Pet Grooming Orange County

Anxiety in Dogs

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Like humans, dogs can experience high levels of stress and anxiety. Every dog experiences and reacts to anxiety differently. Luckily for us and our furry friends, there are many ways to ease an anxious dog.

Do I Have An Anxious Dog?

Anxiety is defined as the fear of unknown or imagined dangers. Every person (and dog) experiences feelings of anxiety, but in severe cases it can become habitual or chronic. Dogs with anxiety may exhibit the following physiological symptoms:

  • Restlessness
  • Aggression
  • Compulsive or repetitive behaviors
  • Pacing 
  • Depression or lethargy
  • Excessive barking
  • Panting 
  • Inability to control urine or defecation
  • Destructive behavior

These symptoms can stem from a number of causes. Some dogs develop anxiety from a traumatic or fearful life experience. Even aging can cause anxiety; older dogs are more likely to react negatively to anxiety triggers. However, perhaps the most common form of canine anxiety is separation anxiety; many dogs experience stress and anxiety when their families leave home. 

How Can I Ease My Dog’s Anxiety?

Dogs thrive from a daily routine. Inconsistencies in their feeding and walking schedules might be causing their anxiety. This is particularly true for dogs with separation anxiety. Furthermore, allotting a certain amount of time will ensure that your dog gets the right amount of exercise. Excess energy may also cause anxiety.

An anxious dog will benefit from some basic pampering. Without regular physical contact, dogs may become stressed out. Go one step further and give your dog a massage. This is especially helpful in stressful situations like the vet’s office. Still, always exercise caution when dealing with an anxious dog. They may want to be alone during an anxiety or panic episode, and unwanted physical contact can lead to further aggression. If you need to keep a safe distance from your anxious dog, try putting on some calming music. Studies have shown that reggae, soft rock, and classical music can actually lower dogs’ heart rates. 

There are some products that may be helpful for your dog’s anxiety. Weighted dog blankets and compression wraps apply pressure, which can be calming for many dogs. Make sure that these products are dog-specific, as normal weighted blankets may be too heavy for your furry friend. Furthermore, many dog owners have found success with CBD oil for pets. Not only can CBD calm down your anxious dog, it has a wide variety of health benefits such as reducing seizures.

Claws N Paws Day Spa in Fountain Valley, California provides professional grooming services to both cats and dogs. Although we are currently closed to observe social distancing, we look forward to a safe reopening. For more information and updates, follow us on Facebook at Claws N Paws Day Spa or Instagram at @clawsnpawsdayspa_.

How to Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy

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You have heard it all before: cats are free spirits, and they like to come and go as they please. However, every day the outside world becomes more dangerous for domestic cats. Not only are indoor cats safer than outdoor cats, they can even lead happier lives.

Why Cats Should Be Indoors

The outside world poses many threats to your feline companion. Roads are the most obvious danger; each year, more cats are killed by cars than are euthanized in United States animal shelters. Outdoor cats are more likely to contract diseases from other cats or animals. Furthermore, coyotes, large birds, or dogs often prey on domestic cats. These represent just some of the dangers to cats that lie beyond your front door.

A Feline Lifestyle (in a Human Household)

Cats thrive surprisingly well in human households; that’s why they make such great pets! Still, there are many ways you can make the experience better for them.

Indoor cats need just as much exercise as outdoor cats. This where toys come in. You can find great cat toys online such as wands and puzzle toys, but cats will play with just about anything. Paper bags and cardboard boxes make great toys; get creative! If your cat still seems energetic, consider buying them a cat-safe leash. Some cats love to go on daily walks, just like dogs!

There are many ways to organize a home with cats in mind. If you have limited space, you can open it up with kitty condos or cat trees. Cats enjoy feeling the sun, so place any pet beds or cat trees near the windows. Some newly-indoor cats may even enjoy a patch of cat grass to lie in. Like with the toys, this a perfect way to get creative and discover what works best for you and your feline friend!

Outsmarting the Escape Artists

Even indoor cats may try to escape every once in a while. Cats are curious, after all. Make sure to always close your windows and doors. Just in case your cat does get outside, give them up-to-date identification such as a collar or microchip. That way, anyone who comes across your cat can contact you directly.

