Pet Grooming Orange County

New Year, New ‘Do

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As we start into the new year, you may be wondering what things you can change up. Many Americans had a difficult year in 2020 and are looking for a fresh start. Your dog is no exception! Like us, pets like to feel fresh and clean; it feels like a new beginning. January is a perfect time to bring your pet in for a grooming appointment!

Scrub-A-Dub-Dub

Has your dog bathed since last year? Schedule a bath for your dog to make sure that they don’t carry old dirt with them. Like humans, dogs need regular baths in order to feel, look, and smell clean. They do not clean themselves like cats, so dirt and oil build up on their skin. Dirt and debris buildup starts to smell and can actually lead to major health problems. Does your dog seem itchy? Is their skin dry to the touch? These could be indicators of clogged pores or other skin conditions due to under-bathing.

Brush It Out

Like baths, brushing is essential to a dog’s cleanliness and general health. Daily brushing distributes natural oils across your dog’s fur, limiting buildup and encouraging healthy coat growth. Brushing also eliminates the chance of mats, particularly in double-coated dogs with a thick undercoat. Although you should brush your dog every day, your groomer can help with a more professional approach. Certain brushes that groomers use demat dogs and leave the coat healthy for a longer amount of time. 

Shave and a Haircut

Your dog may also want a new hairstyle. A new cut can make a major difference in a pup’s life, but make sure you don’t go too drastic. A dog’s fur grows in a certain way for a reason. Because of this, you must take your dog’s build and breed into account for every cut. Talk to your groomer about the best cut for your specific dog.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, your dog’s needs are always a priority. Our dedicated team of professional groomers will work with you to determine your specific dog’s best interests. For more information or to set up an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

Taking Care of Your New Kitten

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At this time of year, many kittens are looking forward to going home for the holidays. Many families are also preparing themselves for their new additions. However, many new pet owners do not know how to prepare for a kitten coming into their home. While kittens are great pets, it can be difficult to know exactly what they need or want.

Kitten-Proofing the House

Cats, especially kittens, are extremely playful creatures. Any cat parent will tell you that their pet gets into everything. While you cannot eliminate damages, you can limit them. Start by cleaning up; keep children’s toys, hair bands, jewelry, etc. tidy and in their places. Some debris is more dangerous than others. Loose strings, such as yarn, balloon strings, and thread, can be fatal if ingested. Move anything particularly messy or breakable up high. All plants (particularly toxic plants) should be up high but not on a ledge, as they can fall and leave shards all over the floor.

Common home products can be extremely toxic to pets. Keep all roach or ant traps out of your kitten’s reach, as they contain real poison. Lock all Tylenol (acetaminophen) up; it is also toxic to cats. Cleaners, bleach, and other cleaning products also contain harmful ingredients that will cause major distress to a cat or kitten.

Introduce Them to the Family

While you may feel ready for your new kitten, everyone in your house may not share the sentiment. Children are not always equipped for a kitten. To encourage a safe homecoming, have a long conversation with your children about responsibility. Remind them that kittens are delicate and defensive. If children mishandle them, kittens can lash out or experience injury.

Kittens can seem abrasive to other pets in the house. They are more playful than other cats, and much more moody than dogs or other animals. Monitor their interactions, and limit them if you have to. Eventually, your pets will learn to coexist.

Adopting a Kitten Now

At Claws N Paws, we currently have four kittens up for adoption. All of them were once homeless and have been rescued and fostered since their discovery. They are anxiously awaiting their first homes for the holidays!

At Claws N Paws, we provide grooming services to both dogs and cats. Right next door, our cats-only facility provides boarding services to cats and kittens. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005!

Your Cat and Your Christmas Tree

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There’s no more denying it—the holiday season is upon us. If you celebrate Christmas, you may be putting up your tree soon! However, many of us know the unique challenges of living with both a cat and a Christmas tree. Cats are known for their curiosity and ability to climb anything they please. Thankfully, there are several ways to cat-proof your tree! This will ensure a safe and very merry Christmas for both you and your feline friend.

