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Holiday Tips for Your Dog or Cat

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Safe dog treats during the holidays

The holidays are here and for many, it’s a time of festivities, laughter, company, food, and libation!

We try to cram in our daily responsibilities along with planning for family and friends, gift buying and wrapping, sending off cards, cooking, cleaning, and holiday parties.

During this busy, crazy season, it’s important to remember that the holidays can be an uneasy time for your beloved canine and feline, who pick up on the stress you are feeling.

To make this holiday season the best for you and your fur babies, here are some holiday tips for your dog and cat.

1. Try to keep a similar schedule as the one you currently have with your dog or cat. When schedules change, dogs and cats can experience stomach issues, have accidents that wouldn’t normally occur, or feel agitated, worried, or anxious.

2. Give your dog or cat a safe place to hide from Aunt Margie with the overdone lipstick who wants to kiss your kitty or Uncle Lu who may not understand that feeding your dog tidbits from the table isn’t healthy for your dog or cat. As much as we love being around family and friends, that doesn’t mean our furry friends do, too.

A kennel provides dogs a natural environment to feel safe and secure. Filled with a favorite blankie, toy, or treat, it’s a haven from all the chaos they feel.

While some cats may feel comfortable curling up on the couch in between Grandpa and Uncle Benny, many cats like the safety of hiding under a bed, a dresser, or in a closet. This safe space allows them to come out on their own time…or not come out at all. But by giving them a safe place for comfort, you avoid the possibility of them being injured by many well-meaning guests, running away, or fear biting.

3. Arrange for responsible pet care in advance if you are traveling. Whether you hire someone to come into your home or need to arrange for dog boarding or cat boarding, plan well in advance. The best pet sitters and dog boarding and cat boarding facilities book up quickly!

4. Avoid feeding your dog or cat food that is not part of their regular diet. While it’s tempting to want to indulge Doggie or Kitty with the festive food that are a huge part of the holiday season, many of the foods we eat during the holiday are poisonous to our pets or can cause digestive issues. For a list of foods to avoid during the holiday, click here.

5. Don’t forget your best and most loyal friend during the holidays. Treat your dog or pet to veterinarian approved treats, toys, a grooming appointment, or a playdate at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa.

Afterall, your pets deserve the very best, even if they do make Santa’s naughty list!

Holiday Dog and Cat Boarding at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

If you are looking to board your dog or cat at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa for the holidays, book now! We fill up fast! There’s a reason we are the number one veterinarian recommended pet care provider!

Check out our Google Reviews!

Taking Care of Doggie to Avoid Canine Influenza (the Flu)

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Flu season is quickly approaching for us humans, and it’s a gentle reminder that we need to take care of Doggie, too, to avoid canine influenza (the flu). Symptoms of the flu range from mild to severe, and we want to make sure your pup is feeling its peppy self as we approach the holiday season.

Try Not to Worry! The Flu is Treatable Under Veterinary Care

Luckily, the flu is treatable under a vet’s care and has a low mortality rate. But one sick dog is too many for us, so we at The Ranch want to make certain you are aware that dogs do get the flu and help you avoid it.

Canine Influenza is Not Seasonal

While Canine Influenza is not seasonal as the flu is for humans, there have been some recent reports of the canine flu in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.

We have not had any cases of the flu in northern California, and we’d like to keep our Ranch pups safe and healthy through education and precautionary measures.

Consult Your Vet for all Your Dog’s Medical Needs

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa always suggests that you consult your veterinarian for any medical needs or issues your dog faces, including Canine Influenza.

A helpful way to keep your pup safe is to ask your vet about the canine influenza vaccine.

Due to the surge in cases in Los Angeles, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa will be requiring all doggie daycare and all dog boarders to be vaccinated with the Canine Influenza shot by November 22, 2021.

Please contact us to update your dog’s shot records so we can continue to have some rip-roarin’ fun!

What are the Symptoms of Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)

While symptoms and seriousness of canine influenza differ among dogs, just as they do with humans, you should be concerned if your dog has any of the following symptoms:

  • Lethargy
  • Runny nose
  • Discharge from the eyes
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Fever
  • Difficulty breathing

You know your pet the best, so if you notice your pet acting differently, not being his or her usual bubbly, cuddly self, it’s in your pup’s best interest to talk to your vet.

How Do Dogs Get the Flu?

