Pet Grooming Orange County

Pyometra and Your Pet

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As pet owners, we must be aware of the unique things that can make our furry friends ill. Pyometra is a life-threatening infection that affects female cats and dogs, but not humans. It is important to know about pyometra to ensure your pet will have a long, comfortable life.

What is Pyometra?

Pymoetra is a secondary infection occurring in the uteruses of dogs and cats. When an animal has been in heat, they can retain high levels of progesterone for up to two months. This builds up over an animal’s lifetime. Given that the dog or cat has not been pregnant, the uterine lining will continually grow thicker. Cysts begin to grow and secrete fluids, creating ideal conditions for bacteria to fester. Then, bacteria can enter the reproductive tract in a variety of ways. Typically, this occurs through urinary tract infections and fecal contamination.

What Does Pyometra Look Like?

Pyometra can be difficult to spot. If the cervix is open, pus will drain out of the uterus. Look for unusual discharge around your pet’s tail or on surfaces they have recently laid on. Cats clean themselves regularly, so it can be harder to identify pyometra in cats than dogs.

Animals with pyometra may act differently. They often exhibit “energy changes,” becoming more lethargic or depressed. They may also experience appetite changes; many animals with pyometra develop anorexia. Increased water input or urination can also be causes for concern. Symptoms will be stronger in cases of closed cervix pyometra. Along with the other symptoms, they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or fever.

How Is Pyometra Treated?

A pet with pyometra will need to have their uterus removed. Cats or dogs in the early stages of pyometra are better candidates for surgery. At this point, the procedure is comparable to a spay. As pyometra progresses, the surgery becomes more complicated. The animal will be hospitalized for a longer period of time. She will also require antibiotics.

How Can My Pet Avoid Pyometra?

The best way to avoid pyometra is to get your pet spayed. Spayed pets will not experience periods of heat. It is best to do this at a young age, so the uterine lining does not have a chance to thicken at all. However, spaying at any point in your pet’s life will help her avoid pyometra.

At Claws N Paws, we always have you and your pet’s best needs in mind. We provide professional grooming services to both dogs and cats at our location in Fountain Valley, California. Right next door, we provide boarding services in our cats-only facility. Stop by today or call 714-962-1005 for more information or to make an appointment.

Kennel Cough in Dogs

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Like us, our furry friends can fall under the weather. The canine form of the “common cold” is kennel cough, and many dogs will experience it at some point in their life. Knowing the signs of kennel cough will help you ensure that your dog is safe and comfortable.

What is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) or Bordetella, is a contagious affliction of the upper respiratory tract. A dog with kennel cough will have an inflamed trachea and bronchial tubes. In this sense, it is similar to the common cold in humans.

Dogs catch kennel cough when they inhale certain bacteria. The most common of these are Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria, parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus, and mycoplasma. Combinations of these and/or less common viruses lead to the more serious cases of kennel cough. Dogs are most likely to contract it in shelters or canine boarding facilities when they are in close, enclosed proximity with other dogs. Other factors such as cold weather or travel-induced stress may increase a dog’s susceptibility to kennel cough.

What Are the Symptoms of Kennel Cough?

Look out for a persistent, dry cough. Many pet owners note that the “kennel” cough sounds like a goose honk. In some cases, this severe cough can lead to retching. They may also show signs of illness such as sneezing, a runny nose, discharge from the eyes, lethargy, or loss of appetite.

How Is Kennel Cough Diagnosed?

If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, take them to the vet immediately. The diagnosis is fairly simple; your vet will assess your dog’s symptoms and exposure and use these to make the diagnosis. Potential tests include blood chemistry tests, a complete blood cell count, a urinalysis, fecal exams, and chest X-rays. In more serious cases, your vet may test for pneumonia using a radiograph.

How Can You Treat Kennel Cough?

Uncomplicated cases of kennel cough will go away without medical treatment. Rather, your doctor may prescribe general supportive care like rest and good nutrition. Severe kennel cough, on the other hand, may require antibiotics. This is because kennel cough can become pneumonia, which poses a much more serious threat to your dog.

