Pet Grooming Orange County

COVID-19 and Your Pet

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With COVID-19 at the center of the news, we truly are living in a historically significant time. Amid these extraordinary circumstances, we may find ourselves overwhelmed with conflicting information. You may be wondering how exactly your pet functions into the COVID-19 situation.

Can My Pet Transmit COVID-19?

In the general panic associated with this pandemic, several news sources have spread unnecessary fear regarding people’s pets. They refer to a case in Hong Kong, where a 17-year-old Pomeranian tested “weak positive” for COVID-19. However, after conducting thousands of tests on both cats and dogs, IDEXX Laboratories found no more positive cases. Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) contends that there is no evidence to suggest pets or livestock can transmit the virus.

As a result of these sensationalized news stories, people are concerned that their pet may give them or others COVID-19. Shelters around the world have reported a massive uptake in abandoned pets. Rest assured, you should not abandon your pet. In fact, their support can help you greatly during social distancing.

Social Distancing with Your Pet

Social distancing is the practice of staying away from people in order to slow the spread of infectious disease. During social distancing, it can be easy to feel bored or unmotivated. Having a pet is a great remedy for this! Pets provide routine and responsibility to our lives. They provide low-pressure companionship that can help through particularly difficult situations. During a social quarantine, a pet is a nice reminder that we are never truly alone.

If you have a dog, you can still take them on walks! Visit an open outdoor space that you know will not be crowded. Before and after the walk, make sure to practice good hygiene and wash your hands.

For more information, see our blog about pets and your health!

What To Do If You Get Sick

In the case that you fall ill, you may need to make accommodations for your pet. Stock up on pet supplies while you are healthy. You may find it helpful to compile an “emergency kit.” In this kit, we recommend including 30 days worth of any necessary medications and two weeks worth of food. Should you become ill, this kit will keep your pet safe without you having to run to the store, putting yourself and others at further risk.

Claws N Paws Day Spa in Fountain Valley, California provides professional grooming services to both dogs and cats. For more information or to book an appointment, contact us at 714-962-1005.

Feline Vestibular Disease

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Cats rely on their superior abilities to jump, stalk, run, and maneuver the world in their own special way. When these abilities are compromised, it can be disorienting or frustrating. This is a reality for cats with vestibular disease.

What is Vestibular Disease?

The vestibular system is located in the inner ear. It consists of a complex arrangement of nerves that govern balance as well as head and eye movements. When this system becomes damaged, it can throw off your cat’s equilibrium.

Thankfully, this syndrome is easy to spot. Often, a cat with vestibular disease will experience a head tilt to either side. As a result, the cat’s mobility will be visibly thrown off. They may walk in circles or fall over. Often, these cats will have eye problems. Cats with vestibular disease may move their eyes in back and forth, left to right, or rotary motion. They may also experience nausea.

There are a few causes of vestibular disease. Infections of the middle and inner ear can affect the vestibular system. Exposure to toxins (even antibiotics) can also affect this system. In more extreme cases, a brain tumor can cause vestibular damage. This is more common in elderly cats. However, many cases of vestibular disease are described as idiopathic. These cases are not traceable to any specific cause.

What Should I Do If I Suspect My Cat Has Vestibular Disease?

You will want to schedule a visit to the veterinarian immediately. There is no specific test for vestibular disease, but your vet can help you determine its cause. Tests may include MRIs, skull X-rays, blood and urine tests, or ear cultures. Your vet will pick from these tests based on clinical symptoms and your cat’s medical history.

Depending on its cause, treatment for vestibular disease varies. Symptoms typically subside after 24-48 hours with supportive care. This may include hand feeding or fluid administration. If your cat is nauseous or vomiting, your vet may prescribe anti-nausea medication. If they detect an ear infection, they will prescribe antibiotics.

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides professional grooming services to your cat or dog. We also provide cats-only boarding services in our adjacent facility. For more information or to make an appointment, contact us at 714-962-1005 or stop by today!

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!

Pyometra and Your Pet

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As pet owners, we must be aware of the unique things that can make our furry friends ill. Pyometra is a life-threatening infection that affects female cats and dogs, but not humans. It is important to know about pyometra to ensure your pet will have a long, comfortable life.

What is Pyometra?

Pymoetra is a secondary infection occurring in the uteruses of dogs and cats. When an animal has been in heat, they can retain high levels of progesterone for up to two months. This builds up over an animal’s lifetime. Given that the dog or cat has not been pregnant, the uterine lining will continually grow thicker. Cysts begin to grow and secrete fluids, creating ideal conditions for bacteria to fester. Then, bacteria can enter the reproductive tract in a variety of ways. Typically, this occurs through urinary tract infections and fecal contamination.

What Does Pyometra Look Like?

Pyometra can be difficult to spot. If the cervix is open, pus will drain out of the uterus. Look for unusual discharge around your pet’s tail or on surfaces they have recently laid on. Cats clean themselves regularly, so it can be harder to identify pyometra in cats than dogs.

