Pet Grooming Orange County

Removing Ticks From Pets

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Removing Ticks From Pets

Humans, birds, reptiles, wild and domestic animals are all susceptible to ticks. Ticks feed on the blood of their host and can sometimes pass serious diseases. In fact, pets can contract multiple diseases from just one tick bite. Ticks must be removed carefully and should never be removed with bare hands. The following steps will help you safely remove ticks from your pets:

  • Start by filling a jar halfway with isopropyl alcohol. Set the jar on a stable surface where it will not get tipped over.
  • Have another person restrain your pet. Have them gently stroke, praise and reassure your pet to keep it calm.
  • Put on latex gloves to avoid direct contact with the ticks.
  • Dampen a cotton ball with alcohol and gently dab it around the tick. This will disinfect the area and reduce the chance of your pet developing an infection.
  • Using tweezers or a special tick-removing device, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull the tick out by applying steady pressure. Be careful not to jerk or twist the tick. This can cause its mouthparts to detach inside of your pet’s skin.
  • Place the tick inside of the jar of alcohol. This will preserve it in case laboratory identification or testing becomes necessary. Do not flush the tick down the toilet as doing so will not reliably kill it.
  • Disinfect the area around the bite wound with more alcohol.

Ticks should be dealt with as quickly as possible. Inspect your pet regularly for ticks, especially after walking in grassy areas.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers professional pet grooming services in Fountain Valley, California. We also offer mobile pet grooming to all areas of Orange County. If you are unsure if your pet has ticks, or how to remove them yourself, we would be happy to show you. For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

 

Why Does Pet Grooming Take So Long?

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Why Does Pet Grooming Take So Long?WHY GROOMING TAKES SO LONG

Pet groomers hear this question all the time. While most people believe that grooming a pet is as simple as popping it into the bath and running a clipper over it, this couldn’t be further from the truth. From the moment that your pet enters a grooming salon it is being assessed.

It can be difficult for pet parents to notice small changes when they see their pet every day. However, competent groomers are able to spot many health problems and issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. While your pet is being groomed, your groomer is handling every single inch of its body. Your groomer serves as an early warning system, alerting you of any lumps, bumps, sores, wounds, nail issues, skin problems or restricted movements. If something is wrong, your groomer is bound to discover it. In addition, your pet groomer can offer you valuable advice on a variety of problems from training to dealing with the passing of a pet.

While your pet is being groomed it receives a number of different services. The ears will be cleaned and checked for signs of infection. When necessary, excess hair in the ears will be removed. Your pet’s teeth and gums are inspected for infection. Their nails are trimmed. When necessary, the hair between the pads is removed, and the sanitary area is clipped to promote optimal hygiene at home. Your pet’s skin and coat will be evaluated for the most suitable shampoo. Before its bath, your pet’s coat might need tangles removed or its undercoat blown out. Once in the bath, your groomer will check and express the anal glands and possibly soak your pet in a therapeutic shampoo. After its bath, your pets coat will be thoroughly dried and combed. If desired, your pets coat will be clipped and styled. This is only a small list of the steps involved in the grooming of your pet.

When a dog is regularly groomed every four to six weeks the grooming process typically doesn’t take very long. However, if your pet is extremely matted or dirty, you can expect them to stay for quite a while. For example, the dogs in the picture above took three groomers over three hours to finish. An experienced groomer will not rush the grooming process. They will do what is necessary to ensure that your pets coat is properly taken care of.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been providing quality pet grooming services in Fountain Valley, California since 2001. For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005.

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Why a Dog Might Bite

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Why a Dog Might Bite

Just like humans, even the best behaved dog has both good days and bad days. In fact, over the course of a single day a dog can go from feeling totally relaxed and easy-going to tense and cranky. Dog bites occur for a number of different reasons including:

  • The dog is protecting a possession, its owner, its property or its puppies
  • Something has frightened or provoked the dog
  • The dog is old and does not have as much patience as it used to
  • The dog is injured or sick
  • Someone has startled or harmed the dog
  • The dog never learned bite inhibition
  • Herding breeds tend to nip when attempting to “herd” their family

In order to prevent dog bites you must first learn how to spot the warning signs that a dog is about to bite. These warning signs are always present before a dog bites, however they can be extremely subtle. Sometimes the dog exhibits these warning signs for months or years before the dog finally loses its tolerance and bites, surprising everyone around it. Warning signs that a dog might bite include:

  • Ears pinned back
  • Fur along the dog’s back standing up
  • Whites of eyes showing
  • Yawning
  • Freezing in response to touch
  • Direct intense eye contact from the dog

Preventing dog bites begins at home. If you do not intend to breed your dog, spaying and neutering can decrease the likelihood of bites. Making sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise can help to expend any excess energy that could otherwise be directed towards nervous energy. Playing with your dog helps to prevent bites by reinforcing your bond. However, rough games should always be avoided in order to prevent any dominance issues. Socialization is extremely important but your dog should never be allowed to roam free where they can pose a danger to other people and pets. If you have children, take the time necessary to teach them how to properly act around dogs, what warning signs to watch for and how to respond if a dog attacks.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been taking care of Orange County’s dogs and cats since 2001. We offer full service pet grooming at our state of the art pet salon in Fountain Valley, California. We also offer mobile pet grooming to all areas of Orange County. For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

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Top Ten Reasons to Adopt an Adult Cat

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Top Ten Reasons to Adopt an Adult CatLil Girl

Adopting a cat is a very exciting time. You’ve probably considered several different breeds, whether you want a male or female and you might have even started thinking about what you will call your new friend. But have you considered adopting an adult cat? You might be surprised to learn that there are many more adult cats waiting for homes than there are kittens. Let’s take a look at the top ten reasons to adopt an adult cat:

