Pet Grooming Orange County

Social Distancing… With Company!

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Due to current conditions, people around the world are feeling lonely. The social quarantine makes it impossible to see friends and family who do not live with you. While human contact is scarce, you may find another solution at your local animal shelter.

The Company of an Animal

If you are feeling lonely, having a pet can help tremendously. Animals provide a unique and unconditional love that cannot be replicated. By adopting a pet, you have a companion for the rest of their life. Pets are also a great remedy for boredom. Having a pet introduces routine into your life; they must be fed and cleaned up after at certain times in the day. Even children can get involved in this routine, eliminating boredom and instilling responsibility.

Adopt, Don’t Shop!

There are many advantages to adopting rather than buying your pet. Buying a pet from a pet store or advertisement supports mass breeding facilities (commonly referred to as “puppy or kitty mills”). These mass breeding facilities promote horrible living conditions and cruelty towards animals. Meanwhile, when you adopt, your money goes directly into saving more lives. Adopting a pet saves their life and prevents shelter overcrowding. Plus, you can ensure that your pet has received love and care that they would not receive from a mass breeder.

Shelters in Need

Animal shelters are currently asking for help from the public. Many are closing permanently in light of COVID-19; pets at these shelters will be euthanized if not adopted. Check to see if any shelters near you will be closing their doors forever.

Other shelters are still holding adoptions while observing social distancing. If you are located nearby, Orange County Animal Care is holding adoptions and pet redemptions by appointment only. Browse the website of adoptable pets, then set up an appointment over the phone.

If you are not looking to adopt, yet still want a temporary animal fix, consider fostering. Fostering young animals requires time and dedication, but it is an experience you will never forget. Shelters and rescue organizations are constantly looking for foster families. Research local fostering options in your area.

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides professional grooming services to both cats and dogs. To observe social distancing, Claws N Paws Day Spa and Cat Boarding are currently closed. For regular updates and more information on our various services, follow our Facebook at Claws N Paws Day Spa or our Instagram @clawsnpawsdayspa_.

Grooming in Quarantine

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Grooming salons around the world are closed due to the current pandemic. However, your pet still has certain hygienic needs. While nothing quite compares to the pampering experience of a professional grooming salon, you can begin to address these needs in your home. Follow these tips to keep your cat or dog happy and healthy during the social quarantine!

Tangles Be Gone

Like our own hair, our pets’ fur can get quite tangled over time. This can be hard to see, particularly in long-haired cats and dogs. Tangles often hide in the undercoat (or deeper layer) of your pet’s fur. These pesky tangles are important to catch early on, as they can quickly become mats. Your groomer will need to remove them once the quarantine is over, but in the meantime your pet will experience a tugging discomfort that will only get worse.

The solution to tangles is to brush or comb your pet. On your next trip to the pet store, pick up a brush or comb specifically made for cats or dogs, depending on your pet. Run the brush through their fur once a day, making sure to reach everywhere, including the undercoat. Not only does this limit the emergence of tangles and mats, daily brushing can be a great bonding experience for you and your beloved pet.

A Toothy Grin

Alongside their fur, your pet’s teeth may be causing them some discomfort. Cats and dogs accumulate plaque over time, potentially leading to dental disease later down the line. You can help their teeth by giving them a daily brushing. While pets cannot handle human toothbrushes or toothpaste, your local pet store should carry pet-safe options. Your cat or dog may not appreciate this brushing at first, but as time goes on they will get used to the experience. Their teeth will thank you!

Skip the Clippers

Sometimes, pet owners try to cut their furry friend’s fur at home. We strongly advise against this. Not only is it quite difficult, an unsuitable cut can lead to complications such as post clipping alopecia. Post clipping alopecia leaves fur permanently damaged and discolored; it will never grow back quite the same. For more information, see our blog on post clipping alopecia.

With regular brushing, your pet’s fur should not grow to a point that it is uncomfortable. Wait until the quarantine ends, then schedule an appointment with your local grooming salon.

