Pet Grooming Orange County

Understanding the Importance of Micro-chipping Your Pet

By

Understanding the Importance of Micro-chipping Your Pet

Every day, hundreds of pets go missing. If you browse Craigslist you’re sure to find tons of lost and found ads. It doesn’t matter how safe you think your pets are; accidents happen all the time. Dogs, cats and small animals can all escape. Unfortunately, many of these pets never find their way home.

What happens to lost pets?

Most lost pets will get picked up by animal control or helpful citizens. These people always try to find the pet’s owner. The first step is having them scanned for a microchip at a veterinarian’s office or at the shelter. If no chip is found, then the pet goes into a database or waits at the shelter for their family. Families that find pets will usually post ads on Craigslist or other social media websites.

With so many options, it can be difficult to know exactly where to start when trying to find your pet. The best way to prevent the heartache of losing your companion is by having them micro-chipped. This simple procedure takes only seconds but could mean the difference between being reunited with your furry friend and never seeing them again.

Micro-chipping your pet

Your veterinarian can quickly and easily insert a microchip in the loose skin between the shoulder blades. This procedure requires no anesthesia is very similar to getting a vaccine. The microchip is registered with you and your pet’s information. Unlike collars and ID tags, a microchip provides a permanent ID that can never fall off or become lost.

Microchips do not require batteries or charging, and they are not tracking devices. When a microchip scanner is passed over them, they emit just enough power to transmit a unique identification number to the scanner. The number gets called into a pet registry service who contacts the person registered to your pet’s microchip.

It is extremely important for you to activate your pet’s microchip. This is not automatically done by your vet. If you are unsure how to activate it, ask your vet for details. If you move at any point during your pet’s life, you will need to update your information with the microchip company!

Every pet should be micro-chipped

Claws N Paws Day Spa strongly encourages everyone to have their pet micro-chipped. We’ve seen numerous pets safely reunited with their families. Unfortunately, we’ve known many more that never were. It’s been our experience that micro-chipped pets stand a much better chance of being found.

For more information, or to schedule a grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005.

 

 

 

Grooming Tips for Long-Haired Cats

By

Grooming Tips for Long-Haired Cats

Cat owners tend to think of their cats as fairly self-sufficient. Cats enjoy a lot of alone time, they groom themselves and they teach themselves to use their litter box. However, if your cat has long hair, they will require your help with regular grooming. Long-haired cats can become matted easily, leading to painful sores and infections.  They are also more prone to problems from digesting hair.

Cat Grooming Tools

You’ll need a few tools to keep your pet looking and feeling its best. Start with a good quality wire slicker brush. You’ll also need an undercoat brush with a combination of wide and narrow teeth, a comb and a flea comb. Before using these, you will need to make sure that all of your tools are intended for use on cats. Dog grooming tools are typically too hard for use on a cat’s delicate skin. If you are unsure of which tools to use, contact your local cat groomer.

Start Young and Build Your Cat’s Trust Over Time

Starting your cat’s grooming routine when they are young ensures long-term success. You can introduce your cat to a gentle comb or brush when they are as young as eight weeks old. Work slowly and use a soft voice as your kitten adjusts to being brushed. Groom all areas, including their belly and tail. Start slowly, and only do what they will allow. Offer treats after each grooming session. For the best results, groom your cat daily.

If your cat is older, it’s important to begin a grooming routine as soon as possible. Start by brushing their back. Talk to them and offer treats. Once they are used to having their back brushed, you can start moving to other areas of their body. Work slowly and never do more than they will allow.

What To Do When You Find Mats

Mats are clumps of tangled fur. They can be small like peas or large like golf balls. They are usually found against the skin. When left alone, mats grow in size and pull on your pet’s skin. They can be extremely painful and sores can easily develop underneath them.

If you find mats on your cat, it’s important that you don’t try to pull them out. Because a cat’s skin is so thin, pulling and cutting mats is dangerous, and can cause serious injury to your cat. A professional cat groomer can remove mats from your cat quickly and safely. They can also provide you with some tips on how to prevent them from returning.

