Pet Grooming Orange County

Why Your Matted Dog Needs to be Shaved

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Most people have every intention of taking care of their dog’s coat. Unfortunately, busy schedules and life events can get in the way. When this occurs, your longhaired friend can become matted. A matted coat is painful and can hide skin problems and parasites.

A matted coat is different than tangles. Tangles can typically be worked out with your fingers or a comb. They do not hinder your ability to view your dog’s skin. When your dog’s coat is matted you cannot see their skin. The fur develops a mat-like quality that covers some or all of the body. A severely matted coat can stretch from the tip of the tail to the tip of the nose. Dogs in this condition will often have feces and urine stuck in their fur.

A Matted Coat Can Hide Skin Issues and Parasites

Since mats prevent you from viewing your dog’s skin, they can hide serious issues. Fleas and ticks are common under a matted coat, as are sores from the constant skin pulling that occurs as a result of having a severely matted coat. Moisture can become trapped under mats, causing fungal and other skin infections. This is uncomfortable and can cause your dog to smell. Treatment of these conditions cannot take place until the mats are removed.

Attempting to comb or brush mats causes extreme pain. Using scissors to remove mats is not a viable option either. You can easily cut your dog’s delicate skin when cutting mats. Bathing a dog with mats causes the mats to become tighter, increasing the amount of pain your dog endures.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, we will not cause your dog unnecessary pain or distress. This is why we will only shave a matted pet. Shaving removes the mats quickly and safely. This relieves your dog of pain and enables you to treat any underlying skin problems or parasites. We will not bathe matted pets until all mats have been removed.

We are already booking holiday appointments. Please call 714-962-1005 to schedule your next grooming appointment today!

Halloween With Pets

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Many people love Halloween. However, their pets often do not feel the same way. In fact, Halloween can be extremely scary for pets that aren’t accustomed to the sights and smells of this fun night. It’s important to think of your pet long before the holiday.

Trick Or Treat

On Halloween night, you will likely have kids coming to your door over and over again. While you might enjoy seeing their costumes, your pet will probably be very upset by the constant ringing doorbell and opening of your door. It’s a good idea to keep your pet in a quiet room throughout the night. Try putting on a radio or television to distract them from the commotion at your front door.

If you decide to take your pet out with you to trick or treat, remember to keep them close. Your pet will not understand why people are dressed up. This can be scary and they might even become aggressive in an attempt to protect their family. Try visiting a few homes before deciding if your pet is able to continue.

Halloween Candy

One of the most common reasons that pets are brought to the hospital this time of year is because they’ve ingested something dangerous. Always keep candy away from your pet, regardless of how good you think they are.

It only takes a second for your pet to consume something that could cause a problem. Even if they don’t have access to chocolate, a candy wrapper can pose a serious choking hazard for your pet.

Keep Them Inside

There are numerous things on Halloween that can scare our pets. Startled pets might run from their family. Unfortunately, they can get lost easily. If at all possible, keep your pet indoors on Halloween night. Do not let them have access to your front door or allow them to play outside.

Many people have their pets boarded during this exciting holiday. This might be the best option if your pet becomes nervous easily or if you are unsure how they will react.

Claws N Paws Day Spa wishes you and your loved ones a safe and happy Halloween. Please call 714-962-1005 to schedule your next grooming appointment.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Pets

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Holiday Gift Ideas for Pets

Our pets bring us so much joy all year round. They are always there when we need cheering up. Don’t forget about them this holiday season. The following holiday gift ideas can help you pick the perfect gift for your furry friend!

Holiday Treats

I’ve never met a pet that didn’t enjoy treats. Treats are an excellent option if your pet doesn’t have allergies or weight issues. The shops are full of specialty treats this time of year. You can find cookies shaped like ornaments, treats that look like candies, and more. Just keep in mind that you will need to keep treats out of your pet’s reach until it’s time for them to be enjoyed.

Toys

Most pets love to play. The holidays are an excellent excuse to get your pet some new toys. Although there are several holiday toys available, it might be best to stick with traditional options. Stock up on your pet’s favorites or offer them a variety of toys. Rotating the toys available to your pet can help keep them interested.

New Bedding

A new bed or blanket could be exactly what your pet needs this holiday season. Pet bedding keeps your pet off the ground, which can be extremely cold this time of year. Providing your pet with his or her own place to relax can also help keep fur off your furniture.

Collars and Leashes

Consider getting your pet a new collar or leash for the holidays. There are many designs available. You’re sure to find the perfect set to compliment you and your pet’s unique style. When choosing a collar, make sure that you can easily fit two fingers between the collar and your pet’s skin.

What to Avoid

There are several holiday gifts that can be dangerous to your pet. Rawhide bones and chews can cause choking and a life-threatening blockage. Avoid toys that can be easily destroyed. Stay away from anything that has strings or other items that can be removed.

Claws N Paws Day Spa wishes you and your pet a safe and happy holiday season.

 

Fall Safety for Cats

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Fall Safety for Cats

Our pets rely on us to keep them happy, healthy and safe. There are several things that can be dangerous to your feline companion during the fall. The following tips can help keep your cat safe.

