Pet Grooming Orange County

IBS in Pets – A Common Misdiagnosis

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IBS in Pets – A Common Misdiagnosis

Pets and humans are both susceptible to irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS. However, IBS is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed illnesses in both pets and humans. Severe pain, diarrhea, vomiting and gastrointestinal issues could actually be a sign of gluten intolerance. In humans, gluten intolerance is caused by either celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Gluten intolerance in pets is not typically classified as either, but it does present itself in very similar ways.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune intolerance of gluten. Celiac disease causes the immune system to attack the protein element of common carbohydrates such as wheat, barley and rye. Once triggered to attack, the immune system targets the villi inside the intestinal wall, negatively altering the surface area of the inside of the bowels.

In addition to causing severe pain, gluten intolerance can cause pets to become bloated, experience diarrhea, vomit repeatedly and develop skin conditions. Loss of appetite and significant weight loss could also be a sign of digestive discomfort.

Complications associated with gluten intolerance in pets include weight loss, fatigue, diminished vitality and an increased susceptibility to infection. If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, it is important to consult with your veterinarian immediately.

If your veterinarian suspects gluten intolerance they will typically recommend an exclusion diet. While there is no specific test to confirm gluten intolerance in pets, an exclusion diet can confirm the diagnosis if there is a lessening of symptoms. If it is discovered that your pet has a gluten sensitivity it is extremely important that you remove all sources of gluten from your pets diet permanently.

Many companies offer pet foods made with gluten free grains such as rice, millet, corn or amaranth. While oats are naturally gluten free they are often processed with the same equipment as wheat. This makes the oats contaminated with gluten. Look for commercially prepared pet foods that advertise as “grain free”. If you are unable to find dry pet foods that do not contain gluten, consider switching to canned pet foods.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been taking care of Orange County’s dogs and cats since 2001. We offer full service pet grooming at our state of the art pet salon in Fountain Valley, California. We also offer mobile pet grooming to all areas of Orange County. For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

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When Cats Don’t Get Along

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When Cats Don’t Get AlongLil Girl

Cats are extremely territorial creatures. It is not uncommon for cats to not allow another cat into their home. Just because a cat is sweet and mellow with you does not necessarily mean that they will be sweet to another cat. Unfortunately there is no training method to guarantee that a cat will ever get along with another cat. Sometimes they just need to be the only cat in the household. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of aggression and what causes them.

Territorial Aggression

Territorial aggression occurs when a cat feels that an intruder has invaded their territory. This type of aggression typically presents itself after a new cat comes home, a kitten reaches maturity or a cat sees another cat outside. Behaviors include stalking, chasing, ambushing, hissing, growling, loud meowing, squatting and preventing access to places such as the litter box.

Inter-male Aggression

It’s not uncommon for male cats to threaten and fight with other males in a household. This is more common with un-neutered cats. Cats showing inter-male aggression will stalk, stare, howl and puff up their fur. If one of the cats backs down and walks away, the other cat will probably walk away as well. However, if no one backs down the cats might actually fight. You can break up a fight by clapping loudly, throwing a pillow nearby or squirting them with water. However, never step in the middle of a cat fight.

Defensive Aggression

Defensive aggression occurs when a cat attempts to protect itself from an animal or human that it feels it cannot escape. The cat crouches with legs and tail pulled in under its body, its ears flattened against its head and it will roll slightly to the side. Approaching a cat in this posture is likely to cause it to attack.

Redirected Aggression

Cats with redirected aggression show aggression to another animal or human that did not initially provoke the behavior from them. This often happens when a cat sees another cat outside. Your cat is so worked up about the cat outside that when you try to pet it, it bites you. It’s important to respond to this type of aggression in a way that keeps both you and your cat safe.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has many wonderful cats looking for a second chance. Pictured above is Lil Miss. Lil Miss is a beautiful short hair cat. She was given up because does not get along with other cats. Please consider giving Lil Miss a chance at her forever home. For more information, please call 714-962-1005.

Summer Safety for Pets

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Summer Safety for Pets

Many pets enjoy the long days of summer. Typically this time of year means more time with their families and more excursions to their favorite places. However, summer also comes with its own risks for pets. It’s easy to keep your pet safe by taking a few precautions this summer.

Warmer temperatures mean an increased risk of fleas, ticks and mosquitos. Before you head out of the house make sure that your pet is well protected. If your pet isn’t using some type of parasite prevention now is the time to talk to your veterinarian about your options. While you are there make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are up to date, especially if your summer plans include traveling, boarding and exposure to other pets.

While out and about, make sure that you never leave your pet in a parked car for even a short period of time. Pets can develop heat stroke very quickly. If your dog is panting excessively or your cat is panting at all, you need to get them to a cooler area immediately. If heat stroke is allowed to progress it can cause pets to become anxious, defiant and vomit and collapse. Heat stroke should be considered a medical emergency.

One of the most common mistakes that pet parents make during the summer is not providing their pets with enough water. Even indoors pets require more water when temperatures are warm. If you are traveling with your pet make sure that you bring along bottles and a bowl. Offer your pet a drink frequently, especially at the beach where pets can swallow saltwater, increasing the chance of dehydration.

If you don’t have air conditioning in your home, there are still ways to keep your pet cool. Use fans to increase airflow, put ice in your pet’s water dish, wipe your pet down with a cool washcloth and leave the windows open, with screens secure. Remember, pets can easily fall out of high windows if screens are not properly secured.

Even though fur provides some protection against the sun, pets can burn just like people can. Keep sunscreen on your pet’s ear tips and nose and walk your pet early in the morning or later in the day.