For more information about cat grooming, please call us at 714-962-1005.

Coconut Oil for Dogs

By

Coconut Oil for Dogs

Coconut oil has become extremely popular in recent years because of its many health benefits for humans. However, coconut oil can be beneficial to dogs as well. Most of us already know the benefits of giving our dogs oils such as Omega-3, fish and flaxseed. What you might not realize is that coconut oil can also be used to help support your dog’s health.

Coconut Oil to Support Overall Health

The fats in coconut oil are considered conditionally essential, meaning that under certain circumstances, such as during pregnancy and early growth, they are essential. The Medium Chain Fatty Acids found in coconut oil are also found in the milk of humans and other mammals.

Coconut oil is comprised of more than 90% saturated fats. It contains 64% Medium Chain Fatty Acids. These acids are made up of 48% lauric acid, 8% caprylic acid and 7% capric acid as well as myristic and palmitic acids. In addition to Medium Chain Fatty Acids, coconut oil also contains 2% linoleic acid and approximately 6% oleic acid.

Most of the health benefits of coconut oil come from lauric acid. Lauric acid is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. Capric and caprylic acid are also known for their antifungal properties. Medium Chain Fatty Acids provide an immediate source of energy. In dogs, coconut oil can be used to balance the thyroid and help overweight dogs lose weight.

Coconut oil is believed to increase metabolism, provide a higher level of energy, boost the immune system and speed up the healing process. As an added bonus, coconut oil can improve a dog’s skin and coat, aid digestion and reduce allergic reactions.

Safety and Usage

Coconut oil has been proven safe for pets including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and guinea pigs. Coconut oil is well tolerated, although extremely large amounts can cause loose stools.  It oxidizes slowly, allowing it to be stored for up to two years.

The best type of coconut oil is organic, virgin or extra virgin. Whenever possible, purchase coconut oil in glass jars instead of plastic. When cold, coconut oil is a white solid. Once warm, it becomes a clear liquid.

As a daily supplement, give ¼ tsp coconut oil per 10 lbs of your dog’s body weight. Gradually increase the amount to 1 tsp for every 10 pounds. For therapeutic and medicinal doses, double the amount given. Adding the coconut oil to your dog’s food can help avoid digestive issues.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers quality dog and cat grooming from our full service pet salon in Fountain Valley, California. To schedule a grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005.

 

Litter Box Training your Kitten

By

Litter Box Training your Kitten

Cats and kittens are naturally very clean and will probably already know how to use a litter box by the time you bring them home. Typically, all you need to do is provide a litter box that is big enough for them to move around in, with enough litter to fill the bottom of the pan.

Keep in mind that even the best behaved kitten will sometimes have accidents. Never scold your kitten for these accidents as this will only make the problem worse. Instead, praise your kitten each time they use their litter box and offer treats or pieces of dry cat food as a reward. This will get them back on track in no time at all.

Litter Box Training

It’s a good idea to have one more litter box than you have cats. For example, if you have two cats then you should have three litter boxes. When you bring your new kitten home you will need to show them where the litter boxes are located. It might also be helpful to put your kitten in the litter box after meals.

For best results, keep the litter box in a quiet location, away from your pet’s food, water and bedding. You will also need to keep the litter box clean. Many cats and kittens will refuse to use a dirty litter box.

When They Just Won’t Use the Box

If your kitten is refusing to use the litter box it’s a good idea to start by making some adjustments. Try different types of litter and litter boxes. Cats can be picky about smells as well. If you are using a strong smelling detergent to clean the box, this could be the reason that they have stopped using it. Only use unscented, mild detergent to clean litter boxes. Never use harsh disinfectants as these can be harmful to your pet.

