Pet Grooming Orange County

Understanding Thyroid Disease in Pets

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Thyroid disease affects hundreds of thousands of pets each year. Unfortunately, symptoms of thyroid disease can vary and can be difficult to spot. This is why it’s so important to have your pet checked regularly by a
qualified veterinarian.

Problems with the thyroid can be diagnosed through a comprehensive blood panel, urinalysis, and occasionally, by feeling for lumps in the neck.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is extremely common in cats but rare in dogs. In cats, hyperthyroidism is caused by an overproduction of the thyroid hormone thyroxin. In dogs, hyperthyroidism is caused by either a tumor on the thyroid, or as a result of medication used to treat underproduction of thyroid hormones.

Hyperthyroidism can cause a number of symptoms, although increased appetite combined with weight loss is generally the first sign. Other symptoms include:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Panting
  • Hyperactivity
  • Unkempt appearance
  • Vomiting
  • Increased urination
  • Increased shedding
  • Poor body condition
  • Rapid breathing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Enlarged thyroid (felt as a bump in the neck)
  • Rapid or abnormal heart rate

Dogs with hyperthyroidism might experience general apathy, loss of appetite, weakness, and depression. Skin changes and hair loss are also common.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is the most common hormonal disease affecting the skin and coats of dogs. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

  • Hair loss
  • Dry, brittle hair
  • Seborrhea
  • Changes in skin pigmentation
  • Apathy

Issues With the Skin and Coat

Many conditions and ailments announce themselves on the skin and coat. Problems with the thyroid can cause hair loss, thickening of the skin, and changes to the color of skin. It’s extremely important that you have your pet checked by a professional if you notice changes to their skin or coat.

Thyroid disease is extremely common, but can be treated if diagnosed early. It’s crucial that issues are identified and addressed in a timely manner. Our groomers will let you know if they find anything out of the ordinary during your pet’s grooming appointment.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers dog and cat grooming in Orange County, CA. Our groomers have over fifty years of combined experience. We have seen many pets with thyroid problems and understand the importance of prompt treatment. Please talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about your pet’s health.

 

Should Your Dog Be Allowed in Your Pool?

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Should Your Dog Be Allowed in Your Pool?

Temperatures have been at an all time high in Southern California. If you are one of many lucky Orange County residents with access to a swimming pool, you might have wondered whether or not your dog would enjoy going for a swim.

Swimming is excellent exercise for both people and dogs, and it can provide a welcome relief from the scorching heat. Before allowing your dog in your swimming pool, there are a few things you need to consider.

Safety

Pets and wild animals can easily fall into your swimming pool. Once inside, they might not be able to find a way out. Unfortunately, animals die in backyard swimming pools all the time. It’s crucial that your pet is not permitted alone around your pool.

Safety gates and fences provide an effective way to keep animals from entering your pool without permission.

Cleanliness

No matter how clean you think your dog might be, they will still bring about three times more dirt and bacteria into your pool than the average person. When dogs swim, they leave behind fecal matter, insects, body oils, hair, and more. Unless you have an industrial strength filter, this contamination can stay in your pool for a very long time.

Contamination in your pool increases the chance of spreading disease. Contaminated water can lead to diarrhea as well as infections of the skin, ears, and upper respiratory tract. If you allow your dog to swim in your pool, you will need to add more sanitizer than usual.

Rinse

It’s a good idea to rinse your dog after they’ve been swimming in your pool. Just like humans, the chemicals used to keep your pool clean can irritate your dog’s skin and eyes. After swimming, gently rinse your dog with clean, fresh water.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers dog and cat grooming at our full service grooming salon in Fountain Valley, California. Our groomers can help keep your pet clean and comfortable this summer. Our services include bathing, brushing, and summer haircuts. Please call 714-962-1005 to set up a grooming appointment today.

 

 

Things to Consider Before Visiting the Dog Park

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Things to Consider Before Visiting the Dog Park

From socialization to exercise, your local dog park offers so much for your pet. This is the perfect spot to spend your days this summer. However, there are a few health risks you need to consider before visiting the dog park.

Infectious Diseases

Hundreds of dogs visit the dog park everyday. In areas like this, the risk of catching an infectious disease is often higher. Kennel cough and canine influenza are the most common diseases, and can spread through dog parks extremely fast.

It’s important to make sure that your dog is up-to-date on all of their vaccinations before visiting the dog park. Even though dogs may still be able to catch diseases they’ve been vaccinated for, vaccinated pets often experience less severe symptoms.

Avoid sharing bowls at the dog park, as this can increase the likelihood of your dog catching a disease. Instead, bring your own collapsible dish. It’s also important to clean up after your pet. This helps reduce the spread of intestinal parasites.