Dogs get the flu from contact with sick dogs, contaminated environments or objects, or people who have handled infected dogs. The illness is airborne, spread through coughing, sneezing, or barking. A dog diagnosed with the flu should be taken to the vet, quarantined and given more love, attention, and snuggles as possible. Just as the Dr. ordered.

If you would like to learn more about the Dog Flu, here is a helpful article from the American Kennel Club.

Keeping Your Pups Safe

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa takes the health, safety, and well-being of our pups seriously. We are very proud of the safety measures we put into place, as we consider your dogs an integral part of our family.

It’s important that we keep you informed so we can continue to provide the fun, laughter, love, affection, and attention that your doggies deserve.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need anything!

Howl-o-ween Costume Pawty at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

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We had so much fun at our Rockin 80’s Pawty, we want to continue the thrills with a Howl-o-ween Costume Pawty on Thursday, October 28, 2022 that no dog wants to miss!

Calling all Doggie Ghosts, Goblins, Spirits, Witches, and More!

Don’t miss your chance to show off your best self in your favorite costume! Whether it’s a fairy princess, all-star baseball player, or spookie goblin, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa can’t wait to see how our doggie daycare and dog boarding guests transform The Ranch.

All attendees will have their pictures taken and posted live for all to see on our social media accounts!

Plus, we will be having a costume contest, so get creative and go for the gusto!

Need Costume Inspiration? Take a Look at Last Year’s Attendees

From the simple sweetie to the scariest monster and the sultry super hero, our guests brought their A-game to The Ranch!

Cute pumpkin!

Who can resist this irresistible pumpkin who apparently dislikes the photography part of the party? We sure can’t, and we think the expression is simply a crowd pleaser!

Monster! Boo! So scary!

We love any type of monster costume, especially on our biggies! He wants you to think he’s one big scary monster, but deep down, we at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa know he’s a marshmallow inside.

Super Hero Dog to the Rescue!

This pup’s able to leap over haystacks, strong enough to play tug of war, and fast enough to get to the water feature before the other dogs without ripping her costume!

We think she owned the look and self-confidence needed to wear this costume, which is why she won one of The Ranch’s most coveted prizes for best costume!

Be a Part of the Howl-o-Ween Fun at the Spookiest Pawty of the Year at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

Looking for more information on how to sign up for The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa’s Howl-o-Ween Pawty? Contact us today to reserve your spot! $15 per dog reserves your coveted spot for a day of thrills, frills, frights, and fun!

Stay tuned for more details!

October Bowser Report

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The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa has had a busy summer, and we are heading straight into fall! So many dogs and cats enjoyed staying in our air conditioned facilities, being read to, playing in the water park, and meeting new friends.

Our Facebook and Instagram pages are filled with funny videos, outtakes and bloopers, singing starlets, and just plain adorable dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens!

We encourage you to follow us and like our pages and posts…and you just might see a friendly face or two that you know!

Rockin 80’s Concert Pawty Update

We hope you were able to make it to our Rockin 80’s Concert Pawty. There was no end to the neon fashions, boomboxes, roller skates, and long hair being sported that day.

Rising starlets kept us entertained with Top Hits of the 80’s and two-legged as well as four-legged party fans rocked the day away!

Second Annual Bacon Flavored Bubble Party!

Calling all bubbly bacon lovers! Get your hoomans to sign you up for our Second Annual Bacon Flavored Bubble Party!

No one can resist the urge to pop a bubble, and when it tastes like bacon…you have a dog gone good time!

Our last event was a huge success, and it’s back by popular demand!

Stay tuned for details, but in the meantime, we encourage you to practice your bubble popping!

Happy Fall 🍁 From The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

The weather sure feels warm but the nights are getting darker sooner. That means our hoomans sometimes have to walk us when it’s dark and spooky at night.

For everyone’s safety, please remember to walk with reflective gear, carry a flashlight, and be aware of your surroundings at all times!

We want all our hoomans and dog friends to be safe!

Contact The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

If you have any questions or want more information about our spectacular doggie day care, dog boarding, or cat boarding services, please do not hesitate to contact us!

We would be happy to answer your questions, give you a tour, and show off our darlings! (both hooman and pet).

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is the number one recommended doggie daycare in Livermore, and our reviews show it!

