Pet Grooming Orange County

Those Who Wander…

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Cats are free spirits. Sometimes, this means that they do unpredictable things such as wandering around seemingly without purpose. While we recommend that all domestic cats remain indoors, this is not always the case. Understanding why your cat wanders (or roams) outside is important in understanding how to best keep them safe.

Why Do Cats Wander?

Many cats possess an urge to explore the world around them. As humans, we know very little about feline roaming behaviors. We know that they are quite savvy in a constant environment; they remember familiar landmarks and furry friends. Regardless, cats with an urge to roam are near impossible to restrict once they are already outside.

Cats may also wander during mating season. Typically, experts place kitten season in the period from April to October. However, it can begin as early as February. Cats that have not been spayed or neutered exhibit changed behavior during mating season. Females will howl and sometimes act overly affectionate. Both males and females will wander quite a bit more, subconsciously seeking a mate.

Dangers of Wandering

Roaming, while beloved by many cats, has its risks. Domestic cats are usually too small for drivers to avoid or even see crossing the street. Therefore, cars and other large vehicles pose the most major threat to outdoor cats.

Cats may also encounter living risks. Other animals such as foxes, coyotes, and fellow cats also roam the streets. Many of these animals are vicious, and some carry diseases such as rabies and upper respiratory infections. Additionally, your pet may run into some unfriendly humans during their roam.

During mating season, roaming has more consequences. Your male cats can impregnate unspayed females, and your female cats may return pregnant. While kittens seem cute, they require unique resources. Many kittens born in neighborhood conditions will not survive.

Precautions

We heavily recommend that domestic cats are kept indoors. However, if you decide to let your cat roam, there are some precautions you can take. Always make sure your cats’ tags are up-to-date and secured. Their vaccinations should also be kept meticulously up-to-date. These steps limits some of the more common risks to an outdoor cat.

It is also extremely important that your cat is either spayed or neutered. There are behavioral and health benefits to this, but it will also ensure that they will not breed. Even if your cat stays strictly indoors, they should be fixed.

At Claws N Paws, we put your pets’ needs and safety first. We provide professional grooming services to both cats and dogs, and we provide cats-only boarding right next door. For more information or to set up an appointment, stop by our Fountain Valley location today or contact us at 714-962-1005.

New Year, New Pooch

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Happy New Year! As we all prepare for a 2020 full of personal growth, we may feel inclined to make some healthy New Year’s resolutions. Why not include your furry friend? Here are some of the best ways to exercise your dog and have fun in the process.

Staying Home

There are a number of ways to exercise your dog without even leaving the house. Perhaps the most obvious option is to invest in some toys. Many dog owners recommend the flirt pole, which is essentially a giant cat toy meant for dogs. It consists of a stick for you to hold onto, attached to a rope with a dog toy attached to the other end. You can buy a flirt pole (usually for less than $30), or make one yourself. Even the most selective dogs love this toy, so make sure to clear the area of anything breakable before starting a game!

Owners who want to stimulate their dogs’ muscles and minds should consider puzzle toys. These dispense treats, but not without some work! To take it one step further, you can hide these puzzle toys, adding an element of foraging to your dog’s exercise regime.

Home assets can also provide a way to exercise. Many dogs enjoy running up and down stairs, but make sure to take your dog’s physiology into consideration. Stairs are especially challenging for long-backed breeds such as Dachshunds and Corgis. Additionally, treadmills are an excellent way to exercise a particularly energetic dog, especially when the weather is unfavorable.

If the weather is good, your backyard is also an excellent place to exercise. As a low energy exercise, blow some bubbles for your pup to catch. Not only is this a good workout, it is fun to watch! If you have a pool, many dogs love to swim—especially with their owners. One of the best things about these outdoor activities is that anyone can join in, including energetic children.

Getting Out

For a more involved workout, there are a number of places you can take your furry friend to exercise. Hiking is a good workout for both you and your dog. Walk familiar paths, or spice it up and find somewhere new! Dogs like to see new scenery on their outings. However, you must always make sure that the trail you choose allows pets.

Your dog does not always have to exercise alone. From birth, puppies learn how to play with their siblings. This experience is perhaps the most natural form of exercise to a dog. Visit a dog park or arrange puppy playdates with friends. Remember to always monitor your dog and others, particularly on their first few playdates. Some dogs may not get along.

Professional classes and sports such as agility are amazing sources of exercise. Your dog can learn how to do a number of new skills and tricks, all the while having fun and staying healthy. Consider signing them up!

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides professional grooming services to both dogs and cats. To set up an appointment, contact us at 714-962-1005 or stop by today!

Dry Food vs. Wet Food

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As pet owners, we are constantly making decisions about how to best care for our furry friends. One of the most daunting decisions can be choosing a pet food. With so many options, it can be difficult to know which food is best. Here, we will investigate the difference between dry food and wet canned food. The information below should help narrow your deciding process.

Dry Food

Dry food is the epitome of convenience. It is easier to store, meaning that you are less likely to run out suddenly. Furthermore, dry food will not spoil in your pet’s bowl. They can snack all day rather than relying on specific mealtimes. This makes it possible for pet owners to go on day-long outings without worrying that their pet will run out of food.

Usually, dry food contains more grains than wet food. This has been the subject of debate among veterinarians and pet owners alike. Some argue that pets are carnivorous and do not need extra fillers in their diets. However, others argue that even wild dogs and cats are omnivorous and supplement their diets with whatever they can find. Ultimately, it comes down to the specific dry food; some rely more heavily on grains than others.

