Pet Grooming Orange County

Should Your Dog Be Allowed in Your Pool?

By

Should Your Dog Be Allowed in Your Pool?

Temperatures have been at an all time high in Southern California. If you are one of many lucky Orange County residents with access to a swimming pool, you might have wondered whether or not your dog would enjoy going for a swim.

Swimming is excellent exercise for both people and dogs, and it can provide a welcome relief from the scorching heat. Before allowing your dog in your swimming pool, there are a few things you need to consider.

Safety

Pets and wild animals can easily fall into your swimming pool. Once inside, they might not be able to find a way out. Unfortunately, animals die in backyard swimming pools all the time. It’s crucial that your pet is not permitted alone around your pool.

Safety gates and fences provide an effective way to keep animals from entering your pool without permission.

Cleanliness

No matter how clean you think your dog might be, they will still bring about three times more dirt and bacteria into your pool than the average person. When dogs swim, they leave behind fecal matter, insects, body oils, hair, and more. Unless you have an industrial strength filter, this contamination can stay in your pool for a very long time.

Contamination in your pool increases the chance of spreading disease. Contaminated water can lead to diarrhea as well as infections of the skin, ears, and upper respiratory tract. If you allow your dog to swim in your pool, you will need to add more sanitizer than usual.

Rinse

It’s a good idea to rinse your dog after they’ve been swimming in your pool. Just like humans, the chemicals used to keep your pool clean can irritate your dog’s skin and eyes. After swimming, gently rinse your dog with clean, fresh water.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers dog and cat grooming at our full service grooming salon in Fountain Valley, California. Our groomers can help keep your pet clean and comfortable this summer. Our services include bathing, brushing, and summer haircuts. Please call 714-962-1005 to set up a grooming appointment today.

 

 

Does Your Pet Need a Summer Haircut?

By

Does Your Pet Need a Summer Haircut?

As we move further into summer, you’ve probably wondered if your pet needs a haircut. Most of us couldn’t imagine wearing a thick fur coat all summer long. However, your pet’s coat might actually be keeping them cool.

A pet’s coat works differently than the hair on our heads. Their fur is designed by nature to keep your pet warm in the winter and cool in the summer. By shaving your pet’s fur, you actually limit their natural ability to regulate their body temperature. This is especially true for cats.

Exceptionally Thick Coats

There are certain breeds of dog that are bred to have thicker fur than nature intended. If your dog appears to be suffering as temperatures rise, it might be a good idea to give them a haircut. Just make sure that you leave at least one inch of fur to protect them from sunburn. Also, if your pet is matted, it’s important to have the mats removed as soon as possible. Mats are painful and can lead to infection and other problems if not promptly removed.

Hot Spots and Skin Conditions

The other reason you might want to consider having your pet trimmed down in the summer is if they are prone to hot spots and other skin conditions. Removing the fur around hot spots enables easy application of medication. It also allows the air to reach sore skin, speeding up the healing process.

Make sure that you speak with your veterinarian before having your dog shaved if it has a skin condition. Sometimes, shaving the fur can irritate sores and make skin conditions worse.

Shorthaired Dogs

Shaving a shorthaired dog will not stop them from shedding. Instead, the fur they shed will be shorter, and act like little splinters; sticking into everything it comes in contact with, including your skin. Shaving a shorthaired dog also increases the chance of sunburn and skin irritation. A monthly bath and blow dry is typically all a shorthaired dog needs during the summer.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers dog and cat grooming in Orange County, California. Please call 714-962-1005 to set up a grooming appointment today.

 

 

 

Summer Safety

By

Summer Safety

Summer has officially arrived in Southern California. This is the time of year when many of us will be spending more time outdoors enjoying the park, beach, and time with our family. You might also be spending more time with your pets.

It’s important that you do all you can to keep your pets safe this summer. The following are our top safety tips for summer.

Never Leave Your Pet in the Car

Even if it doesn’t seem that hot outside or you plan on leaving the window open a crack, your pet can still fall victim to heatstroke if left in a hot car. The temperature inside your vehicle can reach dangerous levels in a very short amount of time. Pets left in hot cars become distressed quickly.

Heatstroke causes permanent damage to organs, and even death. Never leave your pet in your car, even for a minute. If you know that you’ll be going somewhere that your pet is not allowed, it’s always better to leave them at home.

Check the Temperature of Sidewalks and Roads

A dog’s paws are sensitive and can easily become burned by hot concrete or asphalt. Before walking your pet, make sure that you check the temperature of the ground. The same is true for outside areas of your home. If it’s too hot for you, then it’s too hot for them.

Burns are painful and can become infected as pets continue to walk on dirty surfaces. If your pet’s feet become burned, it’s important that you have them checked by a licensed veterinarian.

Avoid Spending Too Long in the Sun

While a day at dog beach might seem like a lot of fun, it’s important that you don’t spend too much time in direct sunlight. Pets can get dehydrated and develop heatstroke quickly.

Make sure that your pet has plenty of fresh water at all times and that they have access to shade. Watch your pet for strange behavior and signs of dehydration. Remove them from the heat as soon as a problem is detected. Prompt medical treatment is required if your pet is suffering from heatstroke.

We hope you have a safe and relaxing summer!

Please call 714-962-1005 to schedule a grooming appointment.

