Pet Grooming Orange County

Apple Cider Vinegar – For Your Dog

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Apple Cider Vinegar – For Your Dog

When your dog is uncomfortable, you’ll likely do anything you can to make them feel better. While it’s always a good idea to visit your vet if you are concerned about a symptom your dog is experiencing, there are a few things you can do at home to ease their discomfort.

Apple cider vinegar is an effective solution for a variety of problems. Apple cider vinegar is cost-effective, easy to obtain and probably already in your home. Apple cider vinegar has been used to treat a number of problems in both pets and people. For use on pets, you’ll want to only use organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar.

Itchy Skin

Apple cider vinegar can be used to relieve itchy skin caused by poison ivy and yeast. Add equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water to a spray bottle. Spray the affected area liberally. Be very careful not to spray this solution on open sores, as the vinegar will cause discomfort.

Keep in mind that a trip to the vet is a good idea if dry skin is excessive or your dog has sores or missing fur.

Ear Cleaner

Dogs that are prone to ear infections often have itchy ears. Apple cider vinegar helps clean the ears, reduce irritation and prevent recurrent ear infections. Combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and distilled water. Clean the ears with cotton balls soaked in this solution. For the best results, repeat this process daily.

Fleas and Ticks

The acidity in apple cider vinegar naturally repels fleas and ticks. During flea and tick season, spray your dog with a 50/50 solution of apple cider vinegar and water. For additional protection, add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to your dog’s food or water.

Tear Stains

Tear stains are unsightly and often smell unpleasant. Treat and prevent tear stains by adding 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to your dog’s water daily. This works by increasing the acidity of your dog’s body pH.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers dog and cat grooming in Orange County, California. Please call 714-962-1005 to set up a grooming appointment.

 

 

 

Essential Oils and Pets

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Essential Oils and Pets

Many people turn to natural options when caring for their homes and families. These options can provide an effective alternative to harsh chemicals and synthetic products. However, natural solutions might not be the safest option. In fact, many are extremely dangerous to pets. One example is essential oils.

Dangers of Essential Oils

Because essential oils come from natural sources, many people believe that they are safe. This simply is not true. Essential oils can be toxic and even deadly to pets.

These oils are highly concentrated. While the plants they are made from are often safe for pets, the large doses found in essential oils can cause serious problems. This is true for children as well. You might not realize that peppermint essential oil can slow a child’s heart rate to dangerous levels.

Since essential oils are not considered medicine, they are not required to list side effects and warnings on the bottle. It is up to the consumer to do their research to determine the risks of using these products.

Essential oils can cause harm when ingested, applied topically or inhaled. Using essential oils in the home for aromatherapy or other uses can harm your pets over time. Cats are particularly vulnerable.

Dangers of Diffusing Essential Oils

Diffusing essential oils is the most common cause of problems. Candles do not pose the same risk, as their temperature does cause the oils to reach a volatile state. Cats are not able to metabolize essential oils due to the lack of an enzyme known as glucuronyl transferase.

The effects of diffusing essential oils can occur slowly, over time. Cats can go several years without showing signs of a problem then suddenly become extremely ill without warning. Affected cats often die.

Essential Oils to Avoid

The following essential oils should never be diffused around cats:

  • Bergamot
  • Camphor
  • Clementine
  • Clove
  • Eucalyptus
  • Frankincense
  • Grapefruit
  • Juniper
  • Lavender
  • Lavendin
  • Lemon
  • Lime
  • Orange
  • Peppermint
  • Mandarin
  • Pine
  • Rosemary
  • Sage
  • Spearmint
  • Tangerine
  • Tea Tree
  • Thyme
  • Yarrow

This should not be considered a complete list as other oils can cause problems as well.

We understand how tempting it can be to turn to natural remedies and alternatives. However, it’s extremely important that you fully research the possible effects of all substances before using them around your pets.

Protecting Our Pets From Coyotes

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Protecting Our Pets From Coyotes

Our pets rely on us to keep them safe throughout the year. During the winter, coyotes pose the greatest threat to our pets. Coyotes are forced into our neighborhoods as we use up more and more of their land. They have just as much right to be here as you and I. While you cannot make coyotes go away, it’s up to you to do all that you can to protect your pets.

Coyote Mating Season

Coyote mating season typically lasts from late February to early March. During this time, male coyotes can become more aggressive. Coyotes can breed with unspayed and unneutered pets. Unspayed dogs will attract male coyotes when they are in season. Similarly, male dogs can be attracted to the scent of female coyotes in season. It’s not uncommon for male dogs to be lured away by the scent of a female coyote only to be killed by her male companions.

Coyote Habits

Coyotes are extremely smart. They learn the activities and schedules of people quickly and easily. If you let your dog out at the same time every evening, any coyotes in your neighborhood probably know what time that occurs. They will also know when you walk your pet, especially if your pet is walked off leash. Once they’ve become accustomed to your activities, it makes it easy for them to move in and make a meal of your pet.

Protecting Your Pets

It’s a good idea to change your schedule every now and then. Make sure that you keep your pet close and leashed at all times. Unattended pets should be kept indoors or fully enclosed, especially at night. Check your yard for wildlife before allowing pets to go outside. Do not ever feed coyotes and keep food dishes inside at all times.

If you spot a coyote, it’s important to let them know that you don’t want them near your pets. Keep noisemakers on hand or clap your hands to scare them away. If you spot coyotes in your yard, try banging pots and pans together. The more noise the better. If you find yourself in close proximity to a coyote you will need to make yourself appear as large as possible. Coyotes are generally very shy so this isn’t likely to happen.

