Pet Grooming Orange County

Pet Grooming for the Fall

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As the days grow shorter and colder, we know that we have begun our transition into fall. Our pets are also noticing this change. These grooming tips will help them stay happy and healthy this autumn.

Don’t Neglect Your Routine

It is natural for your pet’s hair to grow longer during colder seasons. However, this does not mean that you should stop grooming them altogether. Keeping a regular routine ensures that natural hair growth can occur in the healthiest way possible.

Brushing

Most cats and dogs shed their fur twice a year: once in the spring to remove their heavy winter coat and once in the fall to remove their lighter summer coat. Regular brushing is especially important during these time periods. It can remove loose guard hairs and dead undercoat. Rather than finding it in piles on your carpet and furniture, you can control where your pet’s shedded fur goes. Brushing can also help combat mats, remove dead skin, and distribute natural oils across the skin.

Regular Baths

Autumn means that new environmental irritants are floating around. Even a short walk can introduce your dog to dirt, pollen, mold spores, and more. Regular baths are important to remove any potentially harmful particles. A “regular bath” means something different to every dog. Talk to your groomer about your dog’s specific needs.

Many cat owners wonder whether they should bathe their feline companions. Cats are notoriously clean animals, and a bath may seem like unnecessary stress. However, some cats need baths more than others. Elderly or disabled cats may not be able to clean themselves properly. Outdoor cats or those who go on walks are more likely to be exposed to fleas, ticks, pollens, and other environmental irritants. If your cat looks or feels dirty, consider making an appointment at your local groomer. Professionals are trained to give your cat a fast, stress-free bath.

Keep Winter in Mind

Your pet’s coat should remain at a reasonable length at all times. A longer coat increases the chance for matting, and the worst time to shave these mats is when the weather is at its coldest. This is particularly true for Shih Tzus and other silky-haired dogs, whose fur must be trimmed frequently.

You can find professional grooming services at Claws N Paws Day Spa. Our groomers are armed with the experience and knowledge to help your specific dog or cat this autumn. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 714-962-1005. You can also visit our location in Fountain Valley, California.

What to Do If Your Dog Is a Picky Eater

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We tend to think of dogs as robust animals that are always looking forward to their next meal. However, this is not always the case. Some dogs are or may become picky eaters, leading to complications for their human companions. There are a few ways to ensure that your fussy eater gets the nutrition they need.

Limit Table Scraps and Treats

Most dogs love when humans give them food outside of mealtimes. Unfortunately, these extra snacks can lead to unhealthy eating habits. Dogs that know they will receive more exciting food will often avoid their meals. Ultimately, this leads to a diet lacking the proper nutrients that dogs need. Occasional treats are okay, but make sure to research before giving your dog table scraps. Oftentimes human food is toxic to dogs and can lead to major health problems on top of undesirable eating habits.

Practice Routine

Dogs benefit from eating at the same time every day. Without a consistent schedule, they may eat excessively on some days and very little on others. Try to figure out a routine that works for both you and your dog. To ensure that your dog understands the boundaries of mealtime, remove their food dish thirty minutes after filling it regardless of whether or not they have eaten. A healthy dog will learn to eat all of their food within that time frame.

Reevaluate Your Food Choice

Some dog foods are better than others. If your dog is refusing to eat something, it may be a sign that the food is making them feel sick. Research dog foods before purchasing.

If you decide to switch your dog’s food, understand that a sudden transition may lead to further problems. Mix some of the old dry food into the new to create a more gradual transition. If you are switching from a wet food to a dry food, try wetting the dry food with a little bit of warm water.

Relieve External Stress

Your dog may not be eating their food due to external stresses. These may include general feelings of discontent such as loneliness or boredom, or there could be a specific source of stress such as relocation or a loud environment. Assess and reduce external stress to create a more comfortable environment for your dog’s regular functioning.

Schedule a Vet Visit

Picky eating may be accompanied by fatigue, weight loss, vomiting, or diarrhea. It may be symptomatic of a more serious condition that requires treatment. If your dog is acting out of the ordinary and their picky eating cannot be helped, schedule a visit to your trusted veterinary professional.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers professional grooming services to your beloved furry friends. Contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our location in Fountain Valley, California for more information.

Toxic Algae and Its Threat to Dogs

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Many dogs enjoy swimming as a way to exercise and cool off. However, recent news about toxic algae has left dog owners across the United States concerned. When the weather is hot, it is extremely important for all dog owners to understand the dangers of swimming in unfiltered water.

Wilmington, North Carolina

Two dog parents in North Carolina took their three furry friends to the lake for a playdate. However, after just fifteen minutes of leaving the lake, one dog began to experience seizures. All three of the dogs passed away that night. Vets attributed these deaths to blue-green algae poisoning.

The Culprit

Algae is common and natural in water, but some blooms are much more harmful than others. Also called cyanobacteria, blue-green algae can be extremely difficult or even impossible to spot. Look out for water that is blue-green or even light green in coloration. These colors may appear as though painted onto the surface of the water. Algal blooms may also pile up on the side of the water, making them easily accessible to animals drinking from a body of water. The affected water often has a bad odor.

Blue-green algae has appeared in all 50 of the United States of America. It can be found in lakes, rivers, reservoirs, estuaries, and other fresh and marine water environments. Even a home swimming pool left unsanitized can foster harmful algal blooms. Blue-green algae poisoning is most commonly reported in the mid- to late-summer months. This is because the water is warm, stagnant, and rich with nutrients such as phosphorus.

Blue-Green Algae Poisoning

Dogs can become poisoned from ingesting cyanobacteria. They may drink it directly from a body of water or lick it off of their own fur or paws following a swim. Symptoms vary widely, including seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, blue discoloration of the skin, and shock. There is no cure, and most dogs that ingest blue-green algae die anywhere from minutes to days after exposure. Keep in mind that this ailment is not limited to dogs; it can occur in humans and other animals as well.

