The Ranch Pet Resort

Premium dog & cat boarding, dog daycare, play groups, dog & cat grooming, and more!

Blog

How to Calm Anxiety in Pets

by

Just like people, pets can experience anxiety whether it’s from loud noises, changes in routine, traveling, being left alone, or even meeting new people or pets. Some pets show their stress through pacing, whining, barking, drooling, hiding, or destructive behaviors. The good news is, with a little patience and the right approach, you can help your furry friend feel more relaxed and secure.

At The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa, we’ve worked with pets of all personalities, and these are our favorite ways to help calm anxious pets and make them feel safe.

Create a Safe Space

Pets need a cozy spot to retreat when they’re overwhelmed. A quiet room, crate with a soft blanket, or designated nook gives them a sense of security. Bringing their favorite toys or bed into this area can make it even more comforting.

Stick to a Routine

Pets thrive on predictability. Feeding, walking, and playtime routines help decrease anxiety because your pet understands what comes next. When life gets busy, especially around holidays, try to keep things as familiar as possible.

Exercise and Play

Just like humans, pets can work off stress through movement. Regular exercise is one of the best natural ways to reduce anxiety. Whether it’s fetch, a brisk walk, or interactive toys, physical activity and mental stimulation help calm nerves and boost confidence.

Use Calming Tools

There are lots of calming aids available for pets, including:

  • Soft music or white noise
  • Slow-feeder toys
  • Thundershirts or calming wraps
  • Essential oil diffusers made for pets
  • Natural calming chews or treats

These can be especially helpful during storms, fireworks, travel, or big gatherings.

Stay Calm Yourself

Pets pick up on our emotions. If you act stressed, rushed, or worried, they’re more likely to mirror those feelings. A calm voice, gentle pets, and slow movements go a long way in reassuring anxious pets.

Don’t Forget Socialization

Some anxiety stems from not knowing how to interact with others. Dog daycare, supervised playgroups, or structured boarding can help build confidence. At The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa, we make socialization fun, safe, and positive for even shy pets.

We’re Here to Help

If your pet struggles with anxiety, you don’t have to manage it alone. Whether you need safe boarding during busy times, training, or confidence-building daycare, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is here to support your furry family member with patience, love, and expert care.

Holiday Pet Travel Guide: Tips to Make Your Vacation Smooth and Enjoyable

by

Traveling during the holidays can be exciting, chaotic, and full of memories — especially when your furry family member comes along! Whether you’re heading to Grandma’s house, a cozy winter getaway, or hopping in the car for a road trip, preparing your pet ahead of time will make the adventure smoother for both of you.

At The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa, we know the joy pets bring to the holiday season, and we’re here to share our best tips to help you and your furry friend enjoy every moment together.

Plan Ahead for Pet-Friendly Accommodations

Before you finalize your holiday travel plans, make sure your destination allows pets. Many hotels, vacation rentals, and relatives welcome pets — but some have restrictions or extra fees. It’s always best to call ahead, ask about pet rules, and confirm details such as yard access or crate requirements. This eliminates last-minute stress and helps your pet settle comfortably.

Update Contact Information on Tags and Microchips

In the event your dog or cat gets loose, you want to make sure you will get your pet back. Updating tags and microchips with your cell phone number will ensure a reunion if your pet is found roaming.

Double check their collar is secure by tightening it. Allow two fingers in between the collar and the neck of your pet in the event your pet is like mine and knows how to back out of his collar.

Pack Your Pet’s Travel Essentials

Pack Your Pet’s Travel Essentials

Just like you pack for yourself, pets need their own holiday travel kit. Must-haves include:

  • Food, treats, and collapsible bowls
  • Leash and harness
  • Medications and health records
  • Waste bags
  • Favorite toys or blanket
  • A cozy bed or crate

Bringing familiar items helps your pet feel safe and relaxed in a new environment.

Just like you pack for yourself, pets need their own holiday travel kit. Must-haves include:

  • Food, treats, and collapsible bowls
  • Leash and harness
  • Medications and health records
  • Waste bags
  • Favorite toys or blanket
  • A cozy bed or crate

Bringing familiar objects from home can ease the anxiety and confusion your pet may feel in a new environment. A crate can keep your pet safe when you want to travel or spend time with friends and family. Remember, not all people like your pet as much as you do, so ensuring your dog or cat can be safe and enjoy the holidays is equally important.