Fleas and Ticks

Fleas can be easily passed from one dog to the next. You’ll need to protect your dog before visiting the dog park. There are several different flea treatments available today. Your veterinarian can provide you with recommendations.

Check your pet for ticks after leaving the dog park or any other grassy or wooded area. If you find a tick, don’t attempt to remove it yourself. Improper removal can cause the head to break off inside your pet. This can lead to infection. Take your pet to your vet or groomer for tick removal.

Heatstroke

Anytime you take your dog outside during the summer, you run the risk of heatstroke. Heatstroke is a serious condition, requiring immediate medical intervention. Without prompt treatment, heatstroke can be deadly.

Make sure you have plenty of cool, fresh water available for your pet, and that you encourage them to spend some time in the shade. If you notice anything odd about your pet’s behavior, remove them from the sun immediately.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers dog and cat grooming from our full service grooming salon in Orange County, California. Please call 714-962-1005 to setup a grooming appointment for your pet.

 

Summer Safety

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Summer Safety

Summer has officially arrived in Southern California. This is the time of year when many of us will be spending more time outdoors enjoying the park, beach, and time with our family. You might also be spending more time with your pets.

It’s important that you do all you can to keep your pets safe this summer. The following are our top safety tips for summer.

Never Leave Your Pet in the Car

Even if it doesn’t seem that hot outside or you plan on leaving the window open a crack, your pet can still fall victim to heatstroke if left in a hot car. The temperature inside your vehicle can reach dangerous levels in a very short amount of time. Pets left in hot cars become distressed quickly.

Heatstroke causes permanent damage to organs, and even death. Never leave your pet in your car, even for a minute. If you know that you’ll be going somewhere that your pet is not allowed, it’s always better to leave them at home.

Check the Temperature of Sidewalks and Roads

A dog’s paws are sensitive and can easily become burned by hot concrete or asphalt. Before walking your pet, make sure that you check the temperature of the ground. The same is true for outside areas of your home. If it’s too hot for you, then it’s too hot for them.

Burns are painful and can become infected as pets continue to walk on dirty surfaces. If your pet’s feet become burned, it’s important that you have them checked by a licensed veterinarian.

Avoid Spending Too Long in the Sun

While a day at dog beach might seem like a lot of fun, it’s important that you don’t spend too much time in direct sunlight. Pets can get dehydrated and develop heatstroke quickly.

Make sure that your pet has plenty of fresh water at all times and that they have access to shade. Watch your pet for strange behavior and signs of dehydration. Remove them from the heat as soon as a problem is detected. Prompt medical treatment is required if your pet is suffering from heatstroke.

We hope you have a safe and relaxing summer!

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

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.

 

 

Dealing With Foxtails

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Dealing With Foxtails

The warm weather has officially arrived in Southern California. This means more beach days, more backyard BBQs, and more time spent outdoors. This is also the time of year when foxtails become a problem.

Foxtails are barbed seedpods that form on a special type of grass. As these pods dry, they can easily become stuck to your pet’s fur. Once attached, they burrow their way into the skin. This can be a major problem, as foxtails do not break down inside the skin. When left untreated, foxtails can cause serious infection and even death.

Although foxtails can be a problem on any part of the body, they are more likely to occur between the toes and inside the nose, ears, and mouth. Signs of embedded foxtails include redness, swelling, discharge, and pain.

Spotting Foxtails

It’s important to know how to spot the signs of a problem. If your pet is exeriencing any of the following, you should take them to your veterinarian right away:

  • Swelling and/or redness
  • Limping
  • Excessive licking between the toes or around the genital area
  • Head shaking
  • Head tilting
  • Squinting or redness of the eye
  • Pawing at the face
  • Constant sneezing

Preventing Foxtails

Pets with curly hair and long ears are at the greatest risk for foxtails. After spending time outdoors, it’s important to inspect your pet thoroughly. Check their feet, in their ears, and through their fur. If not embedded, foxtails can easily be removed. However, once they have entered the skin, you will need the help of an experienced veterinarian to remove them.

Foxtail removal can cost $700 or more. It’s best to prevent a problem in the first place. Avoid areas with long grass. Check your pet regularly after spending time outdoors. Keep long hair trimmed to prevent foxtails from becoming stuck. This also makes it easier to locate and remove them.

Claws N Paws Days Spa can help keep your pet groomed this summer. We have experience working with cats, dogs, and other pets. We are your best choice for pet grooming in Orange County, California. Please call 714-962-1005 to setup a grooming appointment.