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Fourth of July Holiday Tips

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The Fourth of July weekend kicks off this Friday, which makes for a long weekend of celebrations. We are lucky to live in Livermore, home to many fun and family-friendly Fourth of July activities right in our own backyard. Or, we can make a short trip to the mountains or the beach!

However you decide to celebrate the Fourth of July, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa wishes each of you a fun, safe, and festive Fourth of July. Please enjoy the holiday even more with our Fourth of July Holiday Tips.

Keep Your Pet Safe on the Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is filled with crowds, music, action, fireworks in some places, and a variety of tasty food and drink.

At this time of year, it’s especially important to remember that not all of our pets enjoy the festivities and are easily spooked; some are even traumatized.

While you enjoy the Fourth of July celebrations, please make safety a primary consideration for your pets, as fireworks, strangers, and loud noises are a trigger for many animals, creating stress, anxiety and overcrowded shelters.

Place your pet in a crate or locked room with food and water, comforting toys, chewies, soft music or a quiet TV show. Thundershirts are often a great tool for dogs who experience much stress.

If you go out, ask a responsible person to check on your pet. Having someone there to calm a stressed dog can do wonders for a reactive pet. Just make sure they return the pet to the closed crate or room.

Keep your dogs at home for any Fourth of July activity. Even the most secure pooch can be easily stressed or escape if you are distracted. Hot pavement or heat create health hazards to our beloved canines. Make the Fourth a time for you and your friends and family, securing your pet at home.

DID YOU KNOW? ***************

The day after the Fourth of July is the most crowded day at the shelters, as frightened pets who aren’t secured safely in a room or crate often get scared and run off.

Watch the video below to learn ways to keep your pet out of the shelter on the Fourth of July.

Take Measures to Track a Lost Pet

If your pet does get lost, you should take these measures to find it.

  • Call and visit your local shelter daily.
  • Put lost and found posters around the neighborhood and beyond. Dogs can roam for miles, increasing the travel distance.
  • Offer a reward for the safe return of your pet.
  • Post on Nextdoor and all social media platforms.
  • Ask everyone to share the news that your pet is missing. Give details about what your pet looks like, what its name is, and ways to get it back or advice on not chasing it in the event it may run further away.

Keep Dogs and Cats Away from Holiday Food

Holiday food is oh, so good, but can cause diarrhea, vomiting, an expensive hospital visit, or even death to a dog or cat.

Avoid sharing even the littlest bit of food with your dog and ask your guests to not share food either.

You never know how a pet is going to react to a holiday treat or if it may contain something in it that causes allergies or is toxic to your dog or cat.

If you have a side yard, room, or crate, it’s best your pet is unable to roam around during your Fourth of July holiday party. Even the most attentive hosts can be distracted by the most cunning dog or cat who is just as tempted to enjoy the food and drink.

Happy Fourth of July from all of us at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

Top Three Benefits to Owning a Pet

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For the pet lover, owning a pet brings many benefits-from having someone to come home to after a long day at work to the morning snuggles and cuddles that help us begin our day, our pets bring us more than just joy, comfort, and laughs. They boost our health and improve our social lives, which is no surprise to the millions of people who own pets.

This month’s blog reflects on just three of the many benefits to owning a pet.

Pets Improve our Mood

Any pet lover knows that the worst day at work can be eased by coming home to your dog or cat who is always eager and excited to see you. Just the mere touch, snuggle, or wiggly tail can put a person in a better mood. And who doesn’t laugh at the countless TikTok videos of funny animal clips?!

Sad, depressed, anxious? Get a pet! According to Help.guide, pets increase our seratonin and dopamine levels, leaving us with feelings of peace and security and lowering anxiety and depression.

It’s a fact that “Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets” (source).

But only those without pets need to read a study to understand how owning something that loves you unconditionally can improve your mood even at the lowest of times.

Pets Improve our Health

Great dog owners understand their dog’s needs to go for a walk, and that walk benefits the owners as well. In a world that celebrates 10,000 steps a day, walking is a great way to get in those steps, burn calories, maintain a healthy weight, improve heart health, and improve sleep.

Looking for more information about how walking a dog can improve your health? Click this health article by Denise Lum.

Pets Make Us Social

People with pets tend to interact with others more than people without pets. I once noticed my neighbor walking his cat on a leash and commented how unusual this was and how happy his cat seemed to be. This neighbor, whom I’ve never spoken to or seen again, and I struck up a conversation that would not have occurred beyond a simple, “Hi,” if he was doing anything other than walking his cat.