Make the Trip Comfortable for Your Dog or Cat

If you’re driving, plan for frequent potty and stretch breaks. Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car, even in cooler weather. For longer trips, make sure your pet is secured safely with a seatbelt harness or crate. Attached a well-secured leash or harness on your dog before you open the door for breaks to ensure you will have full control of a pet who may be excited and scared and bolt from the car.

If you’re flying, check airline pet policies well in advance. Some pets may need a health certificate or specific carrier guidelines. The earlier you plan, the easier the trip.

Keep Your Pet Calm and Happy

Holiday travel can be full of unfamiliar sounds, smells, and people. Keep your pet calm with:

  • Favorite toys
  • A calming chew or spray
  • Extra snuggle time
  • Soft music in the car

A relaxed pet makes for a much smoother journey — for everyone!

Consider Boarding for a Stress-Free Holiday

Not all pets love travel, and that’s okay! If your pet would be happier staying close to home, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa offers a safe, loving place to spend the holidays.

With cozy accommodations, supervised playtime, and attention from pet-loving staff, your pet will feel right at home while you enjoy your travels with peace of mind.

Wishing You and Your Pet a Wonderful Holiday Season!

Wherever your travels take you, a little planning goes a long way. We hope these tips help you make unforgettable memories with your pet this holiday season.

If you’d like to learn more about boarding, daycare, or grooming during the holidays, call The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa — we’d be delighted to take great care of your furry friend!

Santa Paws is Coming to The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

by

The bigs and littles are so excited that Santa Paws is coming to The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa next Thursday, December 11, 2025.

Our Santa Paws Pawty is the talk of the play yard, with both bigs and littles suiting up for their ugly sweater contest, practicing their smiles for pictures with Santa, and wondering who is going to go home with the day’s prizes.

Santa Paws Pawty is pawsed to be one epic day, and we’d hate for you to miss out! There is still time to join the fun!

Call or contact us to add your dog to doggie daycare on Thursday, December 11, 2025. There is an additional $20 fee that goes toward providing all of the fun and activities and necessities to make Santa Paws Pawty memorable!

Keeping Your Cat Happy & Healthy: Simple Tips Every Cat Parent Can Use

by

lying cat

At The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa, we’ve cared for thousands of whiskered guests over the years, and one thing is always true—cats thrive when they feel safe, loved, and understood. Whether your cat is a confident explorer or a cozy snuggler, their overall wellness depends on a balance of comfort, nutrition, enrichment, and routine care.

Here’s a friendly, down-to-earth guide to keeping your feline feeling their very best.

Create a Peaceful Place They Can Call Their Own

Cats are independent by nature, but they’re also creatures of comfort. You can create a private, peaceful oasis for your cat by offering them

  • A soft place to nap
  • A tall perch or cat tree to overlook the “kingdom”
  • A predictable daily routine
  • A quiet nook where they can retreat when life gets too noisy

A calm space helps your cat feel secure—and security is the first building block of good health.

Nourish Them With Good Food & Fresh Water

Healthy cats start with healthy meals. Choose a high-quality diet that fits your cat’s age and activity level, and make sure fresh water is always available. Many cats love moving water, so a small fountain can encourage them to drink more.

Keep Their Mind & Body Active

Cats may spend a lot of time lounging, but they still want to play, explore, and engage with their surroundings. A little daily enrichment goes a long way! Try:

Domestic gray cat playing with feather toy
  • Feather wand play for exercise
  • Puzzle feeders for mental stimulation
  • Window perches to watch birds and squirrels
  • Regular brushing to keep their coat soft and reduce hairballs

At The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa, enrichment is part of our philosophy—happy cats are healthy cats.

Stay Ahead of Health Issues

Preventive care is one of the most loving things you can do for your cat. Regular vet visits, dental care, flea prevention, and weight checks help catch small issues before they become bigger ones.

Also pay attention to changes in your cat’s behavior as they may indicate that something is wrong. Here are some signs your kitty may be ill or in need of a check up:

  • Hiding more than usual
  • Eating less
  • Over-grooming
  • Acting irritable or restless

Cats are masters at hiding discomfort, so small changes can say a lot.

Stress-Free Cat Boarding at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

There may be times when you need to travel, remodel, or simply can’t be home—and your cat deserves a safe, peaceful place to stay. The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa offers a calm, comfortable cat boarding experience that helps your feline feel right at home.