We at Claws N Paws care about you and your pets. At our location in Orange County, CA, we provide a wide variety of professional bathing and grooming services to both cats and dogs. For more information or to book an appointment, contact us at 714-962-1005 or stop by today!

Valentine’s Day Safety For Pets

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It’s Valentine’s Day, which means that you may be introducing new gifts or decorations into your home. Unfortunately, some of these products can be dangerous to your pets. Share the love this holiday by ensuring a safe and comfortable home!

Flowers

Flowers are a beautiful way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Many are harmless, but some are less so. Calla lilies, azaleas, daffodils, chrysanthemums, daisies, carnations, tulips, and hydrangeas are all common in flower arrangements but toxic to dogs and cats. While these are the most toxic, other flowers can harm pets in other ways. If ingested, flowers such as morning glories, amaryllis, and peonies can cause digestive distress such as vomiting, diarrhea, and gas. Contact with cactuses, primroses, and ficuses can cause rashes.

Meanwhile, flower arrangements often contain roses, sunflowers, gerber daisies, orchids, and snapdragons. These are all nontoxic to pets and can be kept in your home. To be safe, keep all flowers away from your pets. This also reduces the possibility of breaking vases, which cats are known to do.

Candles and Scents

Certain ingredients in candles can be dangerous to your pets. These include paraffin, lead, acetaldehyde, benzene, and toluene. Burning candles that contain these ingredients can cause a variety of different complications. Instead, look for candles made of soy, bluecorn, or beeswax.

However, artificial scents can also be problematic for dogs and cats. Studies have shown that candle and air freshener scents make us and our pets sick over time. Furthermore, essential oil scents such as peppermint, wintergreen, tea tree, and eucalyptus are extremely dangerous, especially to cats. As a safety precaution, avoid using essential oils at home.

Chocolates

Another traditional (and delicious) Valentine’s Day gift is chocolate. Chocolate is dangerous to pets, but only when consumed. Keep any products containing chocolate wrapped and far away from your animals’ reach.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, your pet’s needs are always first. We provide professional grooming services to both cats and dogs. Additionally, we provide boarding to cats in our adjacent facility. For more information or to book an appointment, contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our Fountain Valley location today!

Feline Dental Care

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February is National Cat Health Awareness Month! This February, why not focus on the little things? Cats rely heavily on their teeth, which are much more delicate than they appear. Feline dental care is an important, but often forgotten, part of owning a cat.

Dental Problems in Cats

Feline periodontal disease affects approximately 70% of cats by their third birthday. Unchecked plaque build-up solidifies and becomes tartar over time. Eventually, this tartar will dig into and under the gums. This introduces harmful bacteria to the gums, triggering continued infection and damage to the surrounding teeth. Affected teeth may fall out. Furthermore, periodontal disease can cause organ damage to the kidneys, liver, heart, and nervous system.

It can be extremely difficult to detect dental disease in cats. The most common giveaway is their breath. Cats with dental disease will often have foul-smelling breath. There are a few more signs, including:

  • Visible tartar on the teeth
  • Drooling
  • Difficulty eating or refusal to eat
  • Missing or loose teeth
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Red or swollen gums (gingivitis)
  • Weight loss

These signs are often subtle and therefore very easy to miss. It is important to keep a close eye on your cat if you think they might have dental complications.

Dental Care

Feline dental care begins with good nutrition. Some foods are better for your cat’s teeth than others. Some pet owners find that dry food scrapes teeth clean, while wet food remains in the mouth for longer periods of time. However, good ingredients and a balanced diet are the most important factors in preventing dental disease.

It is also important to establish a teeth cleaning routine. This is easiest to do when your cat is still young. Cats cannot use human toothpaste, but there are special formulas made specifically for your feline friend. Use your finger (and perhaps a bit of gauze) the first few times to get them used to the process. Eventually, you can switch to a bristled finger brush or other cats-only toothbrush. Feline teeth should be brushed once daily, or at least twice a week.

