Pet Grooming Orange County

Thanksgiving With Pets

By

It is a strange year for holidays. Thanksgiving is no exception—in light of COVID-19 and stay-at-home orders, many people are scrambling to decide how to celebrate the holiday. Whatever your plans, always keep your furry friend in mind. Like any other holiday, Thanksgiving poses certain challenges to pets and pet parents alike.

Skip the Table Scraps

You may get puppy dog eyes, but don’t be fooled this holiday season. Most Thanksgiving treats can actually be quite dangerous for pets. Potatoes, a common Thanksgiving side dish, are actually part of the nightshade family and can be very dangerous to pets. Desserts with chocolate or artificial sweeteners are toxic. Even meat dishes can be bad for pets; if they are loaded with salt or butter, they can cause severe gastrointestinal pain. If they include garlic or onions, they are downright toxic.

If you want to treat your pet, consider pumpkin. Canned, unsweetened pumpkin has been known to improve pets’ coat and digestive health. Your pet will love the taste of this seasonal treat!

Hide Your Decorations

Pets, particularly cats, are very good at knocking over precious decorations. Place your ceramic pilgrims and turkey art where you are certain your pet cannot reach. Not only does this ruin your decoration, broken shards can be dangerous to both pets and children.

Decorative plants can also prove dangerous in a home with pets. Many seasonal plants like poinsettias are toxic to cats and dogs. For more information on safe and unsafe plants, check out our blog on houseplants.

Keep Them Safe in Your Absence

If you must travel this season, make sure to make accommodations for your furry friend. Will you take them with you or leave them at home? If you choose to take them with you, be careful. Many animals dislike being in moving vehicles, and many airlines are downright dangerous for pets. If they are staying at home, make sure they will be taken care of. Boarding is always a good option for short trips; your pet will feel much safer with professionals taking care of them.

At Claws N Paws, your pet can find quality care and comfort. We feature both a professional grooming salon for both cats and dogs and, right next door, a cats-only boarding facility. For more information or to make an appointment, call us at 714-962-1005.

Managing Pet Hair in Your Home

By

Animals shed. This is a fact every pet owner knows and understands. Unfortunately, pet hair can be annoying to manage. It gets everywhere, and it often means that friends with pet allergies cannot visit our homes. Thankfully, there are easy ways to manage shedding. This will ensure that you, your pet, and your guests are comfortable in your home. 

The Root of the Problem

Pets shed normally, but excessive shedding may mean inadequate grooming. You can limit shedding by brushing your pet daily, bathing them often, and setting up a regular schedule with a professional groomer. These schedules all depend on your specific pet. For example, short-haired dogs need to be brushed less than long-hair dogs, and cats can manage with less frequent baths.

Excessive shedding may also signal certain health issues. A poor diet does not supply the proper nutrients for normal hair growth. To encourage healthy hair growth, invest in a food with high-quality proteins and fats. Even better, your pet’s coat will feel softer and stronger than ever! Past diet, shedding may be a symptom of a larger condition. Excessive shedding paired with itchiness, skin lesions, patchy hair loss, and other signs of illness should be monitored. Your vet can help you determine the root cause of shedding.

You can also curb shedding by putting your furry friend in clothes. Animals (especially most cats) find this controversial, but a tolerant pet will love a sweater or T-shirt. Not only will they look adorable, the fabric will catch a large percentage of fur.

Keeping It Clean

In most homes, it is unrealistic to expect pets will stay off the furniture. Instead, toss a blanket or a sheet over your pet’s favorite spot. They may even prefer this; it gives them something to cuddle with. Washing a blanket is much easier than cleaning a couch. If carpeted floors or rugs are your concern, vacuum cleaners are a great defense against loose fur. Certain brands produce vacuums designed specifically for cleaning pet messes. For clothing, curtains, and other fabrics, many pet owners find it helpful to have a lint roller handy.

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides a wide range of professional grooming services to both cats and dogs. Our dedicated team can work with you to determine your best grooming schedule to curb hair loss. For more information or to schedule an appointment, you can call us today at 714-962-1005!

