Pet Grooming Orange County

Look at the Paws!

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Your puppy’s paws are important to their everyday life, but they can also be quite delicate. Conditions that seem unrelated to the paws can have a significant effect on them. Stay on top of sneaky ailments by monitoring your dog’s paws!

What is Pododermatitis?

Pododermatitis refers to the inflammation of the feet. Usually, pet owners notice the behavioral symptoms of pododermatitis first. Is your dog excessively licking or pulling at their feet? This is a common response to inflammation.

Take a closer look at your puppy’s paws. Are they red and swollen? Are there scabs or blisters? Is there hair loss? These indicate that something may be wrong. Additionally, the paws may also have abscesses and/or lesions, with potential pus leakage.

The Environmental Factor

Your puppy may be reacting to something environmental. These can occur in any setting, particularly on outdoor walks. For example, contact with irritants or excessive walking on concrete or gravel paths can cause inflammation. Sometimes even changes in the weather such as sudden rain or humidity may trigger a reaction. Inflammations based on environmental changes can occur on one or more feet. It can include swelling between their toes, ulcers, abscesses, or pus discharge. Puppies may or may not scratch at an environmental inflammation.

Fleas or ticks can also be considered an environmental factor. These parasites can be encountered in any setting. Luckily, there are many good treatments to avoid the negative impacts of exposure to fleas and ticks. For more information about ticks, see our blog on how to avoid them.

Something More

Pododermatitis may be indicative of something more sinister. One of the most common causes of foot inflammation is an undiagnosed food allergy. For more information, see our blog about diagnosing and treating various food allergies.

Inflammation may also have a fungal cause such as yeast infection or ringworm. Fungal infections are known to be extremely uncomfortable, so these will be supplemented by a lot of scratching. Reactions can also be triggered by autoimmune diseases, namely pemphigus foliaceus (PF) or symmetric lupoid onychitis (SLO). PF is related to the skin, while SLO is directly related to the nails.

Regardless, pododermatitis warrants a vet visit. Your trusted veterinary professional can diagnose pododermatitis with a physical examination. They will help you determine the best route to take when treating it.

Claws N Paws owns and operates a full-service grooming salon in Fountain Valley, California. Stop by today or call us at 714-962-1005 for more information.

Taking Care of a Senior Cat

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Senior cats are delightful members in any family. Their calm disposition and seasoned personality make them particularly good in homes with young children. However, they take some special care. With these tips, you and your senior cat can enjoy the very best quality of life.

Keep A Close Eye

At this time in their life, a senior cat will likely experience some health problems. The good news is that these are often easy to spot. Look for changes in diet, water intake, weight, and behavior. Your cat will act differently due to their age, but drastic changes may be cause for concern. Some pet owners find it helpful to keep a diary of their cat’s behavior or symptoms. If maintained, this can help your vet identify any potential health issues.

Set the Space

Senior cats need special accommodations. Getting around may get harder for an elderly cat, so easy access to food, water, and litterboxes is of the utmost importance. Because your senior cat is probably exercising less on their own, lots of toys can be a great incentive to get active. Finally, cozy spaces (cat beds, blankets, etc.) give your senior cat a gentle place to rest and recharge. Make sure all of these accommodations are close to the floor and out of loud areas of your home.

Regular Stimulation

Even old cats need regular attention and activity. Try experimenting with some new toys. However, make sure that active situations are not particularly stressful. Even just sitting with and petting your cat can stimulate their mental health.

Keep Them Inside

While we recommend that all cats are kept indoors, this is especially important for senior cats. They are oftentimes much slower to react to wild animals or passing cars. Furthermore, they can get lost more easily. It is always best to keep an elderly cat inside the home at all times.

Regular Vet Visits

Stay on top of your senior cat’s health with regular veterinary visits. Many pet owners choose to go biannually, but your vet can help you determine the best routine. Now may be the time to invest in a comfortable carrier; there is no reason for your elderly cat to be stressed out.

At Claws N Paws, we care deeply about your pet’s best interests. We provide professional pet grooming to both dogs and cats at our full-service grooming salon. For more information, contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our location in Fountain Valley, California.

Thanksgiving Safety for Pets

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With November upon us, Thanksgiving is just around the corner. ‘Tis the season to express gratitude to our loved ones, including our pets! Show them a wonderful holiday this Turkey Day.

Be Careful About Food Scraps

Thanksgiving dinner is well worth the year’s wait. Unfortunately, most of the traditional Thanksgiving dishes contain ingredients that can be dangerous for your pet. It is well-known that pets are not meant to consume common toxins like chocolate and xylitol sweetener, but there are many other foods that can make your dog or cat very ill. Anything cooked with onions, scallions, or garlic is toxic to dogs and cats. This likely includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and more. Furthermore, dairy products can cause serious stomach upset; lactose intolerance is common in dogs and cats and is not detected until after a problem has occurred. Salads made with grapes or raisins can cause kidney damage to dogs. Even meats like unseasoned turkey and ham can create digestive problems, particularly if they contain bones. As a result, it is best to avoid giving anything from the Thanksgiving table to your pet.

Some pets are curious and will attempt to sneak food. You can take it as a compliment to your cooking, but do not let them consume it. Due to the severity of these ingredients, we recommend keeping your pet out of the room during prep, feasting, and clean-up. Remember to take out the trash before letting them back into the room.