Calling All Bodacious Bowsers for a Totally Rad 80’s Concert Pawty at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

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dog in 80's costume

Like, grab your scrunchies, grunge attire, big hair, shoulder pads, or preppie glasses and motor on over to The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa’s Totally 80’s Concert Pawty on September 28, 2021.

All dogs registered for daycare or boarding are welcome to attend. There is a $15 concert fee in addition to regular daily rates. Click here to register!

Prepare to veg out and listen to the Best of the 80’s with some totally tubular fun, prizes for the best 80’s costumes, and gnarly treats.

This Event Will Sell Out So Get Your Concert Tickets Early!

Hurry and register because like there are only 60 concert tickets available, and you wouldn’t want to miss out on all the rockin action that only The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa can make happen.

So set your Swatches and REGISTER EARLY! I mean seriously, like why wouldn’t you?

Get Your Dance Moves on to Hammertime!

Concert goes! Prepare to rock out to hits from Madonna, Michael Jackson, MC Hammer, Metal Hair Bands, and more!

Bring your Walk Man or your big stereos and practice your Moon Walk, Thriller Moves, or MC Hammer Dance moves!

We’re usually playing in it, but we just may be practicing the Sprinkler; the Robot; the Cabbage Patch…they’re not just for chewing and ripping apart; or The Running Man…hmmm, isn’t that what the mailman does when we chase him? The Worm? Not just for breakfast anymore!

We guarantee you a slammin good time with lots of big moves straight out of a John Hughes movie.

We will have you pups sliding out of your seats Footloose and Flashdance free! And we promise you will have The Time of Your Life.

Get Your Concert Tickets to The Ranch Pet Resort’s 80’s Pawty Today

Don’t wait! Get your $15 tickets (in addition to regular daily rate) to the 80’s Concert Pawty event of September before they sell out! We guarantee a most radical good time for all dogs and the friendly, fun loving staff at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa!

Planning for Your Pets in the Event You Can No Longer Care for Your Them

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Our pets are family, and while we all want a lifelong relationship with our fur babies, sometimes circumstances arise that we don’t foresee. It’s important to remember that in the event we are unable to take care of our dogs, cats or other critters at home we love, we have a backup plan.

Prepare for All Circumstances With Back Up Caretakers

No one wants to think about not being our animals’ primary caretakers, but in the event we are incapacitated or unable to care for our animals, it’s important to have back up caretakers.

Choose a member of your family, friend, neighbor, or coworker who you would like to take over your pet’s care in the event you cannot.

Make sure the person you choose is willing to give your pet the lifelong care, love, attention, and medical treatments it needs to live a long, healthy and fulfilling life.

Keep certain considerations in mind when choosing the right caretaker.

Considerations When Choosing a Caretaker For Your Pet

Be precise and meticulous about whom you choose to take care of your pet. Here are some tips to help you make the right match between you and your pet.

  1. Make sure the caretaker is willing to adopt your pet and care for it on a permanent basis. Sometimes people may agree at the moment, not thinking through all the requirements to properly care for your pet for the longterm. Or perhaps circumstances change, making the caretaker unable or unwilling to care for your pet. It’s good to have back up caretakers.
  2. Have the caretaker become friends with your pet and see it on a frequent basis to alleviate the pet/pets’ anxiety, confusion, concern during the transition.
  3. If possible, set money aside for the care of your pet/pets. Medical care, food, toys, and lodging are expensive, and setting aside money to care for your pets will alleviate the burden of caring for your pets.
  4. Keep diligent vet records and store them in a place your caretake can access them. Include any allergies the pet may have.
  5. It’s better to be safe than sorry. No one wants to come to terms with not being able to care for a pet; but for the pet and your well-being, make time to pick a caretaker.
  6. If the caretaker has pets, make sure your pet gets along with the caretaker’s pet. As great as animals are, some animals just don’t fit in with certain other pets.
  7. Try to keep the pet’s routine in place to ease the anxiety the pet will experience. If the pet sleeps in a crate at night, try to keep that same routine.
  8. Allow the pet to grieve along with the caretaker. Pets are very perceptive and pick up on changes just like humans do.
  9. Make sure your caretaker’s values in terms of your pet are similar to yours. In the event of a medical issue, would your caretaker be on board with the decisions you’d make for your own pet?
  10. Educate the caretaker that change takes time; the behavior of the pet may change over time, but if given the opportunity to grow and thrive and feel love again, your pet can make a great addition to the caretaker’s family.