Pet Grooming Orange County

Detecting Ringworm in Pets

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Ringworm is an extremely contagious fungal infection that can affect cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, and even humans. Having pets may increase your chances of introducing ringworm into your home. Therefore, it is important to know the signs and treatments of ringworm in order to limit potential damage.

What is Ringworm?

Despite its name, ringworm does not include any squiggly insects. Rather, it is a fungal infection that appears as a red ring on the skin. It can be difficult to spot, especially under a full coat of fur. It thrives in humid conditions, and therefore it is most common in hot climates and on sweatier parts of the body.

There are varying levels of ringworm. Pets with a mild condition may not show symptoms. However, in more serious cases, you may notice dandruff-like flaking, discolored or crusty skin, hair loss in patches, and/or itching. In some cases, you may find the typical red “ring” lesion, usually on the head, tail, or back. However, these can be incredibly hard to spot.

Ringworm is mainly dangerous for its contagious nature. Ringworm fungi can survive for up to 18 months on surfaces such as bedding and dishes. If you have reason to believe that your pet has been exposed to ringworm, you should contact your veterinarian.

Diagnosis

Other ailments such as spider bites and eczema can appear like ringworm. These have different treatments, so it is important to properly diagnose your pet’s infection. A vet can do this with a variety of diagnostic tests. These may include observation, a Wood’s (or ultraviolet) lamp, a microscope, or fungal culturing.

Treatment

Treating ringworm can take several weeks, and there are many different methods vets use to treat ringworm. Topical treatments include antifungal creams, ointments, and shampoos. Depending on the severity of the infection, you may apply treatments to one specific spot or over your pet’s entire body. Oral medications are used in more serious cases. An infected pet should always be kept separate from other pets and people in the home during the treatment period.

It is also important to rid the home of any lingering fungi. Anything your pet may have come into contact with should be vacuumed, washed, or otherwise sanitized. This will ensure that ringworm will not persist in your home.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, we provide professional grooming services to both cats and dogs. For more information or to set up an appointment, contact us at 714-962-1005 or stop by our location in Fountain Valley today!

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.

Understanding Feline Asthma

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Every cat is unique! Whether they differ in demeanor or appearance, we love our cats for their peculiarities. For 1-5% of cats, asthma sets them out from the rest. Feline asthma is not cause for major concern, but it is something that should be monitored. Follow the information here to ensure your asthmatic kitty is the happiest they can be!

What Causes Feline Asthma?

Feline asthma essentially occurs as a result of allergic bronchitis. Allergic bronchitis is triggered when a cat inhales an allergen or some other stimulant. The airways in this cat’s lungs become inflamed. When this inflammation is common or chronic, we call it asthma.

Some factors can increase your cat’s risk of contracting asthma. Unfortunately, a number of these are unavoidable. Cats who contract asthma are most commonly 2 to 8 years of age, female, and either Siamese, Himalayan, or mixed breed. However, there are a number of environmental factors that can increase your cat’s specific risk. These include:

  • Frequent exposure to allergens such as cigarette smoke, dusty cat litter, pollen, and aerosol cleaning products
  • A stressful environment or circumstances
  • Heart conditions
  • Obesity or sudden weight gain that affects regular respiratory functions

What Are the Signs of Feline Asthma?

A cat with asthma will experience asthma attacks. During an attack, a cat may hunch their body very close to the ground with their head and neck extended forward. They will likely show difficulty breathing, combined with hacking or wheezing. These attacks vary widely in intensity and frequency, but they should be monitored closely. When an asthmatic cat is not having an attack, they may appear weak or fatigued.

What Should I Do If I Think My Cat Has Asthma?

If you suspect your cat has asthma, take them to the vet immediately. Unchecked inflammation can eventually lead to permanent scarring on the lungs. There is no single test to diagnose asthma. Most likely, your vet will rule out conditions with similar symptoms such as chronic bronchitis and parasite invasion. They may listen to your cat’s breathing and take allergy and/or blood tests. In some cases, your vet may schedule a chest X-ray.

Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be treated. Many vets prescribe corticosteroids to reduce lung inflammation. These may or may not be supplemented by bronchodilators, which dilate the airways to improve airflow. Both of these treatments come in oral, inhalable, or injectable forms.

December is National Cat Lovers’ Month, but at Claws N Paws we value our feline friends 365 days a year. Your kitty can find warm rooms, special care, and a devoted staff in our cats-only boarding facility located in Fountain Valley, California. Furthermore, we provide professional grooming services to dogs and cats right next door. Stop by today or call us at 714-962-1005 for more information.

Your Dog Will Go Coco-Nuts for Coconut Oil

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You have probably heard of the seemingly magical benefits of coconut oil. But did you know that your furry friend can also join in the trend? Coconut oil can get your dog looking and feeling great, in one of the most natural ways.

Why Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is extracted from mature coconut meat. It consists mainly of saturated fats, which may seem counterintuitive. However, coconut oil derives its fat content from medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are classified as a good fat. These are usually associated with energy production, but coconut oil has many hidden health benefits as well.

The Natural Remedy

There are a wide variety of health benefits your pup can get from eating coconut oil. MCTs are known to help digestive processes and boost your older dog’s mental functions. Lauric acid has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Coconut oil can also reduce coughing and eliminate undesirable odors. It can smoothen your dog’s hair and eliminate undesirable odors.

All of these health benefits come from eating coconut oil. However, it can also be applied topically! Applying coconut oil to problem areas (wounds, bites, stings, etc.) can help them heal faster. Some purchasable products have utilized coconut oil for its positive properties. You can buy coconut oil shampoo for soft fur or certain paw balms to help heal hotspots or blisters.

How to Give Coconut Oil to Your Dog

Coconut oil is safe for dogs to eat, and the best way to do this is to mix it into their food. Always buy unrefined (or virgin) coconut oil, preferably if it is “cold pressed.” Your dog may have specific tastes, so try out a couple brands and types! Small dogs should start with ¼ teaspoon with meals, while big dogs can start with 1 teaspoon. Eventually, you can build this amount up to 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds.

However, it is important to keep in mind that coconut oil is not for every dog. If your dog is overweight or has pancreatitis, it might be best to avoid using it. Some dogs may also be allergic to coconut oil, so make sure to monitor their behavior for a little while after the first taste.

Claws N Paws Day Spa can provide professional grooming services to your cat or dog. For more information, contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our location in sunny Fountain Valley, California!