Cats should have a dental checkup at least once a year. Veterinarians are trained to detect the subtle signs we tend to miss. Talk to your veterinarian about proper dental care at home; they may recommend specific foods or treats for additional care.

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides professional grooming services to your cat or dog. Contact us today at 714-962-1005, or stop by our location in Fountain Valley, California!

Skip the Rawhide

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We take it as one of the facts of life—dogs love bones. Children often watch cartoon puppies lugging around huge rawhide bones, gnawing on them and burying them deep in the yard. However, veterinarians are urging pet owners to rethink this association. It turns out that rawhide bones can be quite dangerous for your furry friend.

What is Rawhide, Actually?

Despite the name, rawhide bones are not real bones. They are made of the inner soft hide or skin of an animal. Usually, this animal is a cow, but rawhide production is not well-regulated, so it may contain any variety of livestock products. The “bone” is not the only form; rawhide is used to make a variety of shaped chews.

Rawhide is meant to satisfy a dog’s need to chew. Not only does this keep your dog entertained, it keeps your shoes and table legs safe. They can also serve as treats; many chews contain extra flavoring.

The Dangers of Rawhide

Perhaps the most common danger of rawhide is choking. Strong chewers (usually larger breeds such as Rottweilers) are more likely to dislodge large pieces from their rawhide treats. If inhaled, these can cause choking or blockages. Blockages may require invasive abdominal surgery to remove. On the other hand, weaker chewers (usually smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas) are at risk of shattering their teeth on rawhide chews.

Another common danger associated with rawhide is contamination. During processing, rawhide may come into contact with a variety of toxic chemicals such as bleach, hydrogen peroxide, arsenic, and formaldehyde. Rawhide may also become contaminated with harmful bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. Not only do these harm your furry friend, people in your home can also become sick from handling contaminated rawhide.

Rawhide chews may also cause your dog some digestive distress. Added flavors or other ingredients can cause gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting or diarrhea. For these reasons, many pet owners are turning to alternative chews and treats.

Claws N Paws offers a wide variety of professional grooming services to your cat or dog. To set up an appointment or for more information, contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our location in sunny Fountain Valley, California!

Pets and Your Health

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This time of year can be difficult. For many people, winter can bring feelings of loneliness, fatigue, and general unhappiness. This affliction is often referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Luckily, many people also find a solution in a very special form of companionship. Your relationship with a beloved pet can boost mental health and emotional wellbeing.

How It Works

It can be hard to pinpoint why animals can make us feel so much better. Maybe there is “just something special” about your furry friend. However, the lifestyle choices that come with adopting a pet certainly help.

People with dogs or particularly athletic cats tend to lead more active lifestyles. Regular walks get pet owners out of the house and into more natural spaces. Pet owners are more likely to keep walks to a specific routine and thus are more likely to meet their recommended daily exercise goals. Exercise releases endorphins, which lead to a healthier and happier you!

Pets also provide companionship and responsibility to their owners. Having a pet can give people a powerful sense of purpose. Caring for an animal becomes a priority, which takes the focus away from external problems. This relationship creates an extremely strong and unique form of companionship.

Pets can also provide emotional contagion. Emotional contagion refers to the spread of emotions between animals and people. Dogs are particularly good at this; therapy dogs have been known to use physical cues to make their humans feel better. In established human-pet relationships, even eye contact can catalyze mindful breathing to reduce anger or anxiety.

Additional Benefits to Physical Health

Emotional wellbeing contributes greatly to physical health as well. Therefore, pets can boost physical wellbeing within their families. People with pets are known to have lower blood pressure than those without. Additionally, pet owners have lower levels of common heart disease indicators such as cholesterol and triglyceride. This makes owning a pet particularly helpful for heart attack patients.

Located in sunny Orange County, Claws N Paws Day Spa provides professional grooming services to your beloved cats and dogs. Not interested in grooming right now? Claws N Paws also provides boarding in our cats-only facility right next door. For more information, stop by our location or contact us at 714-962-1005.