Traveling

If you are traveling for Thanksgiving, make sure you have made accommodations for your pet. If they will be flying with you, make sure to read up on airline rules and safety. Update any tags or microchips to ensure that all information is up to date.

If your pet is staying home, they will still need accommodations. Arrange for someone to watch them, or find a boarding facility. Those located near Orange County, California can find professional cats-only boarding at Claws N Paws. Contact us at 714-962-1005 for more information.

Hosting Guests

You may have taken on the brave task of hosting Thanksgiving dinner at your home. Your pet might love the extra attention, but make sure the environment is safe and comfortable. Monitor the door (and alert your guests of any pets in the home) to make sure there are no runaways. Supervise any children, particularly those who have not been exposed to many animals. Keep in mind that it may be ultimately safer to keep your pet in a separate room from guests.

Claws N Paws Day Spa owns and operates a full-service professional grooming salon in Fountain Valley, California. Right next door is our cats-only boarding facility, perfect for the holidays. Stop by today for more information!

Your Dog’s “Strange Addiction”

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Sometimes, dogs do things that seem odd to the human eye. Many of their actions are harmless and can be chalked up to natural curiosity. However, these “strange actions” can often become compulsory. Excessive licking at the skin is a common compulsion among dogs. While this may seem like a simple habit, it can have painful consequences.

What Is Acral Lick Dermatitis?

Acral lick dermatitis, or lick granuloma, is a dermal inflammation caused by excessive licking of one concentrated area. It is most common on the feet and legs. Keep an eye out for constant licking or biting, thick skin, and/or baldness. Eventually, the granuloma may appear as a lesion on the skin, and it may be wet or leaking.

What Causes Excessive Licking?

The most common cause of acral lick dermatitis is an undiagnosed allergy. Food allergies give dogs itchy skin that they may feel compelled to lick or pull at. For more information, see our blog on canine food allergies. Other skin conditions such as flea exposure or bacterial infection may also cause itchy skin.

Discomfort of another sort may cause excessive licking. Post-surgical pain or arthritis are only some examples of these uncomfortable conditions. In rare cases, it may indicate more serious ailments such as nerve damage or cancer.

Your dog’s compulsion may also be psychological. For example, licking can be an indicator for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Alternatively, a stressed dog may develop anxiety, for which excessive licking can become an unlikely source of endorphin release. There are a large number of psychological factors that may eventually lead to acral lick dermatitis.

Whatever the case, it is very important to identify your dog’s specific cause. Every case is different, and acral lick dermatitis is effectively just a side effect of something else. It will be in your pup’s best interest to address the cause rather than simply treating symptoms.

Treatment

Usually, vets will prescribe antibiotics to treat acral lick dermatitis. These fight secondary bacterial infections, usually over long-term use. Other possible medications include anti-inflammatory medications or topical treatments. Regardless, the vet will probably give your dog an Elizabethan collar to stop them from licking the affected area. Unfortunately, this is a short-term solution. The best possible treatment is to address and treat your dog’s specific cause for excessively licking.

Claws N Paws Day Spa owns and operates a full-service pet grooming salon in Orange County, California. For more information or to make an appointment, contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our location in Fountain Valley.

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!

Practice Pet Safety This Halloween

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Halloween is approaching! As we all prepare for the spookiest season, we must not forget our furry friends. These safety tips will ensure that you and your pet will have an amazing Halloween 2019!

Candy is for Humans Only

Your children may bring home bags full of goodies on Halloween night. Unfortunately for the curious pet, these sugary sweets are more of a trick than a treat. Many Halloween candies contain ingredients such as chocolate or xylitol, which can be dangerous if consumed by animals. Make sure that you or your kids keep a close eye on the trick-or-treat bags.

As an alternative (yet still festive!) meal supplement, consider introducing some pumpkin into your cat or dog’s diet! See our blog on pumpkin for more information.

Be Careful With Decorations

Changes to the home can be surprising and even disorienting to your pets. They may knock things over or chew on something they are not supposed to. It is always a good idea to keep any candles and Jack-o’-lanterns out of reach of pets. If knocked over, they can quickly start a fire. Wires and electric decorations should also be kept out of reach. Dogs, cats, and small animals alike often feel compelled to chew these objects, leading to potential electric shock. Furthermore, moving animatronics or decorations that make loud noises can be scary for your pet. If you are a devout Halloween decorator, it may be best to keep these decorations outside or away from your furry friends.

Be Conscious About Costumes

As cute as they may be, many pets do not enjoy wearing costumes. Often wearing a costume can cause undue anxiety or discomfort. Always test costumes before committing to one for the whole night, ensuring that your pet is comfortable and can function properly.

Keep Them Indoors

Regardless of your plans, your pet should be kept inside on Halloween night. It can be a whirlwind of activity, easily overwhelming animals. Some children even play pranks involving animals (particularly black cats). Overall, it is a dangerous night to let your pets go outside.

You can still walk your dog on Halloween. Many dogs will love the experience of trick-or-treating with you and your children! However, make sure to always keep them on a leash. Unfamiliar Halloween costumes or decorations may scare some dogs and cause them to run away. As a general rule of thumb, always make sure your dog has proper identification just in case.

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides professional grooming services to both cats and dogs at our shop located in Fountain Valley, California. Stop by today or contact us at 714-962-1005 for more information or to set up an appointment.