Pet Grooming Orange County

Help! My Cat Is Chewing Cords!

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Cats are known for their unpredictable and uniquely wild personalities. Over the course of their lives, domestic cats develop a number of strange habits. Unfortunately for cat owners, many of these habits are destructive in nature. Electrical cord-chewing is one of the more common (and more destructive habits) of the modern housecat.

A Dangerous Habit

Cord-chewing is both frustrating to owners and highly dangerous to cats. While it may damage expensive electronic equipment, a plugged-in cord can potentially electrocute your cat. Cords are also considered a serious choking hazard, as any severed pieces can get lodged in your pet’s throat.

Reasons for Cord-Chewing

Cats chew cords for a variety of reasons. One of the more common reasons is for their dental health; similarly to human babies, cats “teethe” when their teeth or gums hurt. This is especially true for kittens cutting new teeth, but older cats can also experience oral pains.

Cats with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are also more likely to chew objects like cords. OCD increases the urge to suck or gnaw on inedible objects like cords or blankets. Your pet may have OCD if they self-mutilate, chase their tail, or overgroom. While OCD is a common and livable mental condition, its symptoms can be difficult to manage.

Sometimes, cats chew cords or other objects for dietary reasons. They may know there is something missing in their diet and resort to eating just about anything they can find. In severe cases, this condition is called pica. Pica is dangerous, as it can lead to major digestive problems.

Finally, a cat’s environment can often influence their recurrent behaviors. Bored cats are more likely to chew or even destroy objects. Because cords look like another cat’s tail, they are a common casualty of boredom. Alternatively, a stressful environment may also cause unwanted chewing. In either case, you should reevaluate your pet’s living condition.

Curbing Cord-Chewing

Cord-chewing, like any abnormal behavior, should be addressed at the source of the problem. Whether it is OCD or pica, a vet visit is always a good idea. However, due to its dangerous nature, cord-chewing itself must be immediately addressed.

If possible, tuck all cords away from your cat’s reach. This is the best solution, but it can be unrealistic in the modern home. Exposed cords should be as unappetizing as possible. You can smear bitter apple substance (a common cat deterrent) or a menthol-containing product on cords. These offensive smells and tastes should encourage your cat to steer clear of cords. You can also try to cover them up with PVC pipes.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, your pet’s needs are always the top concern. Our professional grooming salon provides a wide range of services to both cats and dogs. Right next door, your cat can find comfort in our cats-only boarding facility. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

Air Fresheners and Your Pet

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If you are a pet owner, you will know that animals can create unique (and often unpleasant) odors in your house. Many households utilize air fresheners to alleviate their home’s “pet smell.” We all want our homes to be as pleasant as possible, but using air fresheners may have long-term effects on your pet’s health. Before making a decision, you should know the various risks of using scented products around your furry friends.

Why Are They Dangerous?

Like many household products, air fresheners contain dangerous chemical components. However, these products are especially dangerous when diffused through the air. Most air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which turns the liquid scent into gas at a quickened pace. VOCs are also found in various paints, cigarette smoke, refrigerants and more—all of which are considered unsafe for human and animal consumption.

Some air fresheners contain additional hazardous components. These include common names such as formaldehyde, naphthalene, and phthalates, but the list goes on. Even “natural” air fresheners contain potentially dangerous ingredients. If you wouldn’t use the product around a newborn child, you shouldn’t use it around your pet.

What Are the Risks?

These chemicals do much more than add scents to your home; they can cause damage to both you and your pet. People have reported various symptoms as a result of their air freshening units, such as dizziness, headaches, breathing problems, eye irritation, and even mental impairment. Animals cannot tell us what they feel, but we can expect their symptoms to be magnified. After all, our pets spend more time in the home and are often physically closer to plug-in air fresheners.

VOCs alone cause many of the symptoms associated with air fresheners. Experts have linked VOCs to eye irritation, headaches, lethargy, and damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system. VOCs have also been linked to various types of cancer in animals, who are closer and thus more exposed to air freshener chemicals. This is because animals are more sensitive to VOCs such as ethanol, which is toxic.

