Pet Grooming Orange County

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.

Hand Sanitizer and Your Pet

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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.

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.

Autumn Safety

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Autumn Safety

Summer is officially coming to an end. Autumn will bring crisp breezes, gorgeous foliage and everything pumpkin. Autumn also comes with some unique dangers for our pets. It’s important to do all you can to keep your pet happy and healthy this fall. The following tips can help.

Keep School Supplies Away From Pets

As the school year gets into full swing, you might find your home full of school supplies. When ingested, common items such as glue, markers, crayons and pencils can all cause a problem for your pet. Dogs especially seem to like the taste of glue. These everyday items can upset your pet’s stomach and even cause a dangerous blockage. Make sure that school supplies are kept well out of reach of pets.

Beware of Mushrooms

Mushrooms grow everywhere during the fall. While many types are not dangerous, others are toxic. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning include bloody diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, fever and elevated heart rate. Without proper treatment, mushroom poisoning can cause liver and kidney failure within three to seven days. Whenever possible, keep your pets away from mushrooms and watch them for signs of mushroom poisoning.

Keep an Eye Out for Snakes

If you enjoy hiking with your dog, make sure that you watch for snakes. During the fall, snakes begin preparing for hibernation and they are much more likely to strike. It’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about the venomous snakes in your area.

Keep Pets Away From Holiday Treats

During the fall, our homes tend to be full of food. From Halloween candy to calorie-dense casseroles, these treats can be deadly for our pets. Keep desserts, candy, fatty meats, bones, gravy and side dishes out of reach of pets and encourage guests not to feed them table scraps. Onions, garlic and chocolate are all extremely toxic to pets, and highly fatty foods can lead to life-threatening pancreatitis.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers professional pet grooming for both dogs and cats in Orange County, California. Please call 714-962-1005 for more information about our grooming services.

 

 

 

Trusted Orange County Groomer Helps You Keep Your Pets Safe This Holiday Season

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Trusted Orange County Groomer Helps You Keep Your Pets Safe This Holiday Season

The holidays are right around the corner. If you are like most Southern California families, you are probably starting to get getting ready. While you are busy preparing holiday menus and making plans with your friends and family, you might not be overly concerned with what your pet is up to. However, there are many seemingly innocent things that can hurt your pet this time of year. Claws N Paws Day Spa, your trusted Orange County Groomer, offers the following tips to help keep your pets safe this holiday season.

Be Careful with Plants and Decorations

Many seasonal plants such as mistletoe and holly are poisonous to pets. It’s always best to avoid these, and opt for artificial plants instead. However, even these can cause problems if ingested and should always be kept out of reach of pets.

A Christmas tree can look like something to conquer for pets. Make sure that your tree is tightly secured to the wall and that all decorations, lights and electrical cords are well out of reach. Stagnant water left under your tree is a breeding ground for bacteria that can make your pet sick. Make sure that your pet is not able to access tree water.

Don’t Offer Table Scraps

It can be tempting to offer our pets a special treat to enjoy during the holidays. However, this can cause your pet a significant amount of stomach upset and lead to large veterinary bills. Offer your furry friend toys instead.

Don’t Leave Them Out in the Cold

If it’s too cold outside for you, then it’s too cold for your pet as well. Just like humans, pets can suffer from hypothermia and other temperature related problems. Also, when left outside in the cold, cats will seek out a warm place to sleep, including car engines. Unfortunately, these cats are often killed or injured when the car is started. The best way to keep them safe is by keeping your pets inside this holiday season.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers professional pet grooming in Fountain Valley, California. For your convenience we also offer mobile pet grooming throughout Orange County. Please call 714-962-1005 for more information or to schedule your next grooming appointment. We only have a limited number of holiday appointments available so please call today!

Keeping your Pets Safe this Halloween

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Keeping your Pets Safe this Halloween

There are many pet safety hazards on Halloween. It’s important to understand these hazards in order to keep your pets safe. With a little caution, Halloween can be a very fun time for pets and their families.

Let’s take a look at the top points to consider for your pet’s safety this Halloween.

The continuous ringing of the doorbell and rush of people that show up at your door can be extremely stressful to pets. In addition, pets can become fearful and aggressive towards strangers in costumes. It is important to keep your pet in a quiet, safe place on Halloween. Keep in mind that some pets might experience stress related diarrhea or injure themselves if crated or restrained.

Pets, especially black cats, are at risk for extremely cruel treatment on Halloween night. In fact, most rescues and adoption agencies will not even allow the adoption of black cats during October for this very reason.

Remember that candles and jack-o-lanterns pose a fire hazard. A wagging tail or a frightened cat can easily tip over a candle or carved pumpkin, possibly causing burns or a fire. Additionally, Halloween decorations can pose a choking hazard. Be sure to keep all decorations away from your pets.

Candy, gum, mints, baked goods, chocolate and anything containing the sweetener Xylitol should be considered very poisonous to your pets. Xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. Chocolate is toxic to pets. While small amounts of chocolate will cause vomiting and diarrhea, larger amounts can be fatal. Other candies with plastic components pose a danger if ingested. Lollipop sticks can cause intestinal obstruction and possibly rupture the intestines. Be sure that all candy is kept far away from pets and talk to your children about not sharing Halloween treats with the family pets.

If you choose to put a costume on your pet, make sure that they are never left alone or unsupervised. Check the costume for proper fit and that there are no small parts that can be ingested. If your pet becomes frightened while wearing a costume, remove it promptly.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been grooming dogs and cats in Orange County, California since 2001. For more information or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

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