Pet Grooming Orange County

Skin Issues Are Common in the Summer

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Skin Issues Are Common in the Summer

Missing fur, scratching, bumps, and lumps are all extremely common during the summer. As Orange County’s premier grooming salon, we frequently discover skin issues that well meaning pet parents have missed. This is due to the fact that we get your pet wet, which gives us an up close view of their skin.

If your groomer notices anything out of the ordinary during your pet’s appointment, they will let you know. However, it is up to you to take your pet to a licensed veterinarian to discover and treat the underlying cause.

Common Causes of Skin Problems in Pets

Skin issues are extremely common during the summer. Common problems include missing fur, irritated skin, hot spots, foxtails, fleas, ticks, and even sunburn. Your groomer can treat some issues, such as fleas and ticks, quickly and easily. If skin is irritated, we will use a soothing shampoo to prevent further irritation. However, it is up to you to determine the underlying cause.

Most of the time, skin issues are caused by allergies or fleas, which can be addressed quickly and easily. However, it’s important to remember that even something small could be a sign of something more serious. For example, missing fur could be caused by allergies, or it could be a symptom of cancer. This is why it is so important to have your pet checked by a vet at the first sign of a problem.

Although your groomer has lots of experience with pets and are knowledgeable about several different skin conditions, they do not have the training or tools needed to properly diagnose your pet.

If your pet experiences skin issues during the summer, your veterinarian will likely prescribe a special shampoo. Please bring this shampoo with you to your grooming appointment.

Orange County Pet Grooming

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides a wide range of grooming services for both dogs and cats. Our experienced groomers will analyze your pet’s skin during their appointment and notify you of any issues. However, the advice of your groomer should not be considered a substitute to the advice provided by a licensed veterinarian.

Please call 714-962-1005 to schedule a grooming appointment for your pet.

 

 

Fun Places to Visit With Your Dog This Spring

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Fun Places to Visit With Your Dog This Spring

Spring is officially here in Southern California. This means warmer weather and longer days. It also means spending more time outdoors with your dog. Be sure to check out the following dog-friendly spots this spring:

Dog Beach

In case you weren’t already aware, dog beach is located in Huntington Beach. This beach allows you to enjoy the surf with your pet. Your dog is sure to enjoy digging in the sand and playing in the water. Although dogs are allowed at dog beach, it’s still a good idea to bring a leash. Not every dog that visits is used to being around other dogs. It’s also important to remember to clean up after your pet.

Mile Square Park

Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley features lots of trails to explore. You and your dog are sure to enjoy seeing turtles, geese, ducks, and other dogs. There’s plenty of room to throw Frisbees and play catch. This is a large park with lots to do. Take a picnic lunch and make a day out of it.

Park Bench Café

The Park Bench Café is located in Huntington Central Park. This dog-friendly café offers plenty of treats for you and your furry friend.

Fashion Island

If you’re in the mood for some shopping, make sure you bring your dog to Fashion Island in Newport Beach. This dog-friendly mall features a number of shops to explore. Most of the shops allow you to bring your dog in on a leash, and a few even have doggie mascots of their own.

Costa Mesa Bark Park

The Costa Mesa Bark Park offers dogs plenty of room to run, play, and meet other dogs. This provides the perfect opportunity to let your dog roam free while you meet other like-minded pet parents in the area.

After exploring Orange County with your dog, make sure that you stop by Claws N Paws Day Spa for a bath. We can help rid your pet of that pesky sand from dog beach or dirt buildup from playing at the park. Please call 714-962-1005 to schedule a grooming appointment.

 

 

Essential Oils and Pets

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Essential Oils and Pets

Many people turn to natural options when caring for their homes and families. These options can provide an effective alternative to harsh chemicals and synthetic products. However, natural solutions might not be the safest option. In fact, many are extremely dangerous to pets. One example is essential oils.

Dangers of Essential Oils

Because essential oils come from natural sources, many people believe that they are safe. This simply is not true. Essential oils can be toxic and even deadly to pets.

These oils are highly concentrated. While the plants they are made from are often safe for pets, the large doses found in essential oils can cause serious problems. This is true for children as well. You might not realize that peppermint essential oil can slow a child’s heart rate to dangerous levels.

Since essential oils are not considered medicine, they are not required to list side effects and warnings on the bottle. It is up to the consumer to do their research to determine the risks of using these products.

Essential oils can cause harm when ingested, applied topically or inhaled. Using essential oils in the home for aromatherapy or other uses can harm your pets over time. Cats are particularly vulnerable.

Dangers of Diffusing Essential Oils

Diffusing essential oils is the most common cause of problems. Candles do not pose the same risk, as their temperature does cause the oils to reach a volatile state. Cats are not able to metabolize essential oils due to the lack of an enzyme known as glucuronyl transferase.

The effects of diffusing essential oils can occur slowly, over time. Cats can go several years without showing signs of a problem then suddenly become extremely ill without warning. Affected cats often die.

Essential Oils to Avoid

The following essential oils should never be diffused around cats:

  • Bergamot
  • Camphor
  • Clementine
  • Clove
  • Eucalyptus
  • Frankincense
  • Grapefruit
  • Juniper
  • Lavender
  • Lavendin
  • Lemon
  • Lime
  • Orange
  • Peppermint
  • Mandarin
  • Pine
  • Rosemary
  • Sage
  • Spearmint
  • Tangerine
  • Tea Tree
  • Thyme
  • Yarrow

This should not be considered a complete list as other oils can cause problems as well.