Claws N Paws Day Spa in Fountain Valley, California offers professional grooming and bathing services to both dogs and cats. Right next door, we offer cats-only boarding in a separate facility. For more information or to make an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

Keeping the Peace

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Cats are extremely particular about their environments. Upon adding another cat to the household, many pet owners are met with resistance and even aggression. Aggression between cats can cause serious stress on the entire household. Cats can happily coexist, but the transition can require behavioral work.

Types of Aggression

Cats often exhibit territorial aggression. When a new cat comes into the home, your original cat may immediately mark them as an intruder. Many pet owners code territorial aggression as male, but female cats can be just as territorial with one another. One cat will be the clear agitator. They will chase, ambush, or stalk the other, typically blocking their access to certain areas such as bedrooms or litter boxes.

In other cases, cats may show defensive aggression. This occurs when cats feel threatened, whether in form of punishment, attack, or environmental stress. A defensive cat will sit flat on the ground with their legs pulled under the belly, ears back and tail tucked.

Not every form of aggression is cause for concern. Cats often exhibit play aggression, an often intense but harmless form of entertainment. Play aggression caan look like regular aggression between cats: stalking, biting, swatting, chasing, etc. However, in play aggression, there is no clear agitator or victim; the roles will swap regularly. Their bodies and ears will lean forward rather than backward. Play aggression is especially common among kittens and is considered completely normal feline behavior.

Managing Aggression

Luckily, there are ways to manage aggression between cats. Begin by separating their resources evenly. You should have separate yet identical food bowls, litter boxes, and beds for each cat. Consider adding additional perches or hiding spots for each cat. Not only does this limit territory disputes, it decreases stress in the environment. Your cats will always find their needs fulfilled in a more comfortable manner.

Stop fights when they occur, but do not intervene. Make a loud noise to distract the aggressive cats. Do not punish them; this will make them feel more threatened. Instead, try your best to separate the cats for the time being. Reintroduce them to one another slowly.

If your cat’s behavior changes suddenly, it may also be a sign of illness. Sick cats often experience increased irritability and thus are more likely to become aggressive. If this is the case for you, schedule an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, your dog or cat can find professional grooming services. Right next door, you can board your cat comfortably in our cats-only boarding facility. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at 714-962-1005.

Choosing the Best Dog Food

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A trip to the pet store can be daunting for new dog parents. Some days, the dog food aisle seems to stretch for miles. Among all of the cans and bags, you know the perfect food is somewhere—but where? Luckily, there are ways to narrow down the process. 

The Canine Diet

A good dog food attempts to mimic the natural canine diet. Many people believe that dogs eat only meat, but this is not entirely true. Unlike cats, dogs are not strict carnivores. The domestic canine diet consists of primarily meat, but also fruits, vegetables, and grains. These other ingredients contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. 

Your dog may also have specific needs. Puppies, new mothers, and highly-active dogs require more calories than most. Alternatively, older or less active dogs require less calories. This affects not only the type of food you choose but also the amount you feed to them. If your dog has any health concerns, they may require a specific food formulated for their conditions. Talk to your veterinarian if you think your dog needs a more “scientific” diet.

Uncomfortable with Labels?

Every dog food claims to be “the best dog food out there.” Knowing how to properly read a dog food label is an important skill for every dog owner. Always look at the ingredients list. The first two or three ingredients should be meat-based. Avoid dog foods with high amounts of wheat, corn, and soy fillers. Not only are these common allergens, these fillers may contribute to poor health and obesity later down the line. Finally, avoid any food with excessive chemical preservatives.

Try, Try Again

Unfortunately, dogs can be difficult to feed. At one point or another, you will likely choose a food that your dog dislikes. When trying a new food, look out for any adverse symptoms such as excessive licking of the paws or gastrointestinal problems. These symptoms point to a food allergy and may benefit from medical diagnosis. Alternatively, your dog may simply dislike the taste or texture of their food. They may refuse to eat. In either case, you will need to start the process over again.

Claws N Paws Day Spa in Fountain Valley, California provides professional grooming services to both cats and dogs. Right next door, Claws N Paws offers cat boarding in our cats-only facility. For more information or to make an appointment, call us at 714-962-1005.

Grooming Older Pets

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Grooming is an extremely important part of your pet’s life. As they grow older, you may wonder whether the same grooming standards apply. While your aging pet may look different than their younger self, there are several health benefits to maintaining a regular grooming routine. 