How to Avoid

Although there are some signs that cyanobacteria may have infiltrated a body of water, it is best to avoid taking your dog swimming in lakes or rivers. Always keep your dog on a leash to avoid them drinking from unknown water sources. Keep home swimming pools properly sanitized.

It is also important not to panic. Though it is a serious threat, blue-green algae is fairly rare.

What to Do in the Case of Exposure

If you think your dog has been exposed to blue-green algae, immediate veterinary care may be necessary. Contact the 24-hour Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 for further information.

Claws N Paws Day Spa in Orange County, California offers professional grooming services to dogs and cats. Visit our location in Fountain Valley or contact us at 714-962-1005 for more information about our various services.

Keep Your Pet Safe This Summer

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As temperatures rise in Southern California, it’s important to keep your pet safe. While a day in the sun might provide a welcome escape from the rainy weather we’ve experienced for most of the year, the heat presents a number of dangers for your pet.

Never Leave Your Pet in Your Car

A vehicle acts like an oven on warm days, reaching up to 170 degrees inside. It only takes a few minutes for the temperature inside your vehicle to cause harm to your pet. Never leave your pet in your vehicle alone, even for a few minutes. If you need to go somewhere that you can’t take your pet, it’s best to leave them at home.

Check Sidewalk Temperatures

Always check the temperature of sidewalks and roadways before walking your pet. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot for your pet. It’s also important to make sure you check outdoor areas as well. Your pet should have plenty of room to get away from the sun and off the sidewalk. It might be best to keep them inside as much as possible during the summer. Pets that walk on hot cement risk serious burns to the pads of their feet.

Make Sure Your Pet Has Fresh Water At All Times

Just like humans, our pets need to keep hydrated throughout the summer. Make sure you keep fresh water available at all times. Try putting a few ice cubes in your pet’s water bowl to keep it cool.

Fleas

Fleas become more common during the warm summer months. Make sure you check your pet regularly for fleas. Look for flea dirt, which looks like coffee grounds against the skin. When wet, this “dirt” turns red. This is actually flea droppings. If present, you need to treat your pet for fleas. This is important whether you see live fleas or not.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers summer haircuts for dogs and cats. Our groomers have years of experience providing pet grooming from our full service grooming salon in Orange County, California. Please call 714-962-1005 to set up a grooming appointment.

Deciding on a Summer Haircut for Your Pet

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Summer is almost here. That means it’s time to start thinking about your dog’s summer haircut. While some people shave their pets short during the summer, others prefer to leave the hair long. As long as your pet doesn’t have any mats in their fur, there are numerous haircuts to choose from. Summer is the perfect time to experiment with a new haircut.

Shaving

Despite what many people believe, shaving your pet does not make them cooler in the summer. A pet’s coat helps keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer, regardless of how long it is. However, there are exceptions to this rule.

Our Southern California heat can reach extreme temperatures. Dogs with heavy coats designed for year round cold climates might have a harder time staying cool throughout summer. Unfortunately, many of these breeds are not meant to be shaved completely. They have a double coat and shaving them can actually affect the way it grows back. For these dogs, we recommend a tummy shave. This allows them to lay on cold floors to cool off, without affecting the integrity of their coat.

Shedding

Another common belief is that shaving your dog will help prevent shedding. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. Short haired breeds still shed when shaved, the hair that falls is just shorter. These tiny hairs can become sharp little slinters, sticking into everything they encounter.

Dirt Build-Up

Certain breeds like cocker spaniels and poodles have a lot of thick hair on their legs. This hair can collect sand, dirt, and other debris during a trip to the beach. If your plan to take your pet to the beach this summer, you might want to consider keeping the fur on their legs short.

Personal Preference

Personal preference is the main factor when it comes to choosing a summer haircut. As Orange County’s premier grooming salon, we’ve seen everything from traditional breed cuts to Mohawks. If you’re unsure what’s best, please stop by our salon to discuss your options with our experienced groomers.

 

How to Spot Fleas

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Spring is here and summer is right around the corner. With summer, comes a number of issues for our pets. One of the most common skin problems pets experience during the summer are fleas. Fleas cause intense itching and skin irritation. They can also cause allergic reactions and anemia in severe cases. It’s important to learn how to spot these common pests.

Look for Signs of Fleas

Fleas drink the blood of pets. They can cause bumps and sores on both pets and people. Often these pests cause a row of bite marks as they jump from one area to the next. This is more obvious on humans because we aren’t covered in fur. When searching for fleas on your pet, you’ll need to spend a little more time looking.

Part your pet’s hair and inspect close to the skin. Look for flea dirt, which looks a lot like coffee grounds. When wet, flea dirt turns the color of blood. Flea dirt is the droppings of fleas. In severe infestations, flea dirt is easy to see. It is more difficult to spot on pets with only one or two fleas.

Look for actual fleas. Part the fur and look for small insects running over the skin and in the fur close to the skin. These insects are small and reddish brown in color. Inspect your entire pet, especially around the base of the tail and the ears.

What to Do if You Find Fleas

If you find flea dirt or fleas you will need to treat both your pet and their environment. The best way to treat for fleas is with a treatment provided by your vet. Unfortunately, fleas have become immune to many of the usual treatments including Advantage and Frontline. Your veterinarian can provide you with the best treatment available today.

It’s important to note that over the counter flea treatments should never be used. In addition to being ineffective at killing fleas, these treatments are dangerous for your pet. Many animals have died from their use.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers dog and cat grooming services in Orange County California. We can help you determine the best flea treatment for your pet. Please call 714-962-1005 for more information.