Pet Grooming Orange County

Choosing the Best Dog Food

By

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

By

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.

Why Your Dog’s Eyes Are Red

By

When you know your furry friend well enough, small changes to their appearance can be obvious and upsetting. Your dog’s eyes are no exception. While red eyes are somewhat common among dogs, they may cause concern for you and your family. Knowing the causes of red eyes will bring relief to you and help ensure a healthy recovery for your pet.

The Canine Eye

While they may seem tough, dogs are sensitive animals! The canine eye is so sensitive that it requires unique provisions to keep it safe from the environment. Dogs have a third eyelid—called the nictitating membrane—which extends from the inner corner of the eye. This provides extra protection from trauma and other irritants.

Certain breeds are more likely to develop eye problems. These include flat-faced dogs like shih tzus and pugs and dogs with long hair around their eyes such as sheepdogs and poodles. Additionally, older dogs or dogs with preexisting health conditions develop eye problems at a higher rate than young, healthy dogs.

Causes of Red Eyes

There are several reasons why your dog’s eyes might be red. Often, redness is a symptom of trauma or irritation. Check for scratches or foreign objects embedded in the eye or eyelids. Irritation can range from minor to severe. In severe cases, your dog may develop a corneal ulcer. Allergies to food or environmental agents can also cause redness. Has your dog’s diet or lifestyle changed recently?

Certain ocular conditions may cause redness. Like humans, dogs can develop conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye. Pink eye is caused by environmental irritants in the air or on surfaces. Alternatively, your dog may have dry eye syndrome, a condition where the tear ducts do not produce enough moisture. Dry eye is accompanied by inflammation and may be indicative of various other health complications.

When to Call the Vet

While eye redness is not necessarily an emergency, it may have a serious underlying cause. Do not wait to schedule an appointment with a trusted veterinarian. Your dog will thank you; eye conditions can cause severe pain and discomfort. With honest and detailed information, your vet will be able to identify a cause and provide a plan for treatment.

Claws N Paws Day Spa in Fountain Valley, California provides professional grooming services to both dogs and cats. Right next door, we provide boarding services in our cats-only boarding facility. Claws N Paws is currently open, with special provisions 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.

Dogs With Noise Phobia

By

Dogs are built with a natural response to avoid dangerous situations. In the wild, dangerous situations are often signaled by a loud sound. However, in a domestic life, sounds often do not pose the same threats. When you know the signs of an irrational noise phobia, it is easier to help your dog live more comfortably. 

What is Noise Phobia?

Noise phobia, also known as canine noise aversion, is a form of canine anxiety. It appears as an excessive fear of a sound. Owners with noise phobic dogs have noted that their dogs will do anything to avoid or escape this sound. In many cases, this fear is irrational; many sounds like fireworks and storms do not pose a threat to your furry friend. Their response is misguided and may cause severe, unnecessary stress.

Dogs with noise phobia can develop a fear of any sound, from loud fireworks to the creak of an old door. Because thunderstorms and falling rain are such a common trigger of noise phobia, many owners mistake their dog’s anxiety as a fear of rain or water. Noise phobic behavior includes hiding, chewing, panting, drooling, urination, defecation, shaking, and barking.

At-Home Treatments

There are some ways to alleviate noise phobia at home. Many pet owners cradle or pet their dogs during an anxious episode. While this may be comforting, it can actually exacerbate cases of noise phobia. Instead, start by coaxing your dog into a darker, quiet area of your home. Either leave them alone to calm down or sit silently by them.

Dogs with noise phobia or anxiety sometimes respond well to gently applied pressure. If you have a big dog, try learning gently against them. This only works for some dogs; if your dog grows more anxious, do not continue. If noise phobia is a recurring issue for your dog, invest in a weighted body wrap like the Thundershirt. This is essentially a weighted blanket for dogs and can alleviate their stress.

Medical Treatment

You should consult a veterinarian if you notice a significant change in your dog’s behavior. Dogs with noise phobia or anxiety may become aggressive or continuously anxious. This causes undue stress on your dog and your entire household. Although there is no specific cure for noise phobia, your vet will be able to suggest treatment to alleviate the problem. Common treatments include behavior modification, environmental controls, and medication. Your vet may prescribe anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, or tranquilizers, depending on the specific situation

Claws N Paws Day Spa in Fountain Valley, California provides professional grooming services to both cats and dogs. Upon our recent reopening, Claws N Paws has implemented certain safety precautions to protect both our customers and staff from COVID-19. For more information, read our blog about reopening. To schedule an appointment, call us at 714-962-1005.

