Pet Grooming Orange County

Pancreatitis in Dogs

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Sometimes, our furry friends do things we cannot explain. Dog owners are expected to keep an arsenal of knowledge in their back pocket; they must know when these unexplained behaviors become harmful to their pet. As one of the more sinister conditions, pancreatitis is important to know about. This knowledge will help to ensure a safe and speedy recovery.

What is Pancreatitis?

The pancreas has two functions: the endocrine process, which produces insulin, and the exocrine process, which produces enzymes that aid in digestion. Pancreatitis affects the exocrine process. In a dog with pancreatitis, the enzymes are produced and released at a more rapid rate. Their pancreas will become inflamed, and the additional enzymes may even begin to eat away at the pancreatic tissue.

Causes of pancreatitis are hotly contested. Because it appears so suddenly, many brush it off as something that “just happens.” However, experts suggest that a fatty diet can increase your dog’s chances of contracting pancreatitis.

What Are the Symptoms?

There are many indicators of pancreatitis, but in most cases owners notice a loss of appetite first. Usually, a dog with pancreatitis will show other symptoms of stomach discomfort, such as a hunched back or decreased mobility. They may vomit or have diarrhea. Due to the changing environment within their body, they may also become dehydrated or run a high fever. Although these are all common symptoms, in conjunction they can be scary to watch.

How is it Diagnosed?

If you notice these signs, you should contact your vet immediately. Your vet will probably run blood tests in order to monitor pancreatic enzymes. They may also run other tests such as an ultrasound in order to rule out other conditions.

How is it Treated?

There is not necessarily a cure for pancreatitis, but it is treatable through therapeutic care. Depending on severity, your dog may need to be hospitalized. Because many dogs with pancreatitis will refuse to eat, they may be put on an IV drip to regulate fluids. They may receive medications through injection. All of these measures treat symptoms, not causes.

At Claws N Paws in Fountain Valley, CA, your pet’s needs are always our first priority. Your dog or cat can find professional grooming services at our full-service salon, or your cat can find quality care in our cats-only boarding facility. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

Traveling With Pets

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As the year continues, people everywhere are beginning to make plans for the holidays. Many of us are preparing to travel. However, those of us with pets must make special provisions. The decision to travel with pets is never easy and takes very careful planning.

Road Trips

Traveling by car is the preferred option for many pet owners. Owners can monitor their pets from the car at all times, and they can intervene in case of emergency. However, the car does pose some challenges.

On long trips, make sure pets are secured in a crate or carrier. While dogs can usually roam free in a car, they may become restless over time. Furthermore, dogs that stick their heads out of the window can become injured from flying objects or particles. They may also take in far too much cold air, damaging their lungs. Since you will probably be doing a lot of freeway driving, it is best to keep your dog safely inside the car. Never keep a pet in the back of a truck, as they can easily jump out into the road.

You should take frequent stops. Take your dog for a short walk, or let your cat roam around the parked car for a bit. Remember that your pet will need to eat, drink, and go to the bathroom, just like yourself. Account for them at every pit stop, and never leave an animal in the car alone.

Always travel with a human buddy when travelling with pets. That way, you can split the responsibilities of driving and taking care of your pet. When you make stops, someone should always stay in the car to take care of your pet.

Flying

Going on a plane with your pet can seem scary, but it is more common than you think! The most important thing to do is read up on your airline’s pet policies. If you have any questions, call ahead of time. This will make your time at the airport much less stressful.

It is safest to bring your pet into the cabin with you. Most airlines allow small dogs or cats into the cabin for a fee. They will require a special airplane carrier to fit under the seat in front of you. For some airlines, you may have to submit health or immunization records. Always call ahead of time, as there are usually limits to how many pets can be in the cabin at a time.

If your pet must travel with the luggage, be aware of the risks. Look up your airline’s safety ratings for transporting pets. Use direct flights and always try to be on the same plane as your pet.

Leaving Them Home

Of course, you have the option to keep your pet home while you travel. Ask a trusted person to watch them, or utilize a boarding facility. Pet boarding facilities are specifically designed to meet your pets’ needs.

At Claws N Paws, you can find safe and comfortable cats-only boarding, as well as professional grooming services for cats and dogs. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at 714-962-1005.

Fall Grooming Tips

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As the weather begins to change, so do our attitudes. We may begin to reminisce about the end of summer, but we also remember what we love about the fall. Your pet also notices these changes! Whatever their feelings towards autumn, you can ensure a safe and happy transition with these specialized fall grooming tips.

Recovering from Summer

What fun summer is! Outdoor walks are a great way to bond and exercise with your dog, but they can also expose them to harsher conditions than usual. Their paws are particularly sensitive. Pavement and asphalt heats up dramatically in summer and can actually leave burns on your dog’s feet. Check out their feet; are they dry and chapped? If so, they may benefit from some light pampering. Grab some paw pad balm or petroleum jelly and slather it on their feet. While it is soaking in, give your dog a chew toy to keep them occupied. If their pads are actually cracked, schedule an appointment with your vet. In the meantime, you can use some ointment and gauze to create a temporary fix.

The summer sun can also wreak havoc on your dog’s coat. It may bleach or frizz certain areas, giving your dog a scruffier appearance. Thankfully, this is all temporary. The bleached and damaged bits all fall out eventually to be replaced with your pup’s natural coat. However, a professional grooming session certainly helps speed up this process. Groomers use special brushes to remove dead hairs and special conditioners to smooth out more damaged sections.