Our family owned a Flemish Giant Rabbit, and we had neighbors and dogs come up to our gate all of the time to ask about this huge Bunny. Every neighbor, delivery person, contractor or landscaper who came over has a picture of Teddy on their phone.

Just yesterday, I commented on my neighbor who had just gotten a new puppy. We chatted briefly about the joys and challenges of puppyhood!

My neighbor is very thoughtful about sending me images of my cat peering in on him in his bedroom. She is an escape artist and my neighbor reaches out with his takes on what it looks like on his end to have our little Houdini cat acting like the neighborhood Peeping Tom.

Pets allow people to strike up conversations they may not otherwise have started if it wasn’t for a pet. According to a study conducted by Harvard and the University of Australia, “…people with pets were 60 percent more likely than people without pets to easily meet other folks in their communities.”

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa Loves All of Your Pets

No matter what your reasons are for getting a pet, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa loves your pets! We can attest that your pets provide us laughter and joy. Coming to work is the best part of our day!

If you would like more information on our doggie daycare, dog or cat boarding, or board and stay programs, please reach out to us! Our friendly and helpful staff is here to answer all of your questions!

How Dogs Play at Different Ages

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Just like people, dogs change as they grow—and that includes how they play! Puppies are little balls of energy, adults tend to settle into a rhythm, and seniors may slow down but still enjoy a good game. Here’s how play behavior shifts as dogs get older.

Puppies (Under 6 Months)

All Energy, All the Time
Puppies are super curious and love to explore the world through play.

They Play A LOT
They can go for hours and seem like they never get tired.

Learning Through Play
Play helps them understand how to interact with people and other dogs.

Figuring Out Boundaries
Rough-and-tumble play teaches important lessons like when to stop and how to be gentle.

Tip: This is the perfect time to encourage good play habits!

Adolescents (6–18 Months)

Play Gets Rougher
Teenage dogs are full of energy and might play harder than before.

Pushing Limits
They may test the rules or challenge other dogs during play.

Pickier About Playmates
They start forming preferences about who they want to play with.

Watch for Overexcitement
These dogs can get overstimulated quickly, so supervision is key.

Consider structured games to help burn off energy while teaching focus.

Adult Dogs (18 Months to Around 7 Years)

They Know What They Like
Adults often have a favorite toy, game, or playmate.

More Chill
They still enjoy playing, but usually in a calmer way.

Selective Players
Some are still super playful—others, not so much.

Different for Every Dog
One adult dog might chase a ball all day, while another just wants belly rubs.

Related: Best Toys for Adult Dogs

Senior Dogs (7+ Years)

Slower Pace
Older dogs may not have the same stamina they used to.

Mobility Issues
Things like arthritis can make high-energy games uncomfortable.

Adjust the Game
Try gentler play like short tug-of-war, food puzzles, or sniff-and-find games.

Mental Changes Too
Cognitive decline may affect how they interact or understand play.

Play helps seniors stay mentally sharp and emotionally connected.

Key Things to Remember

  • Every Dog’s Different: Age is a factor, but personality matters too.
  • Health = Playfulness: A dog’s health can affect how much (or how little) they want to play.
  • Start Young: Dogs who play and socialize early tend to grow into confident, happy adults.
  • Always Supervise: Make sure play stays safe and fun for everyone involved—especially when mixing dogs of different ages or sizes.

Keep Play Fun at Any Age

Understanding how your dog’s play changes as they grow helps you give them what they need at every stage of life. Whether they’re full of puppy zoomies or just want a quiet game of fetch, playtime is always a chance to bond.

Want more tips? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly dog-friendly games, training tips, and more! Simply email info@theranchpetresort.com and ask to be added to the email list!

Why Does My Dog React Differently at the Dog Park?

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We’ve had a few owners ask us about their dogs acting differently at the dog park verses the ways they acted when they were younger or when they come to The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa to play at doggie daycare.

Many owners are surprised to learn that dogs go through different stages, much like humans do. Puppies tend to love to romp and play and make new friends and are happy to be at the dog park. But as puppies age, their interests change, and they don’t always want to be around a group of dogs, some of which have different play styles.

Dogs, again, like humans, can also become dog selective, meaning they prefer the certain company of some dogs more than others. Whether the preference is due to play style, activity level, size, age, or gender of dog, it’s common for many dogs to prefer some dogs and avoid others.

When dogs go to The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa, they can become used to the routine of the visit, our professional dog handlers, their buddies, and familiarity of the situation.