Season’s Eatings

Many cats develop strange eating or chewing habits that can prove dangerous to both themselves and your tree. This may determine what type of tree you choose. Is your cat a chewer? If so, you may want to skip the live tree. Firs, spruces, and pines may look and smell beautiful in your home, but their various oils can be toxic to the curious chewer. These toxins may cause vomiting, gastrointestinal irritation, or damage to the internal organs. It may be better to opt for an artificial tree.

Of course, artificial trees are not entirely cat-proof. Most cats will still chew on plastic leaves as if they were real. This mainly becomes a problem when they swallow pieces of plastic, potentially creating an obstruction or blockage. Such blockages are most common in cats with pica, who regularly consume inedible objects. If your cat is a regular chewer or is known to have pica, you should block off your tree with a baby gate or pen.

Your Tree-mendous Climber

Everyone has seen videos of cats climbing or getting stuck in Christmas trees. While these may be cute, your cat can get themself hurt this way. They may fall, rip out a nail, or topple the tree. Blocking off the tree is the safest option, especially for wily cats or kittens. However, studies suggest that cats will avoid orange scents. Try using orange peels or sprays to deter your cat. If toppling is your main concern, anchor your tree to the ground with a heavy base.

Lit for the Holidays

Like moths drawn to flame, many cats are compelled by strings of lights. However, corded lights create an electric shock when chewed. Furthermore, the glass bulbs can be very sharp when broken. It is always best to keep lights and ornaments near the top of your tree. If you have made precautions for climbing, this should eliminate the issue.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa in Fountain Valley, California, your dog or cat can find professional grooming services in a comfortable environment. Right next door, let your cat stay a while in our cats-only boarding facility. We are currently open with certain provisions in place to protect our customers and staff from COVID-19. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

Thanksgiving With Pets

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It is a strange year for holidays. Thanksgiving is no exception—in light of COVID-19 and stay-at-home orders, many people are scrambling to decide how to celebrate the holiday. Whatever your plans, always keep your furry friend in mind. Like any other holiday, Thanksgiving poses certain challenges to pets and pet parents alike.

Skip the Table Scraps

You may get puppy dog eyes, but don’t be fooled this holiday season. Most Thanksgiving treats can actually be quite dangerous for pets. Potatoes, a common Thanksgiving side dish, are actually part of the nightshade family and can be very dangerous to pets. Desserts with chocolate or artificial sweeteners are toxic. Even meat dishes can be bad for pets; if they are loaded with salt or butter, they can cause severe gastrointestinal pain. If they include garlic or onions, they are downright toxic.

If you want to treat your pet, consider pumpkin. Canned, unsweetened pumpkin has been known to improve pets’ coat and digestive health. Your pet will love the taste of this seasonal treat!

Hide Your Decorations

Pets, particularly cats, are very good at knocking over precious decorations. Place your ceramic pilgrims and turkey art where you are certain your pet cannot reach. Not only does this ruin your decoration, broken shards can be dangerous to both pets and children.

Decorative plants can also prove dangerous in a home with pets. Many seasonal plants like poinsettias are toxic to cats and dogs. For more information on safe and unsafe plants, check out our blog on houseplants.

Keep Them Safe in Your Absence

If you must travel this season, make sure to make accommodations for your furry friend. Will you take them with you or leave them at home? If you choose to take them with you, be careful. Many animals dislike being in moving vehicles, and many airlines are downright dangerous for pets. If they are staying at home, make sure they will be taken care of. Boarding is always a good option for short trips; your pet will feel much safer with professionals taking care of them.

At Claws N Paws, your pet can find quality care and comfort. We feature both a professional grooming salon for both cats and dogs and, right next door, a cats-only boarding facility. For more information or to make an appointment, call us at 714-962-1005.