You can lower the chance of possible escapes by getting your cat spayed or neutered. Pheromones released during mating season can draw an unfixed cat outdoors. Fixed cats also tend to be more docile and thus less likely to make such a spontaneous decision.

Claws N Paws Day Spa owns and operates a full-service grooming salon, as well as a cats-only boarding facility right next door. Although we are currently closed to observe social distancing, Claws N Paws is still dedicated to the needs of your pet. For more information and regular updates, you can follow us on Facebook at Claws N Paws Day Spa or Instagram at @clawsnpawsdayspa_.

Social Distancing… With Company!

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Due to current conditions, people around the world are feeling lonely. The social quarantine makes it impossible to see friends and family who do not live with you. While human contact is scarce, you may find another solution at your local animal shelter.

The Company of an Animal

If you are feeling lonely, having a pet can help tremendously. Animals provide a unique and unconditional love that cannot be replicated. By adopting a pet, you have a companion for the rest of their life. Pets are also a great remedy for boredom. Having a pet introduces routine into your life; they must be fed and cleaned up after at certain times in the day. Even children can get involved in this routine, eliminating boredom and instilling responsibility.

Adopt, Don’t Shop!

There are many advantages to adopting rather than buying your pet. Buying a pet from a pet store or advertisement supports mass breeding facilities (commonly referred to as “puppy or kitty mills”). These mass breeding facilities promote horrible living conditions and cruelty towards animals. Meanwhile, when you adopt, your money goes directly into saving more lives. Adopting a pet saves their life and prevents shelter overcrowding. Plus, you can ensure that your pet has received love and care that they would not receive from a mass breeder.

Shelters in Need

Animal shelters are currently asking for help from the public. Many are closing permanently in light of COVID-19; pets at these shelters will be euthanized if not adopted. Check to see if any shelters near you will be closing their doors forever.

Other shelters are still holding adoptions while observing social distancing. If you are located nearby, Orange County Animal Care is holding adoptions and pet redemptions by appointment only. Browse the website of adoptable pets, then set up an appointment over the phone.

If you are not looking to adopt, yet still want a temporary animal fix, consider fostering. Fostering young animals requires time and dedication, but it is an experience you will never forget. Shelters and rescue organizations are constantly looking for foster families. Research local fostering options in your area.

Claws N Paws Day Spa provides professional grooming services to both cats and dogs. To observe social distancing, Claws N Paws Day Spa and Cat Boarding are currently closed. For regular updates and more information on our various services, follow our Facebook at Claws N Paws Day Spa or our Instagram @clawsnpawsdayspa_.

Grooming in Quarantine

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Grooming salons around the world are closed due to the current pandemic. However, your pet still has certain hygienic needs. While nothing quite compares to the pampering experience of a professional grooming salon, you can begin to address these needs in your home. Follow these tips to keep your cat or dog happy and healthy during the social quarantine!

Tangles Be Gone

Like our own hair, our pets’ fur can get quite tangled over time. This can be hard to see, particularly in long-haired cats and dogs. Tangles often hide in the undercoat (or deeper layer) of your pet’s fur. These pesky tangles are important to catch early on, as they can quickly become mats. Your groomer will need to remove them once the quarantine is over, but in the meantime your pet will experience a tugging discomfort that will only get worse.

The solution to tangles is to brush or comb your pet. On your next trip to the pet store, pick up a brush or comb specifically made for cats or dogs, depending on your pet. Run the brush through their fur once a day, making sure to reach everywhere, including the undercoat. Not only does this limit the emergence of tangles and mats, daily brushing can be a great bonding experience for you and your beloved pet.

A Toothy Grin

Alongside their fur, your pet’s teeth may be causing them some discomfort. Cats and dogs accumulate plaque over time, potentially leading to dental disease later down the line. You can help their teeth by giving them a daily brushing. While pets cannot handle human toothbrushes or toothpaste, your local pet store should carry pet-safe options. Your cat or dog may not appreciate this brushing at first, but as time goes on they will get used to the experience. Their teeth will thank you!

Skip the Clippers

Sometimes, pet owners try to cut their furry friend’s fur at home. We strongly advise against this. Not only is it quite difficult, an unsuitable cut can lead to complications such as post clipping alopecia. Post clipping alopecia leaves fur permanently damaged and discolored; it will never grow back quite the same. For more information, see our blog on post clipping alopecia.