Keeping It Clean

Your pet’s appearance may change significantly over time. Although they may not retain their youthful glow, your older pet still deserves to feel healthy and beautiful. A regular grooming schedule can ensure a much more graceful aging process.

With age comes important grooming precautions. Over time, your pet’s skin can become dry and flaky or excessively oily. Thankfully, you can help their skin by brushing them daily. Brushing distributes necessary oils evenly across their fur, to ensure a consistently healthy  coat.

A Little Help Here!

Pets, particularly cats, try their best to keep themselves clean without human aid. However, as a pet ages, it becomes harder for them to reach the more difficult spots. Older pets may experience ailments such as joint pains and arthritis that limit their flexibility.

Many older pets experience unkempt sanitary areas. Located around the groin, this area can be very difficult for older pets to clean themselves. Your groomer may suggest a short trim around the sanitary area to avoid urine or feces getting trapped. Older dogs will also need their sanitary glands expressed regularly by a professional groomer, which is done during a bath.

Getting A Closer Look

Professional grooming requires a close eye, which can be helpful for older pets. Your groomer will be able to spot changes such as skin discoloration or growths that may otherwise be difficult to find. While grooming can never replace regular vet visits, a regular groom can help to identify potential health problems.

A Sense of Security

In addition to physical benefits, grooming can have major mental health benefits for your older pet. Maintaining a regular grooming schedule can provide comfort to your dog or cat. They often form strong bonds with their groomers, giving them a sense of love and security even outside of the home. Older pets leave the grooming salon refreshed and pampered: a vision of their younger selves!

Located in Fountain Valley, California, Claws N Paws Day Spa offers professional grooming services to cats and dogs of all ages. We are currently open, with certain precautions in place to protect our clients and staff from COVID-19. For more information, visit our blog about reopening. To schedule an appointment, call us at 714-962-1005.

Understanding Feline Diabetes

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Diabetes mellitus is an increasingly common—and often silent—occurrence among cats. Unlike human diabetes, we know surprisingly little about the causes of feline diabetes. Thankfully, it is still very treatable. If you live with a cat, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of diabetes so they can receive the proper treatment.

What is Feline Diabetes?

Similar to human diabetes, feline diabetes is split into Type I and Type II. In Type I diabetes, the pancreas fails to secrete an adequate amount of insulin. In Type II diabetes, the pancreas cannot process incoming insulin properly. Cats with either type of diabetes have elevated levels of glucose in their blood.

Symptoms

Veterinarians diagnose diabetes in approximately 0.5% to 2% of all cats. However, this number is most likely underdiagnosed. Symptoms of diabetes can be subtle and thus difficult to spot. Keep a close eye on your cat, and you will stand a better chance at identifying feline diabetes early.

Look out for increased thirst and increased urination. Experts conclude that these are the most common signs of feline diabetes. You might notice larger clumps in the litter box, indicating more output during urination. Additionally, while diabetes can occur in any cat, it is more common among obese cats. In more severe cases, diabetic cats may experience weight loss and/or muscle wasting. Muscle wasting refers to nerve damage in the hind limbs. As a result, cats with muscle wasting may walk lower to the ground or experience difficulty moving.

Diagnosis

If you suspect your cat may have diabetes mellitus, schedule a vet visit. Diabetes is fairly common, but it can also be fatal. Your vet will ask you about clinical symptoms and run a variety of blood tests. 

Treatment

Diabetic cats almost always require insulin therapy. Follow your vet’s instructions and dosage carefully. Insulin injection may seem like a daunting task; always remember to stay calm. Over time, the task will become routine and thus more comfortable for both you and your cat.

Diet is also a component of treatment. Diabetic cats benefit from a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. Sometimes, this means switching from dry food to wet, canned food. Ask your vet for their best recommendations for your feline friend.

At Claws N Paws, your pet’s needs are important. Our professional grooming salon provides full-service grooming to both cats and dogs. Additionally, your cats can find a place to stay in our cats-only boarding facility right next door. We are currently open, with certain provisions in place to best protect our clients and staff from the current pandemic. For more information, see our blog on reopening. To schedule an appointment, call us at 714-962-1005.