We understand how tempting it can be to turn to natural remedies and alternatives. However, it’s extremely important that you fully research the possible effects of all substances before using them around your pets.

Protecting Our Pets From Coyotes

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Protecting Our Pets From Coyotes

Our pets rely on us to keep them safe throughout the year. During the winter, coyotes pose the greatest threat to our pets. Coyotes are forced into our neighborhoods as we use up more and more of their land. They have just as much right to be here as you and I. While you cannot make coyotes go away, it’s up to you to do all that you can to protect your pets.

Coyote Mating Season

Coyote mating season typically lasts from late February to early March. During this time, male coyotes can become more aggressive. Coyotes can breed with unspayed and unneutered pets. Unspayed dogs will attract male coyotes when they are in season. Similarly, male dogs can be attracted to the scent of female coyotes in season. It’s not uncommon for male dogs to be lured away by the scent of a female coyote only to be killed by her male companions.

Coyote Habits

Coyotes are extremely smart. They learn the activities and schedules of people quickly and easily. If you let your dog out at the same time every evening, any coyotes in your neighborhood probably know what time that occurs. They will also know when you walk your pet, especially if your pet is walked off leash. Once they’ve become accustomed to your activities, it makes it easy for them to move in and make a meal of your pet.

Protecting Your Pets

It’s a good idea to change your schedule every now and then. Make sure that you keep your pet close and leashed at all times. Unattended pets should be kept indoors or fully enclosed, especially at night. Check your yard for wildlife before allowing pets to go outside. Do not ever feed coyotes and keep food dishes inside at all times.

If you spot a coyote, it’s important to let them know that you don’t want them near your pets. Keep noisemakers on hand or clap your hands to scare them away. If you spot coyotes in your yard, try banging pots and pans together. The more noise the better. If you find yourself in close proximity to a coyote you will need to make yourself appear as large as possible. Coyotes are generally very shy so this isn’t likely to happen.

Claws N Paws understands how important it is to keep your pets safe. We hope this information has been helpful.

Winter Grooming for Dogs: Why It’s Important

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Winter Grooming for Dogs: Why It’s Important

Many people believe that dogs do not require regular grooming throughout the winter. However, grooming during the winter is extremely important to your dog’s health and well-being.

Dogs are more susceptible to skin and coat issues in the winter. Their skin can become extremely dry from indoor heating. This can cause excessive licking and scratching, leading to painful sores and infection.

A dog’s coat can become tangled and matted if not properly maintained. This is especially true for double-coated breeds. Matted fur is extremely painful. If it becomes wet from snow, frost or rain, it can increase your pet’s discomfort.

Regular grooming helps you spot problems with your pet’s skin and coat. This allows you to address these issues before they can become a much bigger problem. The following tips can help you take care of your dog this winter.

Keep Them Dry

When spending time outdoors, your pet’s coat can become damp from frost or rain. A damp coat can cause chills and dry, itchy skin. It’s important to properly dry your dog’s coat immediately after returning home.

Brushing

Make sure that you continue to brush your pet throughout the winter. Brushing helps prevent tangles and mats. It also helps your pet shed their winter coat. Brushing stimulates the skin to produce more oil. This helps moisturize the skin and protect it from damage caused by dry indoor heating.

Nails

You probably won’t take your dog on as many walks during the winter. Without the hard ground to wear them down, nails can quickly become too long. Long nails are prone to cracking and breaking. Make sure you trim your dog’s nails every four to six weeks.

Professional Grooming

Professional grooming is the best way to ensure your pet’s skin and coat is well maintained throughout the winter. During your pet’s grooming appointment they will receive a bath, blow dry, nail trim, ear cleaning and thorough brushing.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers full service grooming throughout the winter. We use soothing oatmeal shampoo to protect and moisturize their skin. Please call 714-962-1005 to set up a grooming appointment.

 

Helping Your Pet Lose Weight

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Helping Your Pet Lose Weight

You might have noticed that your pet is looking a little chubbier than usual. Maybe guests are starting to mention that your pet looks quite round. Obesity in pets is extremely common. Unfortunately, pets that are overweight face a number of challenges.

Pets that are overweight are more prone to arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and other serious health problems. In fact, overweight and obese pets rarely live as long as their slimmer companions. Pet’s cannot change their diet on their own or begin an exercise plan without your help. It is up to you to help them lose weight and get in shape. The New Year is the perfect time to help your pet shed those extra pounds.

Diet

Diet plays a big role in the overall health of your pet. The food that you feed your pet affects every part of their body, from their skin and coat to their weight and energy. You can help your pet lose weight by decreasing the amount of food that you feed them. Your veterinarian can help you determine the right amount of food for your pet. For the best chance of success, you will need to stick to the guidelines provided.

Table scraps can cause weight gain and be dangerous to your pet’s health. Fatty foods can lead to life-threatening pancreatitis in dogs. Foods like onions, garlic and chocolate are toxic. It’s important to avoid giving your pet table scraps.

Exercise

Regular exercise is an important part of losing weight. Exercise is good for both your pet’s mental and physical well-being. Play with your pet and take them on walks as often as possible.

Overweight pets are more prone to arthritis and other joint problems. Extra weight can put a lot of pressure on their delicate joints. Keep exercise sessions short and watch your pet for signs of distress. You’ll be able to increase the amount of exercise as your pet begins losing weight.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers dog and cat grooming in Orange County, California. Our full service salon is conveniently located on Brookhurst Street in Fountain Valley. Please call 714-962-1005 to set up a grooming appointment.