Outdoor Hazards

Most of us already know the potential dangers of letting cats outdoors. Cats that spend time outdoors are susceptible to injury or worse from vehicles, wildlife and more. Outdoor cats face additional challenges during the fall.

Toxic mold often develops in fallen leaves this time of year. This is also when snakes begin looking for a safe place for winter. Poisonous snakes are becoming more and more common in Orange County, especially in areas of new development. If your cat spends time outdoors, make sure that you clean up fallen leaves around your home. Keep a close eye on your cat and regularly inspect areas around your home for snakes.

Indoor Hazards

Outdoor cats aren’t the only ones at risk this fall. Indoor cats face several potential dangers as well. Cleaning products can be toxic to pets. Scented products such as potpourri and scented candles can irritate your pet’s senses and cause them distress. If your cat is sneezing, it’s important to remove all scented products from your home.

During the fall, rodents might move inside to keep warm for the winter. Take care when treating for rodents in your home. Mouse and rat poison can be deadly to pets and traps can cause serious injury. Live traps are the safest option.

Holiday Hazards

Holiday decorations may be tempting to cats. Unfortunately, these decorations can be extremely dangerous. Holiday lights can cause electrocution if chewed. Candles can be knocked over by curious pets. Tinsel and other ornaments can lead to a life-threatening blockage if ingested. Be careful when decorating for the holidays. Watch your cat closely and try to keep decorations out of reach.

It’s also important to keep your cat away from holiday food. Uncooked meat, onions, garlic, sweets and greasy foods can cause serious problems for your pet.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers dog and cat grooming and mobile grooming in Orange County, California. Please call 714-962-1005 to set up a grooming appointment. Holiday appointments are booking up fast.

Pet-Friendly Decorating Tips

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Pet-Friendly Decorating Tips

The holiday season is officially upon us. This time of year can be dangerous for our pets. While you probably already know the dangers of table scraps and chicken bones, you might not have considered your holiday decorations as a potential hazard for your pets.

Decorating for the Holidays

Many pets find the sights and smells of holiday decorations appealing. Unfortunately, these objects can cause serious problems if ingested. Trees and candles can be knocked down, causing fires and injuries. Wrapped gifts also pose a threat to our faithful companions. Make sure that you keep your pets in mind when decorating your home for the holidays.

Plants and Flowers

Plants and flowers are everywhere this time of year. In addition to decorating our homes, these items are commonly given as gifts. There are a number of plants and flowers that are dangerous to pets including holly, poinsettias and pine needles.

If you decide to decorate your home with plants, make sure that you put them out of reach of pets. Another solution is to use artificial versions instead. Although artificial plants pose some risk of being ingested, pets typically find them less appealing than the real thing.

Christmas trees should be kept in a stable stand. If possible, attach your tree to a window or wall with fishing line.

Electrical Cords

Chewing on electrical cords and lights can cause serious issues for your pet. Electrical cords can cause burns, electric shock and even death. Unplug lights and other cords whenever you leave your home and monitor pets closely when at home.

Ornaments

Glass ornaments, ribbon, yarn, tinsel, string, adhesives and glue all pose a serious risk to your pet. These items can be ingested, causing injury and possibly life-threatening blockages. Keep all ornaments out of reach of pets and never use food to decorate, as this will only tempt your pet.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers full service pet grooming and mobile grooming services in Orange County, California. Our holiday grooming appointments are booking up fast. Please call us at 714-962-1919 to set up your holiday appointment.

Holiday Grooming

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Holiday Grooming

The holidays are quickly approaching. Many of us have begun preparing our homes and planning our holiday parties. This is an exciting time of year when we tend to focus on the little details. One of these details should be your pet.

Our pets bring us so much joy all year long. They are always there to provide us comfort and love. It can be easy to forget about our faithful companions during the hustle and bustle of this time of year. It’s important to remember that your pet is relying on you to take care of them this holiday season.

Basic Grooming

Longhaired pets require daily brushing. Make sure that you set aside a little time each day to care for your pet’s coat. This is an excellent time to bond with your pet and reassure them that they still have your attention.

When brushing your pet, make sure that you check them for fleas and ticks, which can still be present even throughout the winter in California. Check their skin for issues caused by dry indoor heating. Look for flaky skin and areas where your pet is scratching. If you notice anything unusual, it might be a good idea to contact your vet. Skin issues tend to escalate quickly.

Holiday Grooming Appointments

Your pet should visit their groomer at least once a month, regardless of how long or short their coat is. Regular bathing helps you spot skin issues that are common in the fall and winter. It also helps keep your pet’s skin and coat clean and healthy.

Regular grooming includes bathing, brushing, nail trims, ears cleaned and other necessary maintenance. Professional grooming is important for your pet’s overall health and well-being.

Holiday appointments book up extremely fast. It’s important to book your regular appointments well in advance. This ensures your pet won’t miss their regular grooming.

Holiday Guests

If you will be having guests staying with you this holiday season, it’s important to ensure your pets are well taken care of. Instruct guests, especially children, the proper way to care for your pet. Make sure they know not to feed them table scraps, which can be dangerous to their health.

If you have cats, you might want to consider having them boarded for the holiday season. Boarding ensures they are well taken care of and not let outside by well-meaning guests.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers holiday grooming and cats only boarding. Please call 714-962-1919 for details.