Pet Grooming Orange County

Keeping Your Indoor Cat Happy

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Despite what many people believe, it’s not a good idea to let your cat outdoors. Outdoor cats have a significantly shorter life expectancy than indoor cats.

Outdoor cats face numerous dangers including traffic, coyotes and other wild animals, poisons, and more. Even cats that are only allowed outside every once in a while are more likely to die from unnatural causes. This is why it’s so important to keep your cat indoors.

Start Young

Kittens that grow up inside are generally happier to stay indoors later in life. Unneutered males are the exception to this rule. These cats have a very strong instinct to find a mating partner. This is one of the most common reasons male cats go missing.

Have your cat spayed or neutered as soon as possible to prevent them from attempting to find a mate. Neutering can also solve other problems such as spraying, yowling, and aggressive behavior.

Play With Your Cat

Both outdoor and indoor cats require exercise and stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Regular exercise reduces stress, increases the human/feline bond, and may prevent certain diseases.

Set aside a little time each day to play with your cat. Popular toys include feather wands and laser pointers. Some cats even like to play fetch. You might want to experiment with several different types of toys until you figure out which type your cat prefers.

Keep The Litter Box Clean

Cats are tidy creatures. They do not appreciate mess. Keeping their litter box accessible and clean can go a long way towards improving the health and happiness of your cat.

Just In Case – Be Prepared

Sometimes even the happiest indoor cat will sneak out to explore. If this happens you’ll want to make sure they make it home to you. ID tags are a great place to start. You can create ID tags for your cat at most pet stores. The tag should include your name and recent phone number. If you move or change your phone number, you need to update the tag.

Microchipping your cat is one of the easiest and fastest ways to ensure it makes it home. The microchip is placed under the skin at your vet and contains all of your contact information.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers grooming and boarding for cats. Please call 714-962-1005 for information about our services.

 

 

 

 

Taking Care of Your Puppy’s Coat

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Small puppies require regular grooming. This helps them become accustomed to being brushed and bathed. It also helps keep their coat free from tangles and mats. This is especially important for longhaired breeds.

Regular Brushing

Brushing is important for both long and shorthair breeds. Regular brushing removes dead hair and stimulates the production of natural oils, which help moisturize your puppy’s skin and coat. For shorthaired breeds, brushing reduces the amount of shedding. This might not seem like a big deal now, but can become a major problem when your pet grows up. Getting them used to being brushed now will save you a lot of trouble in the future.

Longhaired dogs become tangled and matted extremely easily. These mats are uncomfortable for your pet and can lead to nasty skin infections and other issues. It might be helpful to use a wide toothed comb on your puppy prior to brushing.

Nail Trims and Ear Cleaning

Puppy nails are naturally sharp. These nails will continue to grow over time. If not trimmed regularly, they can become uncomfortable and cause problems for your pet. Getting your pet used to having their nails trimmed now can prevent future problems.

Certain breeds of dog are more prone to ear infections. Usually the first sign of a problem is spotted during routine ear cleaning. Keep your puppy’s ears clean using soft cotton pads and a safe ear cleaning solution.

Professional Pet Grooming

If you are unsure how to groom your new pet, we can help. Claws N Paws offers pet grooming for pets of all ages. We know how to properly care for your new pet so that they become comfortable with the grooming process. It’s recommended that you bring them in early and often, even if they only need a nail trim. This helps them get used to the sights and smells of the grooming salon.

Nail trims do not require an appointment. If you’d like have your puppy bathed, please call 714-962-1005 to schedule an appointment. Please let us know the age of your puppy when calling. This helps ensure that we reserve enough time to properly care for your pet.

 

Traveling With Pets

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Most of us view our pets as members of the family. It’s only natural to not want to leave them home when you travel. However, it’s important to plan in advance if you want to take your pet with you on vacation. The following tips can help.

Accommodations

One of the hardest parts of traveling with pets is finding pet-friendly accommodations. Fortunately, there are several hotels and motels that allow pets for a small fee. Vacation rentals are another option.

Make sure that you indicate that you’re traveling with pets when looking for a place to stay. It’s also important to follow all of the rules regarding the type and number of pets allowed. These rules are in place to protect property and future travelers. Failing to follow them could affect your ability to bring pets in the future.

Bring Special Foods and Medications

Most places you go will have places to buy pet food and other necessities. However, selection can be limited. If your pet is on a special diet or they take medication, you will need to bring these items with you on vacation. In fact, it might be a good idea to bring your pet’s food unless you are absolutely certain you can get it where you’re going. Switching your pet’s diet suddenly can upset their stomach. This can negatively affect your vacation.

Bring Important Paperwork

It’s a good idea to bring any important paperwork such as vaccination records and other veterinary information. You might need this information in the unfortunate event that your pet requires emergency care during your trip. These documents might also be required if you decide to have your pet groomed or placed in a boarding facility while traveling.

Bring Comforts of Home

Pets can become stressed when traveling. Providing them with familiar objects such as their bed, toys, leash, and/or dishes can help them feel more comfortable.