All About Pet Insurance

By

With healthcare costs rising, many of us feel safer with a good insurance plan. But what about our pets? Pet insurance is out there, but it can be difficult to know how or when to get it. Many pet owners do not purchase pet insurance simply because they know very little about it. Fortunately, information is out there for those who look.

What is Pet Insurance?

Pet insurance plans work similarly to human health insurance. Pet parents pay a monthly premium for coverage, which applies whenever your pet needs a trip to the vet. Most insurance plans are for cats and dogs, but there are some which cater to exotic animals.

What Does Pet Insurance Cover?

Unlike human health insurance, there are different types of health insurance based on coverage and your specific pet. Wellness plans cover routine care, checkups, and vaccines. Alternatively, accident-illness plans cover treatment for both injury and illness. There are also accident-only and illness-only plans. Unfortunately, no pet insurance plan covers preexisting conditions. To fully understand your pet’s coverage, you will need to do research on your specific provider and plan.

What Does Pet Insurance Cost?

Because veterinary care is expensive, pet insurance can also be quite pricey. Basic plans may cost as low as $10 per month, but the most expensive plans may reach up to $100 per month. Payment is based on both coverage and your specific pet. Your furry friend’s age, weight, aand breed may factor into the cost. Costs may also vary by location; certain areas pose more environmental threats to animals.

How Does Pet Insurance Work?

Pet insurance applies broadly, which means any policy applies to any certified veterinary clinic in the United States. In most cases, you pay upfront. Make sure to keep your itemized receipt; you will send this to your pet insurance provider. Based on your coverage, they will reimburse you a portion of the cost. Know that this is the most common, but not the only, iteration of pet insurance.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, your pet’s safety and needs are always our first priority. Located in Fountain Valley, California, we provide professional grooming services to both dogs and cats. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

Happy Halloween, Pet Families!

By

When the air grows cold, and the fog rolls in, we know that another Halloween is upon us. While we may want to spend the weekend getting our spook on, our pets may have a different idea. This Halloween we also have the unique experience of being stuck inside with our pets. For this reason, this year has the potential to be your pet’s favorite Halloween ever!

Keep Them Inside!

Even if your pet can’t catch COVID, you will want to keep them inside on Halloween. Unfortunately, many people have harmful intentions on Halloween night. Animals, particularly black cats, may be injured or even killed by rebellious teenagers. Make sure all doors are closed, and always accompany your dog on potty breaks.

Create a Safe Haven

Halloween can be overwhelming for pets. Oftentimes, trick-or-treating children and neighborhood parties create a loud environment. Make sure your home feels safe, comfortable, and most importantly normal for your pet. Keep lights fairly low and do not disturb their typical lounge spots. Avoid scented candles, as these are known to create respiratory problems in both cats and dogs.

You can decorate as long as the decorations do not interfere with your pet’s daily functioning; in fact, you can even have some fun with it! Your cat will love batting your Halloween decorations. Make sure they’re not too heavy; long, hanging cloth decorations are perfect for playful kittens!

Dress Them Up!

Like children, our pets can dress up for the holiday. Costume and department stores sell costumes especially for cats and dogs. Your pet may not love to wear clothes, but an unobtrusive costume can be fun for both you and your pet. Try it on them in short intervals. Remember that kittens and puppies will be more receptive to wearing costumes sthan older pets!

Watch Your Snacks

While delicious, Halloween food is rarely pet-safe. Treats with chocolate, artificial sweeteners, and alcohol are toxic to cats and dogs. You can eat your treats, but keep them away from your pets. If you want to give your pet a seasonal meal, give them some canned (unsweetened) pumpkin. This is both tasty and healthy for your beloved furry friend!

Your pet can find professional grooming and bathing services at Claws N Paws Day Spa! Located in Fountain Valley, California, our grooming studio flaunts a dedicated staff and top-notch facilities. Right next door, your cat can find boarding services at our cats-only facility. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

All About Prednisone

By Leave a Comment

Many cats, particularly older cats, are on some form of medication. We as pet owners tend to trust our veterinarian’s judgment on prescriptions. However, there are many benefits to doing your own medical research on your pet. The more you know about your pet’s medications, the more likely you are to identify benefits and side effects. Prednisone, one of the most common corticosteroids prescribed to cats, has its fair share of both.