Visiting the Beach With Your Dog

By

Visiting the Beach With Your Dog

Temperatures in Southern California continue to soar. A trip to the beach can be an excellent way to cool off during the summer. When planning a trip to the beach, consider bringing along your dog. Dog-friendly beaches provide the perfect opportunity to cool off and have some fun with your four-legged friend.

Although you should always have a leash on hand, some beaches will allow your dog to roam free. It’s important to observe all posted rules so that dogs can continue to enjoy the beach for many years to come.

Getting Used to the Water

If you aren’t sure how your dog will react to water, you will need to take things slow. Never force your dog into the water and be sure to watch them carefully. Your dog might feel more comfortable if you head into the water first and call to them.

Doggie life vests are available online and in specialty pet shops. These vests can help prevent drowning and alleviate any fears you might have about your pet in the water.

Avoiding Danger From Extreme Temperatures

Depending on the weather and the location of the beach, you and your pet might be exposed to extreme temperatures. Heat from the sun and cold ocean water can both pose an issue for your pet. It’s important to know the signs of heatstroke and hypothermia before you head to the beach. If you notice anything out of the ordinary about your pet’s behavior, it’s crucial that you get them out of the elements as soon as possible. Bring lots of cool water for you and your pet, and bring warm towels to dry them off after they swim.

Finding a Dog-Friendly Beach

Whether you will be going on a trip or staying home this summer, you should be able to find beaches that you can enjoy with your dog. A quick internet search should provide you with multiple options.

Professional Dog Grooming

After visiting the beach your pet will probably be more dirty than usual. A bath at a grooming salon can help remove salt, sand and other debris from your pet’s fur. This also helps keep these things out of your home. Please call 714-962-1005 to schedule a grooming appointment.

Should I Shave My Dog For Summer?

By

Should I Shave My Dog For Summer?

As temperatures continue to rise in Orange County there is one question that we constantly hear at our grooming salon. Everyone wants to know if they should shave their dog for summer. While some people shave their dog every year, the answer isn’t as clear cut as you might believe. Many breeds actually need their coat in the summer to stay cool.

Double-Coated Breeds

It’s not a good idea to shave double-coated breeds including Samoyeds, Huskies, Malamutes, Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, Shelties, Golden Retrievers, Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs and many more.

Double-coated breeds have two layers of fur to protect them. The long guard hairs protect them against snow, ice and water. The soft undercoat keeps them warm and dry.

During the winter, the undercoat might be so thick that you cannot find your dog’s skin. In the summer, double-coated breeds shed their undercoat, leaving only the guard hairs. These guard hairs protect your dog from sunburn and insulate them against the heat.

When NOT to Shave

Unlike single-coated breeds whose coats continue to grow, double-coats only grow to a certain length. After it reaches this length, it just stops growing. When you shave a single-coated breed the hair grows back unaffected. Shaving a double-coat can ruin it forever.

Shaving short-haired breeds during the summer can cause problems as well. A dog’s coat protects it from the sun. Once removed, your dog will be more prone to sunburn and skin cancer.

Keeping Dogs Cool

It’s important to remember that dogs cool down differently than humans. Dogs cool down by panting. Their coat also plays an important role in keeping them cool. It’s hard for us to understand because we think of their coat as extra clothing. When we are hot, stripping off clothing can help. It’s not the same for our pets.

If you decide to shave your pet this summer, you will need to protect them from the sun. Keep them indoors and always provide fresh water. If you’re undecided, a belly shave can be an excellent choice. Shaving the hair on the belly allows dogs to cool off by laying on cool surfaces.

Please contact us with your summer grooming questions. Our full service salon is located in Fountain Valley, CA and our phone number is 714-962-1005.

Preparing for Summer With Your Pet

By

Preparing for Summer With Your Pet

Spring is in full swing and the warmer weather has officially arrived in Southern California. Soon the sweltering heat of summer will be upon us. Between hot concrete, fleas and excessive shedding, summer can be extremely difficult for our pets. You’ll want to make sure that you’re well prepared.

Dealing With the Heat

With their thick fur and delicate foot pads, there are many dangers for our pets in the summer. Dogs are prone to both heat stroke and sunburns. Burns can lead to infections and even skin cancer. If your dog spends most of its time outdoors then you will need to make sure that you provide them with a safe space out of the sun. Food and water dishes should be kept out of the sun as well to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks love the warm, humid air of summer in Orange County. You’ll need to check your pet regularly for signs of fleas. If left untreated, fleas can cause life-threatening anemia. If your pet ingests fleas, they can develop a tapeworm infection. Tapeworms resemble sesame seeds or small grains of rice.

If you enjoy taking walks with your dog in grassy areas then you will need to also inspect them for ticks. Ticks can cause Lyme disease and other health problems for both humans and pets.

Excessive Shedding

Your pet’s coat will probably shed more during the summer. Shed hair can make a mess of your clothing, furniture and your pet’s coat. As dead hair falls out it can become tangled with healthy hair. This can cause your pet’s coat to become matted. Mats are extremely painful for your pet and must be shaved.

The best way to prevent mats and reduce shedding is with regular grooming. Use a wire slicker brush to groom your dog at home. A monthly visit to your groomer can help remove loose hair and make your pet feel cool and comfortable during the summer. For pets with long hair, a belly shave or haircut can keep their coat more manageable.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers quality pet grooming services in Orange County, California. Please call 714-962-1005 to schedule a summer grooming appointment for your pet.