With regular brushing, your pet’s fur should not grow to a point that it is uncomfortable. Wait until the quarantine ends, then schedule an appointment with your local grooming salon.

Claws N Paws Day Spa is a professional, full-service grooming salon located in Fountain Valley, California. Although we are currently closed, we are still working hard to keep the shop clean and comfortable. For more information and regular updates, you can follow us on Facebook at Claws N Paws Day Spa and on Instagram at @clawsnpawsdayspa_.

COVID-19 and Your Pet (Part Two)

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The news regarding this pandemic is still everywhere. While you social quarantine, make sure to stay updated on how this affects your pet and their regular activities. This will make your and your pet’s transition back into regular life much easier.

COVID-19 on Surfaces

In our last blog post about COVID-19, we discussed the fact that animals cannot transmit COVID-19 to humans. This is still very much true. However, we may want to consider the surfaces animals come into contact with. Pets often wear collars or clothes, and they require a multitude of other assets in your home such as litter boxes, toys, and more. In a recent study conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine, scientists determined the life of COVID-19 on several different surfaces. They found that it survived on plastic for up to 72 hours, on stainless steel for up to 48 hours, on cardboard for up to 24 hours, and on copper for up to 4 hours.

So what does this mean for your pet’s things? Many pet products such as collars and litter boxes are made of plastic. Food dishes may be made of stainless steel, and cat scratchers are often made of cardboard. While your pet cannot contract it, any human that comes into contact with these surfaces may transmit COVID-19 to them. If you know COVID-19 has passed through your home, make sure to avoid these surfaces for the suggested amount of time. Once that time has passed, sanitize the surfaces.

Addressing Your Grooming Needs

With many parts of the country on complete lockdown, Claws N Paws is currently closed. However, your pets’ needs are still important to us. We are spending our social quarantine carefully and thoroughly cleaning the shop. When we reopen, we will ask that all customers remove clothes and collars off of their pet before dropping them off. This will help ensure that the virus does not continue to spread.

Claws N Paws Day Spa is a full-service professional pet grooming salon located in beautiful Fountain Valley, California. Right next door, Claws N Paws also operates a cats-only boarding facility. We are currently closed, but you can follow us on Facebook (Claws N Paws Day Spa) or Instagram (@clawsnpawsdayspa_) for regular updates.

COVID-19 and Your Pet

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With COVID-19 at the center of the news, we truly are living in a historically significant time. Amid these extraordinary circumstances, we may find ourselves overwhelmed with conflicting information. You may be wondering how exactly your pet functions into the COVID-19 situation.

Can My Pet Transmit COVID-19?

In the general panic associated with this pandemic, several news sources have spread unnecessary fear regarding people’s pets. They refer to a case in Hong Kong, where a 17-year-old Pomeranian tested “weak positive” for COVID-19. However, after conducting thousands of tests on both cats and dogs, IDEXX Laboratories found no more positive cases. Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) contends that there is no evidence to suggest pets or livestock can transmit the virus.

As a result of these sensationalized news stories, people are concerned that their pet may give them or others COVID-19. Shelters around the world have reported a massive uptake in abandoned pets. Rest assured, you should not abandon your pet. In fact, their support can help you greatly during social distancing.

Social Distancing with Your Pet

Social distancing is the practice of staying away from people in order to slow the spread of infectious disease. During social distancing, it can be easy to feel bored or unmotivated. Having a pet is a great remedy for this! Pets provide routine and responsibility to our lives. They provide low-pressure companionship that can help through particularly difficult situations. During a social quarantine, a pet is a nice reminder that we are never truly alone.

If you have a dog, you can still take them on walks! Visit an open outdoor space that you know will not be crowded. Before and after the walk, make sure to practice good hygiene and wash your hands.

For more information, see our blog about pets and your health!

What To Do If You Get Sick

In the case that you fall ill, you may need to make accommodations for your pet. Stock up on pet supplies while you are healthy. You may find it helpful to compile an “emergency kit.” In this kit, we recommend including 30 days worth of any necessary medications and two weeks worth of food. Should you become ill, this kit will keep your pet safe without you having to run to the store, putting yourself and others at further risk.

Claws N Paws Day Spa in Fountain Valley, California provides professional grooming services to both dogs and cats. For more information or to book an appointment, contact us at 714-962-1005.