Pancreatitis in Dogs

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Sometimes, our furry friends do things we cannot explain. Dog owners are expected to keep an arsenal of knowledge in their back pocket; they must know when these unexplained behaviors become harmful to their pet. As one of the more sinister conditions, pancreatitis is important to know about. This knowledge will help to ensure a safe and speedy recovery.

What is Pancreatitis?

The pancreas has two functions: the endocrine process, which produces insulin, and the exocrine process, which produces enzymes that aid in digestion. Pancreatitis affects the exocrine process. In a dog with pancreatitis, the enzymes are produced and released at a more rapid rate. Their pancreas will become inflamed, and the additional enzymes may even begin to eat away at the pancreatic tissue.

Causes of pancreatitis are hotly contested. Because it appears so suddenly, many brush it off as something that “just happens.” However, experts suggest that a fatty diet can increase your dog’s chances of contracting pancreatitis.

What Are the Symptoms?

There are many indicators of pancreatitis, but in most cases owners notice a loss of appetite first. Usually, a dog with pancreatitis will show other symptoms of stomach discomfort, such as a hunched back or decreased mobility. They may vomit or have diarrhea. Due to the changing environment within their body, they may also become dehydrated or run a high fever. Although these are all common symptoms, in conjunction they can be scary to watch.

How is it Diagnosed?

If you notice these signs, you should contact your vet immediately. Your vet will probably run blood tests in order to monitor pancreatic enzymes. They may also run other tests such as an ultrasound in order to rule out other conditions.

How is it Treated?

There is not necessarily a cure for pancreatitis, but it is treatable through therapeutic care. Depending on severity, your dog may need to be hospitalized. Because many dogs with pancreatitis will refuse to eat, they may be put on an IV drip to regulate fluids. They may receive medications through injection. All of these measures treat symptoms, not causes.

At Claws N Paws in Fountain Valley, CA, your pet’s needs are always our first priority. Your dog or cat can find professional grooming services at our full-service salon, or your cat can find quality care in our cats-only boarding facility. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

Canine Epilepsy

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Sometimes, our pets’ behavior comes out of nowhere. When a dog does something unexpected, it can be a scary experience for both the pet and their owner. Seizures are one of these occurrences. Knowing the signs, causes, and treatments of canine epilepsy can bring comfort and clarity to such an unprecedented situation.

What is Canine Epilepsy?

While there are other causes of seizures in dogs, idiopathic epilepsy is the most common. “Seizures” occur when brain cells experience an abnormal surge of electrical activity. A dog has “idiopathic” epilepsy when brain activity appears normal but cells are more predisposed to sudden surges. By definition, even experts cannot determine the underlying cause of idiopathic epilepsy. The diagnosis appears in approximately 1 in 111 dogs.

What Does A Seizure Look Like?

Seizures can look a variety of ways, but they are recognizable to the trained eye. During a seizure, many dogs experience abnormal motor activity such as facial twitches or limb movements. They are often fearful, and they may lose ability to control bodily functions. Seizing dogs may salivate, vomit, urinate, or defecate.

Although seizures are caused by neural excitement, most occur when a dog is asleep or resting. In some cases, dogs may experience seizures during exercise or emotional arousal, but this is much less common.

Despite their violent nature, seizures are not painful to your dog. At most, they may experience confusion or panic. Never try to intervene if your dog starts seizing. Let the seizure run its course before acting.

When Should I Call the Vet?

A short, single seizure is not necessarily dangerous to your dog, but you should still contact your vet after the first seizure. The vet will ask for a detailed history, looking for potential head trauma or exposure to toxic substances. They may administer blood, urine, or heartworm tests to rule out other causes. If they cannot find any other causes, they may diagnose your dog with idiopathic epilepsy.

Usually, vets only administer treatment for severe regular seizures. Treatment includes anticonvulsants such as phenobarbital and potassium bromide, and it will most likely continue for life.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers professional grooming services to both cats and dogs in Orange County, California. Claws N Paws is currently open with various provisions in place to protect customers and staff from COVID-19. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.