Our cat lodging is:

  • Completely separate from dogs to maintain a quiet, stress-free stay
  • Designed with multi-level condos so cats can climb, perch, and relax
  • Clean, secure, and climate-controlled
  • Cared for by a loving, attentive team who treats every cat as family

If you want your cat to enjoy a relaxing vacation of their own, we’d love to welcome them.
Call The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa to reserve your cat’s stay today!

Howl-o-Ween 2025

by

Happy Howl-o-Ween 2025 from The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa. Today we celebrated Howl-o-Ween at The Ranch with a pet costume contest, games, and prizes! Our daycare dogs really pulled out all the stops with their adorable costumes. Who is your favorite?

Head on over to our Facebook page and vote for your favorite dog in costume and check out the adorable photos and videos!

Thank you to everyone who participated!

The Ranch Pups in Costume

Our Howl-o-Ween event is one of the most popular events of the year for our staff, clients, and the dogs! We are pleased to share just some of our adorable pets in their costumes!

Have a safe and happy Halloween from The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa. Consider these pet tips to make the most out of a most spooktacular night!

Tips to a Safe and Vet Visit Free Halloween

With all of the excitement building around Halloween, please remember to take some extra precautions to ensure a safe and vet visit free Halloween!

  • Keep candy aware from dogs and cats. Chocolate can be deadly for dogs and cats.
  • Bring pets in before children come knocking on the door for trick or treats! Some pets get scared, especially from the noise and chaos and costumes.
  • Make sure pets have their ID tags on so they do not bolt out an open door.
  • Pets who are afraid of noise can be placed in a quiet room in a cage or surrounded with blankets and stuffies. Muffle sounds by turning on the radio or TV.
  • If you take your dog trick-or-treating, place a light up collar around their necks so others are aware your dog is nearby. Consider your dog’s personality to determine if he or she may prefer to stay home. Shy or reactive dogs may try to escape or slip out of their collars.
  • Enjoy the time with your pets and share any. photos you have of your pets in costume!

Bonding and Communication with Your Dog: Building a Stronger Connection

by

Dogs aren’t just pets—they’re family. They greet us with wagging tails, follow us from room to room, and sometimes seem to know exactly how we feel without a word spoken. But have you ever wondered how your dog communicates with you—or how you can deepen that bond even more?

Let’s explore the art of bonding and communication with your furry best friend.

1. Understanding Canine Body Language

Dogs speak volumes without saying a word. Learning to read your dog’s body language is the first step toward better communication.

  • Tail wagging doesn’t always mean happiness—look at speed, height, and direction.
  • Ears up and forward may mean curiosity, while flattened ears often signal fear or submission.
  • Yawning, lip licking, or turning away can mean your pup feels stressed.

Tip: Pay attention to the whole body, not just one sign, to understand what your dog is trying to tell you.

2. The Power of Voice and Tone

Dogs don’t understand every word, but they recognize tone, pitch, and emotion.

  • A high-pitched, happy voice encourages play and excitement.
  • A calm, low tone reassures and soothes.
  • Short, clear commands like “sit,” “stay,” or “come” work better than long sentences.

Tip: Consistency in your voice helps your dog know what you expect.

3. Quality Time Builds Trust

Spending time together is the foundation of bonding. Walks, playtime, and training sessions aren’t just exercise—they’re opportunities to strengthen your relationship.

  • Try interactive games like fetch, hide-and-seek, or puzzle toys.
  • Incorporate training into daily routines—it keeps your dog’s mind sharp and builds respect.
  • Don’t forget quiet bonding, too: cuddles on the couch or simply sitting together.

4. Physical Touch and Affection

Just like humans, dogs thrive on safe, gentle touch.

  • Many love belly rubs, ear scratches, or gentle brushing.
  • Some may prefer space—respecting boundaries also builds trust.
  • Touch releases oxytocin (the “love hormone”) in both you and your dog, deepening your bond.

5. Listening Goes Both Ways

Bonding isn’t just about giving commands—it’s about listening. If your dog hesitates, avoids something, or reacts strongly, pay attention. They’re communicating discomfort or fear, and honoring that makes them feel safe.

6. Celebrate the Little Things

Every wag, cuddle, or glance is part of your unique bond. Celebrate milestones—first successful “sit,” first long walk, or even just the joy of being together. The more you tune in to your dog’s world, the more they’ll tune in to yours.

Final Thoughts

Communication with your dog is a two-way street. When you take time to understand their signals, respond with love and consistency, and make space for shared experiences, your bond becomes unshakable.

At the end of the day, your dog doesn’t need perfection—they just need you.