Claws N Paws understands how important it is to keep your pets safe. We hope this information has been helpful.

Stopping Cats From Clawing on Furniture

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Stopping Cats From Clawing on Furniture

Clawing is a natural behavior for cats. Cats scratch to mark their territory and sharpen their claws. While totally natural, cats can do a lot of damage to furniture, drapes and carpet. In fact, it’s one of the reasons why people surrender their cats to the shelter.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to stop your cat from destroying your home. Let’s take a look at the top three ways to stop your cat from clawing your furniture.

Use Deterrents

If you want to stop your cat from scratching your favorite chair, then you need to make it as unpleasant as possible for them. There are many products available over the counter to deter cats from scratching.

Cats are extremely sensitive to both smell and touch. Deterrent sprays smell bad to cats and sticky strips are annoying. Both of these deterrents are extremely effective.

Offer Alternatives for Your Cat to Scratch

In order to stop your cat from scratching your furniture, you need to offer them a suitable alternative. Cats need to scratch. If you take away their favorite scratching place, they’ll naturally move to another one. Offer your cat scratching posts, boards or furniture. You might need to experiment with different types until you find the one your cat prefers.

Trim Your Cat’s Nails

You might not be able to stop the scratching altogether, but you can reduce the amount of damage being done. Trim your cat’s nails every four weeks. If you are unsure how to cut their nails, or your cat is being uncooperative, visit Claws N Paws Day Spa for a kitty pedicure.

In order for these methods to be effective, you must work with your cat to discover what works and what does not. Try using different types of scratching materials and deterrents.

These tips can help decrease or eliminate unwanted scratching. These options are much more humane than declawing or surrendering your cat.

Claws N Paws Day Spa can help keep your cats claws trimmed. We offer full service grooming for cats. Please call 714-962-1005 to set up a grooming appointment. Nail trims do not require an appointment.

Home Remedies for Dogs

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Home Remedies for Dogs

When your pet is not feeling well, it’s natural to want to do whatever you can to make them feel better. Home remedies can be a useful way to help relieve the symptoms of upset stomach and dry skin. However, It’s important to remember that even mild symptoms can be a sign of a much bigger problem. Always consult your veterinarian for a diagnosis. The following home remedies can be used until you can get your pet to their vet.

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin E oil can be used to protect your dog’s skin against the harmful effects of the sun. It can also be used to moisturize dry skin and treat minor skin conditions. Break vitamin E capsules apart and apply the liquid to warts, calluses and dry spots.

Pediatric Liquid

If your pet is experiencing diarrhea, they can become dehydrated. Offer them clear, unflavored pediatric liquid to drink. Keep in mind that this is not a substitute for veterinary care. You should consult your veterinarian if the diarrhea continues.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile can help soothe your dog’s stomach. It decreases muscle spasms and cramps and reduces inflammation of the stomach and intestinal lining. Offer your dog chamomile tea in their food or water. You can also hand feed it to your dog with a needle-less syringe.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal has been used for years for it’s soothing properties. Oatmeal reduces inflammation of the skin and can be extremely beneficial to dogs suffering from itchy skin and feet. Grind oatmeal into a fine powder and add water to make a paste. Apply the paste to hot spots and other inflamed areas.

There are many things you can do to take care of your pet. Home remedies are quick, easy to use and inexpensive. However, they cannot replace the advice of your veterinarian. Check with your vet before treating your pet for severe dry skin, hot spots or upset stomach.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers pet grooming from our full service pet salon in Fountain Valley, CA. Please call 714-962-1005 to set up a grooming appointment.

Winter Grooming for Dogs: Why It’s Important

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Winter Grooming for Dogs: Why It’s Important

Many people believe that dogs do not require regular grooming throughout the winter. However, grooming during the winter is extremely important to your dog’s health and well-being.

Dogs are more susceptible to skin and coat issues in the winter. Their skin can become extremely dry from indoor heating. This can cause excessive licking and scratching, leading to painful sores and infection.

A dog’s coat can become tangled and matted if not properly maintained. This is especially true for double-coated breeds. Matted fur is extremely painful. If it becomes wet from snow, frost or rain, it can increase your pet’s discomfort.

Regular grooming helps you spot problems with your pet’s skin and coat. This allows you to address these issues before they can become a much bigger problem. The following tips can help you take care of your dog this winter.

Keep Them Dry

When spending time outdoors, your pet’s coat can become damp from frost or rain. A damp coat can cause chills and dry, itchy skin. It’s important to properly dry your dog’s coat immediately after returning home.

Brushing

Make sure that you continue to brush your pet throughout the winter. Brushing helps prevent tangles and mats. It also helps your pet shed their winter coat. Brushing stimulates the skin to produce more oil. This helps moisturize the skin and protect it from damage caused by dry indoor heating.

Nails

You probably won’t take your dog on as many walks during the winter. Without the hard ground to wear them down, nails can quickly become too long. Long nails are prone to cracking and breaking. Make sure you trim your dog’s nails every four to six weeks.

Professional Grooming

Professional grooming is the best way to ensure your pet’s skin and coat is well maintained throughout the winter. During your pet’s grooming appointment they will receive a bath, blow dry, nail trim, ear cleaning and thorough brushing.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers full service grooming throughout the winter. We use soothing oatmeal shampoo to protect and moisturize their skin. Please call 714-962-1005 to set up a grooming appointment.