  1. What you see is what you get
  2. Adult cats make better companions for older cats in the home
    If you have an older cat at home, a kittens might be too playful and will probably upset your cat rather than provide it companionship.
  3. They still have many years of life to live
    With proper care, cats can live well into their late teens and early twenties. Most of the time they remain active and playful throughout their entire life.
  4. Adult cats don’t chew on everything
    Kittens explore things with their mouths. This type of behavior can be destructive. Adult cats have outgrown this type of behavior.
  5. Kittens get into much more trouble
    Kittens are extremely curious. That curiosity can get them into lots of trouble, frequently resulting in serious injuries and accidents. Kittens eat things they shouldn’t and fall from high places. Adult cats are much more cautious.
  6. Kittens are messy
    Most kittens are too busy exploring to be concerned with self-grooming and they tend to be less than careful in the litterbox. Adult cats spend hours cleaning themselves so you don’t have to.
  7. Adult cats use up less of your energy
    Adult cats sleep more, play less, require less supervision, break fewer things and won’t attack your toes while you sleep. With an adult cat, you sleep better, relax more and have much more energy.
  8. Adult cats are better equipped to deal with children
    Children can be rough with both cats and kittens. Adult cats are typically better at escaping the clutches of a small child than kittens are.
  9. Adult cats are better in the litter box
    Kittens tend to play and sleep in their litter boxes, making a huge mess in the process. Adult cats understand the purpose of a litter box and will usually cooperate with your efforts to keep it tidy.
  10. You could be their last chance at adoption
    Most adult cats end up at rescue centers due to no fault of their own. In fact, most are emotionally devastated by their misfortune. Unfortunately, most people gravitate towards kittens, ignoring the adult cats that must wait year after year for the perfect family. While kittens will always be popular, you are probably the last chance for that heartbroken adult cat.

Claws N Paws has many adult cats available for adoption. For more information, please click here.

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Summer Haircuts for Dogs

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Summer Haircuts for Dogscoolpup

In hot climates like we have in Southern California, many pet parents wonder if they should have their dog’s coat cut or shaved during the summer. This is often a top concern when it comes to dogs with especially long or thick coats. Pet experts don’t always agree on whether it’s best to give a dog a summer cut or to just allow nature to run its course. The answer varies for pet parents depending on their personal preferences and how much time they have to spend on their pet’s care.

If your dog has a very thick coat or it is a double-coated breed such as a husky, malamute or German shepherd then you might be considering a summer cut for your pet. While many people believe that these breeds will become too hot during the summer, the thick coat actually acts as an insulator, keeping the dog’s body temperature constant while the air trapped between the undercoat stops the outside air from interfering with the dog’s metabolism. These types of dogs cool down by panting, laying with their bellies exposed and by lying flat on a cool surface. The double coat stops any negative effects caused by the climate, both hot and cold.

Keeping your dog’s coat maintained can help to keep them cool during the summer months. Clean, well maintained fur allows for proper air circulation. Dirty, matted fur reduces the effectiveness of the coat and can actually lead to skin infections, pain and worsening of flea and tick problems. Regular, professional bathing and grooming during the summer months can keep your dog cool and comfortable by removing dead hair, preventing painful tangles and mats and helping you detect flea and tick problems before they are able to get out of hand.

Dogs with very long hair, such as yorkies, maltese and shih-tzus can all benefit from a summer haircut. Trimming a dog’s fur makes it much more manageable and can help them stay cooler. Whenever possible, at least ½ an inch to an inch of hair should be left in order to protect the dog’s skin from the damaging rays of the sun. A professional groomer can help you decide on you the best type of summer cut for your pet.

Claws N Paws Day Spa can help keep your dog cool and comfortable this summer. For more information or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005.

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Matted Hair is Dangerous for your Pet

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Matted Hair is Dangerous for your Pet20150402_092205

When an animal’s coat is not properly cared for it can become matted. When the mats are bad enough they can become like a coat that surrounds the pet’s entire body. At this point the matted coat must be shaved off, typically in one big piece. Matted hair can be extremely dangerous to the health of your pet. Let’s discuss why:

  1. Matted hair traps moisture, insects, fleas and bacteria. Often time’s sores develop under the mats.
  2. When a dog has severely matted ears, the tightness of the mats can cause the delicate blood vessels in the tips of the ears to burst. This causes blood to pool under the hair on the tips of the ears. These hematomas can be extremely painful for your pet. When the matted hair around the tips of the ears is shaved, they will typically bleed. This is caused by the mats and is not the fault of the groomerPets that are severely matted must be shaved very close to the skin. This increases the chance of irritation of the skin and injury to your pet.
  3. When an animal’s coat is matted down to the skin, every time they scratch their nails catch the mats and tears at the skin. This can quickly lead to rips in the skin. These rips usually require stitches and antibiotics after the pet has been shaved down by a professional groomer.
  4. The eyes, ears, mouth, paw pads and sanitary areas are extremely prone to serious, life-threatening infections when a pet’s coat is matted.
  5. Aside from the physical effects of matted fur, the animal’s behavior can change as a result of the constant pain and discomfort. Dogs can get snappy and bite without provocation and cats might disappear into their occasional hiding spots for days on end.
  6. In order to avoid mats and the health problems associated with them, you must take the time necessary to properly care for your pet’s coat. Use a metal comb and/or a slicker brush several times a week and have your long-haired dog or cat professionally groomed every five to eight weeks.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been offering professional pet grooming services in Fountain Valley, California since 2001. For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

Receive a free teeth brushing for your pet when you mention our blog!!