Pet Grooming Orange County

Practice Holiday Safety This Winter!

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The winter holiday season is upon us! Surely, both you and your pet are both noticing the chill in the air and the bustle of holiday excitement. Unfortunately, with this excitement comes some safety concerns for your furry friend. Ensure a safe and happy holiday season with these tips.

Decorate With Care

In these first few days of December, you are probably preparing your home for the season. It is very important to always remember to keep your pet in mind when doing so. Pets, particularly cats and kittens, can be extremely curious about the new changes to their living space. Keep breakable decorations such as Christmas villages away from the edges of tables. Never leave a candle or fire unattended. Hang breakable ornaments and tinsel high up, away from your pets’ reach. Additionally, watch out for potentially dangerous plants. Holly, mistletoe, lilies, and more can be toxic to a curious pet.

Watch the Food

With the holidays comes a plethora of delicious food. Unfortunately, your cat or dog cannot partake in many of these meals. Human baked goods are always too rich for pets, and they may contain problematic ingredients such as chocolate or xylitol (artificial sweetener). Table scraps should be avoided; even foods like turkey that seem harmless can cause complications such as pancreatitis. Finally, make sure all alcoholic beverages are accounted for. Alcohol is toxic to pets and can potentially induce a coma.

If you are looking for a fun and healthy treat for your pet this holiday season, consider pumpkin. See our blog for more information.

Party Responsibly

Holiday parties can be great fun, but they can be stressful for your pet. To keep them calm, give your furry friend a space that is theirs alone. This can be a kennel, a crate, or preferably a room to themselves. If you have an especially nervous pet or an especially rowdy party, it may be best to isolate them completely. Consider single-day boarding if you think this may be a problem. Claws N Paws offers cats-only boarding at our location in Fountain Valley, California.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, we are dedicated to your cat and/or dog’s specific needs. For more information about our professional grooming and boarding services, stop by today or contact us at 714-962-1005.

Look at the Paws!

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Your puppy’s paws are important to their everyday life, but they can also be quite delicate. Conditions that seem unrelated to the paws can have a significant effect on them. Stay on top of sneaky ailments by monitoring your dog’s paws!

What is Pododermatitis?

Pododermatitis refers to the inflammation of the feet. Usually, pet owners notice the behavioral symptoms of pododermatitis first. Is your dog excessively licking or pulling at their feet? This is a common response to inflammation.

Take a closer look at your puppy’s paws. Are they red and swollen? Are there scabs or blisters? Is there hair loss? These indicate that something may be wrong. Additionally, the paws may also have abscesses and/or lesions, with potential pus leakage.

The Environmental Factor

Your puppy may be reacting to something environmental. These can occur in any setting, particularly on outdoor walks. For example, contact with irritants or excessive walking on concrete or gravel paths can cause inflammation. Sometimes even changes in the weather such as sudden rain or humidity may trigger a reaction. Inflammations based on environmental changes can occur on one or more feet. It can include swelling between their toes, ulcers, abscesses, or pus discharge. Puppies may or may not scratch at an environmental inflammation.

Fleas or ticks can also be considered an environmental factor. These parasites can be encountered in any setting. Luckily, there are many good treatments to avoid the negative impacts of exposure to fleas and ticks. For more information about ticks, see our blog on how to avoid them.

Something More

Pododermatitis may be indicative of something more sinister. One of the most common causes of foot inflammation is an undiagnosed food allergy. For more information, see our blog about diagnosing and treating various food allergies.

Inflammation may also have a fungal cause such as yeast infection or ringworm. Fungal infections are known to be extremely uncomfortable, so these will be supplemented by a lot of scratching. Reactions can also be triggered by autoimmune diseases, namely pemphigus foliaceus (PF) or symmetric lupoid onychitis (SLO). PF is related to the skin, while SLO is directly related to the nails.

Regardless, pododermatitis warrants a vet visit. Your trusted veterinary professional can diagnose pododermatitis with a physical examination. They will help you determine the best route to take when treating it.

Claws N Paws owns and operates a full-service grooming salon in Fountain Valley, California. Stop by today or call us at 714-962-1005 for more information.

Taking Care of a Senior Cat

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Senior cats are delightful members in any family. Their calm disposition and seasoned personality make them particularly good in homes with young children. However, they take some special care. With these tips, you and your senior cat can enjoy the very best quality of life.

Keep A Close Eye

At this time in their life, a senior cat will likely experience some health problems. The good news is that these are often easy to spot. Look for changes in diet, water intake, weight, and behavior. Your cat will act differently due to their age, but drastic changes may be cause for concern. Some pet owners find it helpful to keep a diary of their cat’s behavior or symptoms. If maintained, this can help your vet identify any potential health issues.

Set the Space

Senior cats need special accommodations. Getting around may get harder for an elderly cat, so easy access to food, water, and litterboxes is of the utmost importance. Because your senior cat is probably exercising less on their own, lots of toys can be a great incentive to get active. Finally, cozy spaces (cat beds, blankets, etc.) give your senior cat a gentle place to rest and recharge. Make sure all of these accommodations are close to the floor and out of loud areas of your home.

Regular Stimulation

Even old cats need regular attention and activity. Try experimenting with some new toys. However, make sure that active situations are not particularly stressful. Even just sitting with and petting your cat can stimulate their mental health.

Keep Them Inside

While we recommend that all cats are kept indoors, this is especially important for senior cats. They are oftentimes much slower to react to wild animals or passing cars. Furthermore, they can get lost more easily. It is always best to keep an elderly cat inside the home at all times.

Regular Vet Visits

Stay on top of your senior cat’s health with regular veterinary visits. Many pet owners choose to go biannually, but your vet can help you determine the best routine. Now may be the time to invest in a comfortable carrier; there is no reason for your elderly cat to be stressed out.

At Claws N Paws, we care deeply about your pet’s best interests. We provide professional pet grooming to both dogs and cats at our full-service grooming salon. For more information, contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our location in Fountain Valley, California.

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.