Hand Sanitizer and Your Pet

By

In the time of COVID-19, we have seen a major increase in hand sanitizer use. Many pet owners have become concerned about the various effects hand sanitizer may have on their pets. With proper sanitation being necessary, it is important to know the truth about hand sanitizer and its ingredients.

Ethylene Glycol Rumors

Recently, there has been a spike in cautionary social media posts about ethanol hand sanitizer. These posts warn pet owners that hand sanitizer contains ethylene glycol, which is used in antifreeze. They call pet owners to ditch their hand sanitizer or avoid petting their animals after using hand sanitizer. However, other sources are calling pet owners to rethink these claims. The chemical ethylene glycol is in fact very poisonous to animals, but it is not actually used in hand sanitizer.

The most common active ingredients in alcohol hand sanitizers are ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol. While alcohol is toxic to dogs and cats, evaporated hand sanitizer on their owners’ hands will not be enough to harm them at all. However, you should always wait for your hand sanitizer to dry before touching an animal.

What About Natural Hand Sanitizers?

Because hand sanitizer is becoming scarce in stores and online, many people are turning to natural alternatives or making their own. These sanitizers use many of the same products as more mainstream options and are therefore very similar. However, many of these alternatives utilize essential oils, many of which are toxic to animals. Avoid spraying or using products with essential oils around your pets, especially cats. If you choose to make them yourself at home, keep all essential oils far from your animals’ reach.

Whatever you use to keep clean, always read the ingredients and keep bottles far from pets and children. Remember that washing your hands with a good soap is always more effective than using hand sanitizer!

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides professional grooming services to both dogs and cats in Fountain Valley, California. We will be reopening for these services on June 2. See our blog about reopening to review our new social distancing measures in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, you can call us at 714-962-1005.

Thanksgiving Safety for Pets

By

With November upon us, Thanksgiving is just around the corner. ‘Tis the season to express gratitude to our loved ones, including our pets! Show them a wonderful holiday this Turkey Day.

Be Careful About Food Scraps

Thanksgiving dinner is well worth the year’s wait. Unfortunately, most of the traditional Thanksgiving dishes contain ingredients that can be dangerous for your pet. It is well-known that pets are not meant to consume common toxins like chocolate and xylitol sweetener, but there are many other foods that can make your dog or cat very ill. Anything cooked with onions, scallions, or garlic is toxic to dogs and cats. This likely includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and more. Furthermore, dairy products can cause serious stomach upset; lactose intolerance is common in dogs and cats and is not detected until after a problem has occurred. Salads made with grapes or raisins can cause kidney damage to dogs. Even meats like unseasoned turkey and ham can create digestive problems, particularly if they contain bones. As a result, it is best to avoid giving anything from the Thanksgiving table to your pet.

Some pets are curious and will attempt to sneak food. You can take it as a compliment to your cooking, but do not let them consume it. Due to the severity of these ingredients, we recommend keeping your pet out of the room during prep, feasting, and clean-up. Remember to take out the trash before letting them back into the room.

Traveling

If you are traveling for Thanksgiving, make sure you have made accommodations for your pet. If they will be flying with you, make sure to read up on airline rules and safety. Update any tags or microchips to ensure that all information is up to date.

If your pet is staying home, they will still need accommodations. Arrange for someone to watch them, or find a boarding facility. Those located near Orange County, California can find professional cats-only boarding at Claws N Paws. Contact us at 714-962-1005 for more information.

Hosting Guests

You may have taken on the brave task of hosting Thanksgiving dinner at your home. Your pet might love the extra attention, but make sure the environment is safe and comfortable. Monitor the door (and alert your guests of any pets in the home) to make sure there are no runaways. Supervise any children, particularly those who have not been exposed to many animals. Keep in mind that it may be ultimately safer to keep your pet in a separate room from guests.

Claws N Paws Day Spa owns and operates a full-service professional grooming salon in Fountain Valley, California. Right next door is our cats-only boarding facility, perfect for the holidays. Stop by today for more information!