Claws N Paws offers pet grooming in Orange County, California. When traveling to the beach this holiday season, bring your pet in for some much needed pampering. We offer full service grooming for both dogs and cats. Please call 714-962-1005 for more information about our grooming services.

Back to School Time

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It’s that time of year again. The kids are going back to school and most of us will be returning to our normal daily activities. As the long days of summer start to vanish, it’s important to remember that your pet needs your attention during this time.

Pets often find it difficult to accept the fact that their family is spending less time at home. This is especially true for newer pets that have never experienced this time of year before.

An Active Pet is a Happy Pet

If your pet is experiencing separation anxiety as you spend more time away from home, you can ease your pet’s discomfort by taking advantage of options such as daycare or a day out at the doggie spa. Keeping your pet occupied can help take their attention away from the fact that there are less people at home.

No matter how busy it gets, make sure that you continue walking your dog or playing with your cats. They rely on this time to get their exercise, while spending time with their favorite people. If at all possible, visit your pets in the middle of the day for a walk or playtime.

Basic Care is Important

Back to school can be expensive. Many pet parents attempt to avoid additional expense during this time. However, it’s extremely important that you don’t avoid taking care of your pet’s basic needs. Pets should be groomed regularly and see their veterinarian for their overall health and well-being.

Without proper care, pets can become ill, or matted, which can be expensive problems to solve. The extra expense to take care of your pet now will end up costing you less in the long run.

Remember that your pet will be missing your children as well. Keep doors and gates locked so they do not attempt to follow them to school. This can be dangerous and the risk of getting lost or injured is extremely high.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers pet grooming and cat boarding in Orange County, California. Our team is well prepared to care for your pet as they adjust to this time of year. Please call 714-962-1005 for more information.

 

 

Save a Life: Adopt an Older Cat

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Save a Life: Adopt an Older Cat

When people think of adopting a new pet, they often picture an adorable puppy or kitten. Unfortunately, they rarely consider older cats. Adult cats watch while younger kittens come and go. Most of the time, potential adopters never even give them a second glance.

Older cats make wonderful pets. They’ve already passed the kitten phase, which can be tiring and troublesome. Older cats are less likely to attack your feet while you sleep or accidentally miss their litter box. They are typically very affectionate and extremely grateful to have a home. Let’s take a look at the top reasons you should consider adopting an adult cat.

You’ll Know Exactly What You’re Getting Yourself Into

When you adopt a kitten, you have no idea what they’ll be like when they grow up. Adult cats have already developed their personalities. What you see is what you get. You’ll know exactly how big they are, what they look like and what they like and don’t like.

Older Cats Fold Into the Household Better

Kittens can be too active for older pets in the home. They can even be a handful for children. Older cats are passed the point where they climb, chew and jump on objects and other living things in your household.

Older Cats Require Less Supervision

Kittens are constantly underfoot. When left alone, they can do a lot of damage. Older cats are more mellow and don’t tend to get into trouble. They’re also better at using the litter box. An older cat is the perfect choice for working families. They stay out of trouble throughout the day and are ready to cuddle when you get home.

You Might Be Their Last Chance At A Home

Older cats often sit for years in shelters and rescue facilities. Adopting an older cat gives them a chance at a good life. Adopters are their only opportunity at a life outside of a cage.

Claws N Paws has many wonderful cats looking for their forever home. Please consider adopting an adult cat. Call 714-962-1005 for more information.

 

Home Remedies for Dogs

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Home Remedies for Dogs

When your pet is not feeling well, it’s natural to want to do whatever you can to make them feel better. Home remedies can be a useful way to help relieve the symptoms of upset stomach and dry skin. However, It’s important to remember that even mild symptoms can be a sign of a much bigger problem. Always consult your veterinarian for a diagnosis. The following home remedies can be used until you can get your pet to their vet.

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin E oil can be used to protect your dog’s skin against the harmful effects of the sun. It can also be used to moisturize dry skin and treat minor skin conditions. Break vitamin E capsules apart and apply the liquid to warts, calluses and dry spots.

Pediatric Liquid

If your pet is experiencing diarrhea, they can become dehydrated. Offer them clear, unflavored pediatric liquid to drink. Keep in mind that this is not a substitute for veterinary care. You should consult your veterinarian if the diarrhea continues.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile can help soothe your dog’s stomach. It decreases muscle spasms and cramps and reduces inflammation of the stomach and intestinal lining. Offer your dog chamomile tea in their food or water. You can also hand feed it to your dog with a needle-less syringe.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal has been used for years for it’s soothing properties. Oatmeal reduces inflammation of the skin and can be extremely beneficial to dogs suffering from itchy skin and feet. Grind oatmeal into a fine powder and add water to make a paste. Apply the paste to hot spots and other inflamed areas.

There are many things you can do to take care of your pet. Home remedies are quick, easy to use and inexpensive. However, they cannot replace the advice of your veterinarian. Check with your vet before treating your pet for severe dry skin, hot spots or upset stomach.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers pet grooming from our full service pet salon in Fountain Valley, CA. Please call 714-962-1005 to set up a grooming appointment.