If simple adjustments don’t work, then it’s time to take your cat to its veterinarian. Cats and kittens that are suffering from urinary tract infections or other illnesses will often stop using their litter box. Your vet can rule out any underlying conditions.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers quality pet grooming from our full service pet grooming salon in Fountain Valley, CA. For your convenience, we also offer mobile grooming to many parts of Orange County. Our professional groomers have many years of experience working with cats and kittens. To schedule your pet’s first grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005.

Controlling Shedding in the Spring

By

Controlling Shedding in the Spring

Shedding is a dog’s natural process of losing its old and damaged hair. While this process is totally normal, the amount and frequency of shedding depends on many factors including the dog’s health and breed. Shedding is often caused by seasonal changes. Many breeds of dogs develop thick coats in the winter and then shed them in the spring. Even indoor dogs are prone to fluctuations in coat thickness and may shed all year long.

Reducing Shedding

Even though you cannot completely stop a dog from shedding, there are a few things that you can do to reduce the amount of hair left on your clothing and around your home. Brushing your dog regularly helps remove dead hair before it is able to fall off. Your groomer can recommend the best type of brush for your dog.

It’s a good idea to schedule more frequent grooming appointments throughout the spring. A professional groomer can remove more loose hair than you are able to at home. They can also help spot skin conditions and parasites which tend to be more common this time of year.

Excessive Shedding

Excessive shedding is often the result of stress, poor nutrition or medical issues. If your pet is losing more hair than usual, it’s probably time to see your veterinarian. Your vet will be able to tell if your dog’s hair loss is part of the normal shedding process, or if it’s related to an underlying disorder.

Excessive shedding can sometimes be prevented with proper nutrition. Good quality pet foods contain the proper nutrients for dogs. If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, it can be more difficult to figure out the proper diet. In this incidence, supplementation might be necessary. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers quality dog and cat grooming from our full service pet salon in Fountain Valley, California. For your convenience, we also offer mobile pet grooming to many areas of Orange County. If your pet is shedding more than usual this spring we can help! Please call 714-962-1005 to set up a grooming appointment today!

Cat and Kitten Rescue – What To Do If You Find A Kitten

By

Cat and Kitten Rescue – What To Do If You Find A Kitten

Spring is right around the corner and with it comes new life in many forms. This is when most people go outside to enjoy the warmer weather.  While strolling through the park or around your neighborhood you may see baby animals. You might even found one or more newborn kittens. If this sounds unlikely, you’d probably be surprised to know that this happens several times a year in Orange County. This is why kitten rescue exists. Many, if not all of the kittens we have for adoption were found by people just like you.

Is it alone?

If you find a newborn kitten you first need to find out if it’s alone. Most likely there will be more kittens close by. Look in the bushes or other areas around where you found the kitten. Mother cats will move their kittens to keep them safe. This is done one at a time. If you’ve found one, then she probably hasn’t had a chance to move the rest yet.

If at all possible, try to find the mother cat. If this is a house cat, then you can alert the cat’s owner who might not even know that their cat had kittens. If you are dealing with a feral cat, you should always try to trap it. Baby kittens stand the best chance of survival if they have their mother’s milk. If this is a feral situation, you will definitely want to talk with an experienced rescue group before attempting to handle this on your own. Live animal traps can be found at most feed shops.

When a Mothers care is not an option

Sometimes kittens are abandoned by their mother. This might be because the mom was young and inexperienced, she got scared away from her litter or because she decided that something was wrong with them. Unfortunately, sometimes these kittens are too sick to save, although most cat and kitten rescues will do all they can to save them.

If you find one or more abandoned kittens then you need to move fast. Newborn kittens dehydrate very quickly. Depending on their age, they must be fed a high quality kitten formula every one to three hours, both day and night. They must be burped, handled carefully and helped with elimination every time they are fed. They must be kept warm and safe, but not so much that they overheat.

If you or someone you know finds a kitten, please contact an experienced professional immediately for advice. Most veterinarians can offer suggestions on their care. Claws N Paws Day Spa offers pamphlets on the care and handling of newborn kittens. We have over 50 years of combined experience successfully bottle-feeding kittens. Please stop by for a pamphlet today.