals and humans. Fleabusters Rx powder kills flea at the larval stage in your carpet. Its ingredients are much safer than common insecticides, and a little powder goes a long way.

Claws N Paws Day Spa is a full-service pet grooming salon in Fountain Valley, California. Our staff is passionate about making sure your pet is safe and flea-free. Stop by or contact us at 714-962-1005 for more information about flea prevention.

Filed Under: Our Blog Tagged With: california, cat grooming, dog grooming, fleas, groomer, grooming, orange county, orange county groomer, orange county grooming, southern california

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