The texture of dry food also promotes dental health. Unlike wet food, which can build up plaque, dry food scrapes it away. This is never a complete substitute for dental care, but it can certainly help along the way.

Wet Food

Wet food is often considered the more palatable of the two. It is heavily aromatic and easier to chew, making it preferable for ill or elderly pets. Unlike dry food, wet food is not typically bought in large containers. This allows for more variation in your pet’s diet, exciting even the pickiest eater.

Most wet foods contain far less grains than their dry counterparts. This leaves room for more proteins and fats, which many veterinarians and pet owners prefer. Wet foods are also more likely to contain synthetic preserves and artificial flavors/colors. For these reasons, many believe that wet food more closely mimics an animal’s natural diet. However, like with dry food, it is still important to check the ingredients list of any wet food you choose.

Dehydration is a major concern for many pets, and many veterinarians are turning to wet pet food as a potential solution. While this introduces a higher water content to your pet’s diet, remember that food can never be a substitute for drinking water.

In Conclusion

Both foods have their values. The perfect food for one pet may be completely wrong for another. Whatever you choose for your specific pet, it is always important to read the product label and reviews. That way, you can ensure your furry friend is always getting the nutrition they need!

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides professional grooming services to both cats and dogs. For more information, contact us at 714-962-1005 or stop by our Fountain Valley location today.

Puppy, It’s Cold Outside!

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As the weather starts to get colder, we tend to spend more time indoors. Unfortunately, this means that your furry friend is probably not getting the exercise they are used to. These tips will help your dog maintain a healthy lifestyle even when the weather is less than ideal.

Make Feeding Time Fun

Eating can be more than a routine task. If your dog seems sedentary, consider purchasing a specialized feeding toys. These toys (which you fill with meals or treats) turn feeding time into an exciting activity. Not only can they make your pup more active, they slow down the feeding process. Many dogs eat quickly which can lead to bloating and gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting or diarrhea. Thus, feeding toys are a great year-round investment!

Get Creative With Your Walks

When it’s too cold outside, you and your dog can exercise within your own home. Put your dog on a leash and walk up and down the stairs. Take them through the garage, the basement, wherever there is space to walk. Active puppies may do this on their own, but allotting separate leash time regulates this activity and maintains a routine. This is especially helpful for elderly or disabled dogs, who may not make the conscious choice to walk themselves around.

Get Outside… If You Can

Still, the best way for your dog to get exercise is to take them outside. There are enjoyable ways to do this despite harsh weather. Always remember to bundle up, and know that your dog may need extra accommodations as well. Just because they have fur does not mean they are immune to cold. Water-resistant jackets and vests as well as booties can keep your pup feeling warm and cozy on their outdoor adventures. Small, elderly, or short-coated dogs will be particularly grateful for warm clothing. Go to an unfamiliar or exciting location to keep your dog excited to walk even in the cold. And remember, sometimes it is simply too cold for an outdoor walk. You want your dog to be healthy, but you do not want them to be miserable.

Claws N Paws cares about your dog or cat’s everyday needs. At our professional grooming salon, our staff provides well-educated and dedicated grooming and bathing services. We also provide boarding services to cats in our cats-only facility. For more information, contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our location in Fountain Valley, California.

Introducing a Cat Into a Home With Children

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Spending time with animals is invaluable to your child’s development. They can learn emotional skills ranging from empathy and compassion to responsibility and care. However, the transition to having animals can be a bit tricky. Many parents are nervous to introduce new animals into their homes for this reason. Follow these tips to help ensure a safe and comfortable transition for you, your children, and your new feline friend.

Why Cats?

Cats are quite like toddlers themselves; they love to play, eat, and sleep. Dogs require more involved care that takes them away from the home, such as walks and potty breaks. Cats, on the other hand, stay in the home, making it easier for young children to take on some responsibility for them.

However, it is important to note that (also like children) cats can be temperamental. This can teach children lessons about discipline and gentleness, but parental guidance is always necessary.

Kittens vs. Adult Cats

Kittens will learn and grow with your children, and they can be in your family for up to about twenty years. New pet owners usually choose to adopt kittens for this reason. However, kittens are much more likely to be temperamental than adult cats. They are growing into their personalities and may experience hormonal phases such as biting and overt playfulness. Children may find themselves afraid of a kitten’s unpredictability. Furthermore, kittens are smaller and thus more fragile. You as a parent will need to take extra care with a kitten, perhaps limiting their access to young children.

Adult cats, on the other hand, have already done their growing. They are the much safer option, as they are larger and less likely to act unpredictably. As a result, adult cats require less attention and can usually spend long periods of time with children. However, some parents are hesitant to adopt a cat they know they will have less time with. The cat has already been socialized a certain way, and so acclamation may be somewhat more difficult.

The best cat for one home may not be the best cat for yours. Always meet an animal before you decide to adopt.

Your Role as Parent and Pet Owner

As mentioned before, parental guidance is of the utmost importance in ensuring a positive transition. Speak to your children before bringing home any animals. They should demonstrate relatively calm demeanor and compassion. When selecting a cat, involve your children in the process. Bring them along to meet any potential adoptees. This will make them feel important and start early kinship between cat and child.

Kids can learn valuable skills such as feeding and cleaning up after a new pet. If you are giving your child any responsibilities, understand that you are ultimately in charge of the animal. Children can learn discipline from taking care of an animal, but your cat should not suffer as a result.

Consider adopting your new cat or kitten at Claws N Paws Day Spa. For more information about adoptions or our other services, visit our location in Fountain Valley, California or contact us at 714-962-1005. You can also follow us on Facebook for photographs of currently available cats.

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.