Claws N Paws Day Spa is a professional, full-service grooming salon located in Fountain Valley, California. Although we are currently closed, we are still working hard to keep the shop clean and comfortable. For more information and regular updates, you can follow us on Facebook at Claws N Paws Day Spa and on Instagram at @clawsnpawsdayspa_.

COVID-19 and Your Pet (Part Two)

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The news regarding this pandemic is still everywhere. While you social quarantine, make sure to stay updated on how this affects your pet and their regular activities. This will make your and your pet’s transition back into regular life much easier.

COVID-19 on Surfaces

In our last blog post about COVID-19, we discussed the fact that animals cannot transmit COVID-19 to humans. This is still very much true. However, we may want to consider the surfaces animals come into contact with. Pets often wear collars or clothes, and they require a multitude of other assets in your home such as litter boxes, toys, and more. In a recent study conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine, scientists determined the life of COVID-19 on several different surfaces. They found that it survived on plastic for up to 72 hours, on stainless steel for up to 48 hours, on cardboard for up to 24 hours, and on copper for up to 4 hours.

So what does this mean for your pet’s things? Many pet products such as collars and litter boxes are made of plastic. Food dishes may be made of stainless steel, and cat scratchers are often made of cardboard. While your pet cannot contract it, any human that comes into contact with these surfaces may transmit COVID-19 to them. If you know COVID-19 has passed through your home, make sure to avoid these surfaces for the suggested amount of time. Once that time has passed, sanitize the surfaces.

Addressing Your Grooming Needs

With many parts of the country on complete lockdown, Claws N Paws is currently closed. However, your pets’ needs are still important to us. We are spending our social quarantine carefully and thoroughly cleaning the shop. When we reopen, we will ask that all customers remove clothes and collars off of their pet before dropping them off. This will help ensure that the virus does not continue to spread.

Claws N Paws Day Spa is a full-service professional pet grooming salon located in beautiful Fountain Valley, California. Right next door, Claws N Paws also operates a cats-only boarding facility. We are currently closed, but you can follow us on Facebook (Claws N Paws Day Spa) or Instagram (@clawsnpawsdayspa_) for regular updates.

COVID-19 and Your Pet

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With COVID-19 at the center of the news, we truly are living in a historically significant time. Amid these extraordinary circumstances, we may find ourselves overwhelmed with conflicting information. You may be wondering how exactly your pet functions into the COVID-19 situation.

Can My Pet Transmit COVID-19?

In the general panic associated with this pandemic, several news sources have spread unnecessary fear regarding people’s pets. They refer to a case in Hong Kong, where a 17-year-old Pomeranian tested “weak positive” for COVID-19. However, after conducting thousands of tests on both cats and dogs, IDEXX Laboratories found no more positive cases. Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) contends that there is no evidence to suggest pets or livestock can transmit the virus.

As a result of these sensationalized news stories, people are concerned that their pet may give them or others COVID-19. Shelters around the world have reported a massive uptake in abandoned pets. Rest assured, you should not abandon your pet. In fact, their support can help you greatly during social distancing.

Social Distancing with Your Pet

Social distancing is the practice of staying away from people in order to slow the spread of infectious disease. During social distancing, it can be easy to feel bored or unmotivated. Having a pet is a great remedy for this! Pets provide routine and responsibility to our lives. They provide low-pressure companionship that can help through particularly difficult situations. During a social quarantine, a pet is a nice reminder that we are never truly alone.

If you have a dog, you can still take them on walks! Visit an open outdoor space that you know will not be crowded. Before and after the walk, make sure to practice good hygiene and wash your hands.

For more information, see our blog about pets and your health!

What To Do If You Get Sick

In the case that you fall ill, you may need to make accommodations for your pet. Stock up on pet supplies while you are healthy. You may find it helpful to compile an “emergency kit.” In this kit, we recommend including 30 days worth of any necessary medications and two weeks worth of food. Should you become ill, this kit will keep your pet safe without you having to run to the store, putting yourself and others at further risk.