More pets get lost during the summer than any other time of year. With so many people going in and out, doors and gates get left open and loud noises such as fireworks can cause pets to jump fences and run. Even if you do not plan to leave the house, make sure that your pet has a tag that includes your name, phone number and address. You should also consider getting your pet microchipped.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers professional pet grooming services in Fountain Valley, California. Schedule an appointment for your pet’s flea treatment or summer haircut today! We also offer cat only boarding in our state of the art facility next door. For more information, please call 714-962-1005.

Is It OK to Change a Cat’s Name After Adoption?

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Is It OK to Change a Cat’s Name After Adoption?

People often wonder if they should change the name of the cat that they adopt. Sometimes they do not like the cat’s name or they feel that it doesn’t fit the cat’s personality. Whatever the reason, it’s tempting to rename a newly adopted cat. So, is it ok to change a cat’s name after adoption? Absolutely! It’s fun and easy to train a cat to accept a new name.

While some cats recognize their names, others do not. If it’s not immediately obvious that a newly adopted cat knows its name, then renaming it will not be an issue. However, if the cat readily responds to its name then you will need to make a decision. Most evidence suggests that changing a cat’s name has absolutely no effect on its long-term health and well-being. Naming a cat something you like will strengthen your connection with your new feline friend.

When you adopt a new cat, your first priority should be to make it feel comfortable. Introduce the cat to your home slowly. If your cat seems stressed out, try using its old name to calm it down. After a few days you can start to use your cat’s new name. Cats are easily trainable and name recognition is an important part of the training process. Renaming your new friend will help you build your relationship from the ground up.

When looking for a name for your new cat, you might want to use a variety of different resources. Lists can be found online for popular names, and even the names of celebrity cats. You could name your cat for its appearance or personality or after a loved one. If you choose a name that is similar to its old one, then it will be easier for your cat to make the switch.

Remember that it will take a little time for your cat to learn its new name. Positive association can go a long way towards helping it learn. Try saying your cat’s name out loud before offering food, treats, toys and affection. Once your cat associates its name with good things, it will begin to come when you call.

The cat pictured above is Max. Max is available for adoption at Claws N Paws Day Spa. Max is a neutered male, approximately one – two years old. Please call 714-962-1005 to schedule a visit with Max.

 

Removing Ticks From Pets

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Removing Ticks From Pets

Humans, birds, reptiles, wild and domestic animals are all susceptible to ticks. Ticks feed on the blood of their host and can sometimes pass serious diseases. In fact, pets can contract multiple diseases from just one tick bite. Ticks must be removed carefully and should never be removed with bare hands. The following steps will help you safely remove ticks from your pets:

  • Start by filling a jar halfway with isopropyl alcohol. Set the jar on a stable surface where it will not get tipped over.
  • Have another person restrain your pet. Have them gently stroke, praise and reassure your pet to keep it calm.
  • Put on latex gloves to avoid direct contact with the ticks.
  • Dampen a cotton ball with alcohol and gently dab it around the tick. This will disinfect the area and reduce the chance of your pet developing an infection.
  • Using tweezers or a special tick-removing device, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull the tick out by applying steady pressure. Be careful not to jerk or twist the tick. This can cause its mouthparts to detach inside of your pet’s skin.
  • Place the tick inside of the jar of alcohol. This will preserve it in case laboratory identification or testing becomes necessary. Do not flush the tick down the toilet as doing so will not reliably kill it.
  • Disinfect the area around the bite wound with more alcohol.

Ticks should be dealt with as quickly as possible. Inspect your pet regularly for ticks, especially after walking in grassy areas.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers professional pet grooming services in Fountain Valley, California. We also offer mobile pet grooming to all areas of Orange County. If you are unsure if your pet has ticks, or how to remove them yourself, we would be happy to show you. For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

 

Adopting an Adult Cat

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Adopting an Adult Cat

For the top reasons why you should adopt an adult cat, please click here.

Once you’ve decided that you would like to add an adult cat to your family, it’s time to choose your new feline friend. With so many homeless cats available, it can be difficult to decide which one to adopt. When deciding, consider your family and your other pets. Think about how your other pets will react to a new family member and what personality type will be the best fit for your family. Decide in advance if you prefer a male or a female, a specific color or breed or if you would prefer a longhair cat or a shorthair cat. Remember to be flexible, as sometimes the perfect cat might not fit all of your original criteria.

Once you have found a potential cat to adopt you will want to spend some time with it. This is an excellent way to get to know each other and to see if he/she is a good match for your family. Ask the rescue facility if there is a quiet area where you can visit with the cat. If there is more than one cat that you are interested in, visit with all of them before making your decision. However, don’t feel like you must only choose one. There are many adult cats that are hoping to join a loving family.

Most rescue groups require an adoption application to be filled out and an adoption fee to be paid. Regardless of where you adopt your cat from, you should take it to your veterinarian within a few days of adoption for a check-up. This is extremely important to ensure that your new pet is healthy, and to allow your cat to establish a relationship with its vet.

The cat pictured above is Piper. Piper was abandoned by his former owner. He is a Siamese mix. He is approximately six years old. At a cuddly fourteen pounds, Piper still has many years of love and affection to offer the right family. Piper is already neutered, litter box trained and super mellow.

Claws N Paws has many wonderful adult cats looking for a forever home. Please call 714-962-1005 to schedule a visit with our wonderful adoptable cats. For pictures of the cats currently available for adoption, please click here.

Receive a free teeth brushing for your pet when you mention our blog!!