Animals with pyometra may act differently. They often exhibit “energy changes,” becoming more lethargic or depressed. They may also experience appetite changes; many animals with pyometra develop anorexia. Increased water input or urination can also be causes for concern. Symptoms will be stronger in cases of closed cervix pyometra. Along with the other symptoms, they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or fever.

How Is Pyometra Treated?

A pet with pyometra will need to have their uterus removed. Cats or dogs in the early stages of pyometra are better candidates for surgery. At this point, the procedure is comparable to a spay. As pyometra progresses, the surgery becomes more complicated. The animal will be hospitalized for a longer period of time. She will also require antibiotics.

How Can My Pet Avoid Pyometra?

The best way to avoid pyometra is to get your pet spayed. Spayed pets will not experience periods of heat. It is best to do this at a young age, so the uterine lining does not have a chance to thicken at all. However, spaying at any point in your pet’s life will help her avoid pyometra.

At Claws N Paws, we always have you and your pet’s best needs in mind. We provide professional grooming services to both dogs and cats at our location in Fountain Valley, California. Right next door, we provide boarding services in our cats-only facility. Stop by today or call 714-962-1005 for more information or to make an appointment.

Feline Dental Care

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February is National Cat Health Awareness Month! This February, why not focus on the little things? Cats rely heavily on their teeth, which are much more delicate than they appear. Feline dental care is an important, but often forgotten, part of owning a cat.

Dental Problems in Cats

Feline periodontal disease affects approximately 70% of cats by their third birthday. Unchecked plaque build-up solidifies and becomes tartar over time. Eventually, this tartar will dig into and under the gums. This introduces harmful bacteria to the gums, triggering continued infection and damage to the surrounding teeth. Affected teeth may fall out. Furthermore, periodontal disease can cause organ damage to the kidneys, liver, heart, and nervous system.

It can be extremely difficult to detect dental disease in cats. The most common giveaway is their breath. Cats with dental disease will often have foul-smelling breath. There are a few more signs, including:

  • Visible tartar on the teeth
  • Drooling
  • Difficulty eating or refusal to eat
  • Missing or loose teeth
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Red or swollen gums (gingivitis)
  • Weight loss

These signs are often subtle and therefore very easy to miss. It is important to keep a close eye on your cat if you think they might have dental complications.

Dental Care

Feline dental care begins with good nutrition. Some foods are better for your cat’s teeth than others. Some pet owners find that dry food scrapes teeth clean, while wet food remains in the mouth for longer periods of time. However, good ingredients and a balanced diet are the most important factors in preventing dental disease.

It is also important to establish a teeth cleaning routine. This is easiest to do when your cat is still young. Cats cannot use human toothpaste, but there are special formulas made specifically for your feline friend. Use your finger (and perhaps a bit of gauze) the first few times to get them used to the process. Eventually, you can switch to a bristled finger brush or other cats-only toothbrush. Feline teeth should be brushed once daily, or at least twice a week.

Cats should have a dental checkup at least once a year. Veterinarians are trained to detect the subtle signs we tend to miss. Talk to your veterinarian about proper dental care at home; they may recommend specific foods or treats for additional care.

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides professional grooming services to your cat or dog. Contact us today at 714-962-1005, or stop by our location in Fountain Valley, California!

Pets and Your Health

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This time of year can be difficult. For many people, winter can bring feelings of loneliness, fatigue, and general unhappiness. This affliction is often referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Luckily, many people also find a solution in a very special form of companionship. Your relationship with a beloved pet can boost mental health and emotional wellbeing.

How It Works

It can be hard to pinpoint why animals can make us feel so much better. Maybe there is “just something special” about your furry friend. However, the lifestyle choices that come with adopting a pet certainly help.

People with dogs or particularly athletic cats tend to lead more active lifestyles. Regular walks get pet owners out of the house and into more natural spaces. Pet owners are more likely to keep walks to a specific routine and thus are more likely to meet their recommended daily exercise goals. Exercise releases endorphins, which lead to a healthier and happier you!

Pets also provide companionship and responsibility to their owners. Having a pet can give people a powerful sense of purpose. Caring for an animal becomes a priority, which takes the focus away from external problems. This relationship creates an extremely strong and unique form of companionship.

Pets can also provide emotional contagion. Emotional contagion refers to the spread of emotions between animals and people. Dogs are particularly good at this; therapy dogs have been known to use physical cues to make their humans feel better. In established human-pet relationships, even eye contact can catalyze mindful breathing to reduce anger or anxiety.

Additional Benefits to Physical Health

Emotional wellbeing contributes greatly to physical health as well. Therefore, pets can boost physical wellbeing within their families. People with pets are known to have lower blood pressure than those without. Additionally, pet owners have lower levels of common heart disease indicators such as cholesterol and triglyceride. This makes owning a pet particularly helpful for heart attack patients.

Located in sunny Orange County, Claws N Paws Day Spa provides professional grooming services to your beloved cats and dogs. Not interested in grooming right now? Claws N Paws also provides boarding in our cats-only facility right next door. For more information, stop by our location or contact us at 714-962-1005.