Claws N Paws Day Spa in Fountain Valley, California provides professional grooming services to both dogs and cats. For more information or to book an appointment, contact us at 714-962-1005.

Feline Vestibular Disease

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Cats rely on their superior abilities to jump, stalk, run, and maneuver the world in their own special way. When these abilities are compromised, it can be disorienting or frustrating. This is a reality for cats with vestibular disease.

What is Vestibular Disease?

The vestibular system is located in the inner ear. It consists of a complex arrangement of nerves that govern balance as well as head and eye movements. When this system becomes damaged, it can throw off your cat’s equilibrium.

Thankfully, this syndrome is easy to spot. Often, a cat with vestibular disease will experience a head tilt to either side. As a result, the cat’s mobility will be visibly thrown off. They may walk in circles or fall over. Often, these cats will have eye problems. Cats with vestibular disease may move their eyes in back and forth, left to right, or rotary motion. They may also experience nausea.

There are a few causes of vestibular disease. Infections of the middle and inner ear can affect the vestibular system. Exposure to toxins (even antibiotics) can also affect this system. In more extreme cases, a brain tumor can cause vestibular damage. This is more common in elderly cats. However, many cases of vestibular disease are described as idiopathic. These cases are not traceable to any specific cause.

What Should I Do If I Suspect My Cat Has Vestibular Disease?

You will want to schedule a visit to the veterinarian immediately. There is no specific test for vestibular disease, but your vet can help you determine its cause. Tests may include MRIs, skull X-rays, blood and urine tests, or ear cultures. Your vet will pick from these tests based on clinical symptoms and your cat’s medical history.

Depending on its cause, treatment for vestibular disease varies. Symptoms typically subside after 24-48 hours with supportive care. This may include hand feeding or fluid administration. If your cat is nauseous or vomiting, your vet may prescribe anti-nausea medication. If they detect an ear infection, they will prescribe antibiotics.

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides professional grooming services to your cat or dog. We also provide cats-only boarding services in our adjacent facility. For more information or to make an appointment, contact us at 714-962-1005 or stop by today!

Grooming for the Spring

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After a long winter, spring is just around the corner! The sun is coming out, and soon enough you and your pup will be too! You’ll want your dog looking and feeling their very best before hitting the park. Get the best out of this season with these simple grooming tips!

Spring Cleaning

During the winter, your dog’s coat likely grew much thicker. This is due to the drop in temperature and extra time spent indoors. A bath will help clean out winter grime, but it will also release loose fur that has accumulated over time. Many pet owners prefer to take their pup to a professional groomer; equipment such as industrial dryers are unmatched when it comes to loosening excess fur. However, some choose to bathe their dogs at home. If this is you, make sure to thoroughly rinse out all shampoo and conditioner. Your dog’s skin will otherwise become irritated, an unfortunate combination with spring allergies.

Brush It Out

The loosened fur will need to go somewhere. A gentle brush following your pup’s bath will help remove it. Additionally, regular brushing also helps to distribute the natural oils across your dog’s skin. Your groomer can do an intensive brush, but brushing between appointments is always a good idea! Plus, it can be a great bonding experience for you and your furry friend.

A Little Off the Top

Spring is an excellent time for a trim.Trimming your dog’s fur removes tangles and damaged hair, leaving the coat softer. Your dog will certainly appreciate a shorter cut as the weather begins to warm up. For this step, make sure to visit a professional groomer. Grooming at home can lead to unfortunate mishaps, such as post clipping alopecia.

Nailed It

Nail trimming is important year-round. However, short nails are especially important during warmer months. On walks or runs, long nails can gather a surprising amount of dirt. This is ultimately very uncomfortable for your pup. Long nails are also more likely to get snagged or cut on outings. To prevent this, invest in some doggy clippers or schedule a regular nail trimming with your local groomer. 

You can find all of these services at Claws N Paws Day Spa. Located in beautiful Fountain Valley, California, Claws N Paws provides a wide variety of professional grooming services to both dogs and cats. For more information or to book an appointment, contact us at 714-962-1005 or stop by today!