Pet Grooming Orange County

Handling Aggressive Dogs

By

Handling Aggressive Dogs

As a pet groomer, people often ask us how we handle aggressive dogs. Although extremely aggressive dogs WILL be turned away for both their own safety and the safety of our groomers, we often encounter dogs that bite. Typically dogs bite while being groomed because they are afraid. Expediting the grooming process is usually the best way to keep frightened dogs calm.

An experienced groomer will attempt to make their canine clients feel comfortable before beginning to groom them. The groomer might offer frightened dogs a treat and speak to them in a soft voice while giving them a little love. Once the dog is more comfortable they will be placed in the tub for a bath. Once in the tub, even aggressive dogs should allow the groomer to bathe them.

After the bath, the dog will be dried before it is moved to the grooming table. Dogs are restrained with a loop and a muzzle when necessary. Neither of these items hurt the dog. They are simply used to ensure the safety of both the dog and the groomer. When needed, the dog will be clipped quickly while being talked to calmly. The nails will be trimmed and the ears cleaned, possibly with the help of another groomer. After the grooming process is complete the dog will be calmed with more treats, kind words and lots of affection.

Sometimes pet parents consider giving sedatives to their dogs before grooming. Please talk to your veterinarian and groomer before doing so. Many groomers do not accept animals that have been sedated. If you are worried about your dog biting their groomer, it is important to discuss this matter with the groomer before scheduling your first grooming appointment. Most professional groomers understand that baths and haircuts are stressful on even the most well behaved dogs.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers dog and cat grooming in Fountain Valley, California. Our professional dog and cat groomers have many years of experience handling pets with all different kinds of temperaments. For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005.

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

 

The Problem With Foxtails

By

The Problem With Foxtails

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner. Many of us in Southern California are already out and about enjoying the warmer weather with our dogs. While this time of year should be enjoyed outside, pet parents need to be aware of the problems associated with a common grass-like weed called foxtails.

Foxtails can be found everywhere in Southern California, typically hidden in weedy areas along paths and roads. From January to early April, the foxtails are soft, green and harmless. However, in the late spring the seed heads begin to dry, creating a significant hazard for your dog that lasts throughout the summer and early fall.

The dried foxtail seeds detach from the plant and stick to clothing or animal hair. They can easily become lodged in between a dog’s toes, in its ears or in its eyes. Because the seeds are barbed like a fish hook, they are extremely difficult to remove. Once embedded, foxtail seeds can cause severe infections and abscesses.

Sometimes foxtail seeds can be seen clinging to the fur. When embedded, they can be very difficult to spot. Common symptoms include:

  • Inflamed, infected, painful lump anywhere on the body
  • Whining or crying with no apparent reason
  • Compulsive licking or biting at the paw or tail area
  • When in the ear, the dog might rub its head on the ground or shake its head violently from side to side
  • When in the eye, the dog might squint and paw at its eyes
  • Inhaled foxtail seeds can cause violent sneezing and bloody discharge

In addition to causing pain and infection, foxtail seeds can enter through the nose, ears, paws, eyes or skin and lodge themselves in the spine, lungs or other internal organs. The seeds are small, making them difficult to locate and remove. Depending on where the seed has traveled to inside the dog, it can be life threatening and require immediate surgical removal.

To prevent serious injuries from foxtails:

  • Remove weeds from your garden
  • Keep your dog away from weeds when walking or hiking
  • Discourage your dog from chewing on grass
  • Examine your dog daily, feeling for any raised areas on its skin
  • Remove visible foxtail seeds carefully by pulling them straight out, ensuring that they do not break in the process
  • If you suspect that a foxtail is embedded in your dog’s skin, paw, eye or ear, take your dog to a veterinarian immediately

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers professional pet grooming in Southern California for both dogs and cats. If you are unsure about how to remove a visible foxtail we can show you how. Please call 714-962-1005 for more information or to schedule your next grooming appointment.

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

 

Reducing Your Pet’s Stress When Visiting The Groomer

By

Reducing Your Pet’s Stress When Visiting The Groomer

Pets can experience a significant amount of stress when visiting a pet salon, especially for the first time. While it might not be possible to completely eliminate their stress, there are ways to ensure that it is minimized during these visits.

An important first step is to make sure that your pet’s arrival to the grooming salon is a pleasant one. As you enter the salon, talk to your pet in a happy tone of voice that communicates that this will be a nice experience. Always avoid using anxiety ridden tones, as this will solidify your pet’s fears. Offer treats to your pet upon arrival and provide extra treats for your groomer to offer them. For cats, dropping a bit of canned tuna through the door of their pet carrier can work wonders.

When you bring your cat to the grooming salon, make sure that any wire, or parts that they can see through, are covered. This will ensure that your cat will not become frightened by unfamiliar sights. It is always best for your cat to remain in its carrier at the grooming salon as it is familiar territory that does not smell of other cats or dogs. Your groomer will take your cat out only for grooming and then return them to the carrier until it is time for them to go home.

Frequent socialization visits are an extremely important part of reducing stress for your pet. You should take your pet to the groomer often so that they can get to know the staff and become familiar with the facility. Consider bringing your pet to the groomer, even if they don’t require grooming. Have the groomer talk to your pet and offer them treats. These visits can help your pet understand that “bad things” don’t always happen when they visit the salon. Most groomers will be happy to accommodate these types of visits as they will make your pet easier for them to handle and care for.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers professional pet grooming in Orange County, California. Our experienced groomers understand the anxiety that pet’s sometimes feel when visiting a pet salon. We will do our best to reduce your pet’s stress whenever possible. However, sometimes pets are too fearful for us to groom and must be taken to their veterinarian.

For more information or to set up your next grooming appointment, please contact us today!

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