What is Prednisone?

Prednisone and prednisolone are corticosteroids used to treat conditions across many species. Unlike anabolic steroids which enhance performance, catabolic steroids break down stored resources. As an anti-inflammatory drug, prednisone is used for immune support. Typically, the drug is used as a short-term treatment, but it may be used for long-term therapy in more extreme cases such as cancer.

Prednisone and prednisolone are different drugs, but prednisone converts to prednisolone in the liver. If you know your pet has liver problems, express this concern to your vet. They will be more likely to prescribe the already converted prednisolone.

Side Effects

Because prednisone is a very powerful drug, it can also have powerful side effects to the adult feline. These are most common in cases where prednisone is prescribed as a long-term therapy. If your cat is on prednisone, keep an eye out for any changes in their behavior or mood. Check to make sure their coat and skin look normal, and always listen to your cat’s breathing while on prednisone.

Separately, and often more seriously, your cat may experience digestive changes while on prednisone. Increased appetite while on the drug may lead to obesity or even diabetes mellitus. Increased thirst can cause excessive urination, which in turn may become a urinary tract infection. Keep an eye out for any abnormal diarrhea or vomiting.

If your pet shows any severe side effects, contact your vet. They may have you stop administering the drug. Thankfully, prednisone typically stops working after 24 hours of non-use.

Listen to Your Vet

Like with any other medication, it is important to listen to your vet’s instructions. Always administer the prescribed dosage, and never double or overdose. Remember that pets may need to be weaned off of prednisone, especially after long-term usage. If you ever have questions, your vet is there to answer them.

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides professional grooming services to both cats and dogs. Our grooming facility in Fountain Valley, California is specially designed with your pet’s needs in mind. We are currently open with provisions in place to protect our clients and staff from COVID-19. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.

Pancreatitis in Dogs

By

Sometimes, our furry friends do things we cannot explain. Dog owners are expected to keep an arsenal of knowledge in their back pocket; they must know when these unexplained behaviors become harmful to their pet. As one of the more sinister conditions, pancreatitis is important to know about. This knowledge will help to ensure a safe and speedy recovery.

What is Pancreatitis?

The pancreas has two functions: the endocrine process, which produces insulin, and the exocrine process, which produces enzymes that aid in digestion. Pancreatitis affects the exocrine process. In a dog with pancreatitis, the enzymes are produced and released at a more rapid rate. Their pancreas will become inflamed, and the additional enzymes may even begin to eat away at the pancreatic tissue.

Causes of pancreatitis are hotly contested. Because it appears so suddenly, many brush it off as something that “just happens.” However, experts suggest that a fatty diet can increase your dog’s chances of contracting pancreatitis.

What Are the Symptoms?

There are many indicators of pancreatitis, but in most cases owners notice a loss of appetite first. Usually, a dog with pancreatitis will show other symptoms of stomach discomfort, such as a hunched back or decreased mobility. They may vomit or have diarrhea. Due to the changing environment within their body, they may also become dehydrated or run a high fever. Although these are all common symptoms, in conjunction they can be scary to watch.

How is it Diagnosed?

If you notice these signs, you should contact your vet immediately. Your vet will probably run blood tests in order to monitor pancreatic enzymes. They may also run other tests such as an ultrasound in order to rule out other conditions.

How is it Treated?

There is not necessarily a cure for pancreatitis, but it is treatable through therapeutic care. Depending on severity, your dog may need to be hospitalized. Because many dogs with pancreatitis will refuse to eat, they may be put on an IV drip to regulate fluids. They may receive medications through injection. All of these measures treat symptoms, not causes.

At Claws N Paws in Fountain Valley, CA, your pet’s needs are always our first priority. Your dog or cat can find professional grooming services at our full-service salon, or your cat can find quality care in our cats-only boarding facility. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.