Maintaining a Routine

The most important part of grooming your pet is consistency. Many pet owners skip baths during the colder months, but more time indoors does not necessarily mean your dog is clean. In fact, that “dog smell” comes from oils that occur naturally on your dog’s skin. This is completely independent from the amount of walks your furry friend goes on. Furthermore, the beginning of fall tends to stir up a lot of allergens. Baths are a great way to clean pollen and dust from your dog’s fur.

You should also stay vigilant with brushing. Dogs’ coats change with the weather, and shedding is much more manageable with a regular brushing routine. Of course, brushing depends on your dog’s fur. Because of mats, long-haired dogs need to be brushed more often than short-haired dogs.

Professional Grooming

There is nothing quite like a professional groom. A trim here and there will keep the coat neat and tidy at all times. If you’ve been scheduling regular grooming sessions, keep it up! If not, the fall is a perfect time to go for a first visit. The groomers will assess your pet’s needs and work with you to determine the best courses of action.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, you can find professional grooming services for your cat or dog. Our passionate and knowledgeable team is dedicated to you and your pet’s specific needs. We are currently open with safety precautions in place to protect our clients and staff from COVID-19. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

The Purrfect Communication

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Cats are extremely comforting creatures. This is especially true when they are purring; the gentle sound and feeling of a purring cat is the perfect cure to a stressful day. It is the most common sound a housecat can make, yet humans know relatively little about its causes and uses. In some cases, the mystery of purring can actually limit our reception of it.

How Does It Work?

Purring has always stumped scientists. We know that cats can purr during both inhalation and exhalation, unlike meowing which only occurs during exhalation. Currently, the most common consensus is that purring begins in the brain. The brain sends a message to the voice box, which begins to vibrate. Animal behaviorists liken this to opera singing. When your cat purrs, place a finger on their throat. You will be able to feel the vibrations.

Is It Limited to Housecats?

Many people believe that purring is solely a way for domestic cats to communicate with their human counterparts. However, this is not true. Cats in the wild, including bobcats and mountain lions, purr to communicate with other animals. Even animals like raccoons, hyenas, and guinea pigs can purr. Alternatively, roaring cats like lions and tigers cannot purr. This is because their voice boxes (meant for making loud, booming noises to communicate) are much too loose to vibrate.

Why Do Cats Purr?

Most pet owners assume that their cats only purr when they are happy. In many cases, this is true; the most common reason for purring is to express contentment. Content cats will appear relaxed. Their eyes may be half-closed, and their tail will sit relatively still.

Sometimes, cats purr to express other emotions or even needs. A hungry cat may purr to get your attention. Usually, this urgent purr accompanies mews, also referred to as feline crying. This taps into early kitten behavior. When they wish to nurse, kittens cry to get their mother’s attention among a full litter.

Purring can bring comfort to both cat and owner. Like a toddler sucking its thumb, some cats purr to provide relief in stressful situations. In fact, studies suggest that the low vibrations of a cat’s purr can actually help them heal faster. These vibrations trigger processes that lessen pain, ease breathing, heal bones and wounds, and build muscle.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, your cat’s health and happiness is always important. Our grooming salon provides professional services to both cats and dogs. Right next door, you can find cats-only boarding in our specialized facility. Missing the comforting purr of a cat in your home? We have several kittens and cats readily available for adoption at the moment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact 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.

Walking Your Dog in the Summer

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Summer can be a great time to exercise with your dog! However, summer heat (especially in warmer areas) can provide unique challenges to daily walks. It is important for dog owners to know the various dangers of summer heat, as well as the various precautions they can make. This will ensure safe and exciting summer walks with your beloved furry friend!

Heat Stroke

Dogs regulate body temperature through panting and releasing heat through the nose and paw pads. Unlike humans, they cannot sweat through their skin. As a result, dogs are at higher risk of heat stroke than humans. Certain dogs, such as flat-faced, younger, and obese dogs, are at higher risk of contracting heat stroke. For these dogs, temperatures as low as 70°F can be dangerous. 

Heat stroke can look a few different ways, but it often follows a similar pattern. Panting is normal, but excessive panting may suggest difficulty breathing. Check their mouth for thick saliva or pale gums. Dogs with heat stroke may also experience disorientation or, in severe cases, vomiting and/or diarrhea. They will often appear weak or fatigued with a chance of collapsing.

If your dog is showing signs of heat stroke, you must react quickly. Provide immediate access to drinking water. If possible, give your dog a cool bath. Do not use ice or very cold water; this can make your dog go into shock. Contact your vet, especially if your dog is vomiting or experiencing diarrhea.

Pad Burn

Hot weather can increase pavement temperature severely. As a result, pad burn is very common among dogs during the summer. Pad burn is characterized by discolored or blistered paws. Dogs with burned pads may limp or refuse to walk.

Pad burn is avoidable; you can check the pavement’s temperature with the palm of your hand or base of your foot. If you can’t hold your bare skin to the pavement for more than thirty seconds, it is too hot for your pup.

If your dog experiences pad burn, immediately remove them from the hot sidewalk or asphalt. Keep them in a cool (preferably grassy) area to cool down their paws. Monitor your dog’s pads and behavior; licking paws may lead to infection. Seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, your dog or cat can find professional grooming services from a passionate, dedicated staff. Right next door, your cat will love our cats-only boarding facility. Claws N Paws is currently open with provisions in place to protect our clients and staff from COVID-19. For more information or to set up an appointment, contact us at 714-962-1005.