At the dog park, certain elements can cause your dog to feel “thrown off,” resulting in your dog feeling overstimulated, excited, anxious, and even fearful. Take the overprotective dog parent who doesn’t understand the noises your dog makes are playful and not aggressive.

Mix in the new dog owner who doesn’t understand a dog’s body image and intervenes during a perfectly natural play session. Or even worse, consider the neglectful or distracted dog owner who fails to control his dog’s actions, leading to fights or scuffles.

Add the new puppy who jumps on your dog, steals a favorite ball, or lacks manners, and your dog may retreat, show signs of aggression, shy away, or be clingy.

Some dogs who have a high prey drive may mistake smaller, younger, or quick moving dogs for prey and act in ways that upset owners-and rightfully so.

Aging Dogs Have Special Needs

Aging dogs who were once the fastest at the park or agile and playful have different needs. They don’t often like to be around jumpy dogs or dogs that “introduce themselves” by sniffing at their rear ends.

Aging dogs often need just space and time to socialize on their own time and with their own agendas. For an elder pup, the dog park presents an exciting trip away from home to be with their favorite human, smell some good scents, and lay in the cool grass.

Their prime motivation for going to the dog park is to rest and relax, much like an adult human who enjoys a nap on a lazy afternoon.

Dogs with Special Needs

Some special needs dogs will react differently at the dog park because they have not had the same background, socialization, or experience as other dogs.

Between the ages of 7-12 weeks, puppies are susceptible to situations that imprint on them for life. If a dog didn’t have a good experience around other dogs or wasn’t socialized during those periods, that dog may present fear, caution, aggression, or shyness at the dog park. These dogs need time, experience, and positive interactions to feel more confident at the dog park.

A dog that has an injury or illness that the owner is unaware of may also act differently. Like humans, we aren’t very social or friendly when we hurt or are in pain.

Likewise, a dog recovering from illness or injury may need more time to acclimate themselves and feel comfortable and confident at the dog park. Slow introductions are necessary to allow your dog to feel up to playing on its terms.

Considerations for Taking Your Dog to the Dog Park

All dogs need exercise to feel stimulated, avoid boredom, and socialize. If walking your dog isn’t enough exercise, your dog thrives from running “free,” or if you just want a new environment for your dog, be aware of how your dog may react at the dog park.

There is no “one size fits all” dog for the dog park, and even your dog-park loving best friend may react differently each time you take it to the dog park.

If your dog acts differently at the dog park, just be aware of the situations, circumstances and reasons your dog may react the way it does.

As a responsible pet owner, it’s our job to make sure our pets feel safe and not reactive to other dogs or situations. Enjoy your time at the dog park, but be prepared to leave if your dog shows signs of fear, anxiety, or aggression.

Looking for a Safe Place to Exercise Your Dog With Supervision by Professional Dog Handlers?

Consider booking your dog at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa if you would like to leave your dog in a safe, protected environment that is always under the watchful eye of our professional dog handlers. We have doggie daycare and pet boarding available.

The Ranch also has the experience and knowledge to understand your dog’s behavior, redirect the dogs, and even provide stimulating toys and the East Bay’s only water park. The combination makes for a very happy and exhausted doggie and even happier parents.

When your dog starts to enjoy the routine and meets up with regular friends under our careful eye, your dog may start to assimilate The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa with confidence, excitement, and happiness. And isn’t that the greatest gift we can give our dogs?

Fun Facts About Dogs

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For dog owners, our pups are more than just pets—they’re loyal friends, companions, and family members. Naturally, we want to know as much about them as possible. So, whether you’re a seasoned dog lover or just starting your pet journey, here are some fun dog facts.

Dogs’ Noses Are Wet for a Reason
A dog’s wet nose isn’t just cute—it’s functional. Dogs secrete a thin layer of mucus to help absorb scent chemicals. They often lick their noses to “taste” these smells, which enhances their ability to process and identify scents.

Dogs See Some Colors, Not Just Black and White
Contrary to popular belief, dogs aren’t completely colorblind. While they don’t see the full spectrum like humans, they can see shades of blue and yellow. Plus, their superior night vision gives them an edge in low-light situations.

Dogs Have a Paw Preference
Like humans, dogs can be right- or left-pawed. A study involving over 17,000 dogs found that about 74% had a preferred paw, with more being right-pawed than left.

Bloodhounds’ Noses Are So Accurate, They’re Used in Court
Bloodhounds can follow scent trails over 130 miles long and up to 300 hours old. Their tracking abilities are so reliable that their scent evidence is admissible in court.

Dogs Sweat Through Their Paws
Dogs primarily regulate body temperature by panting, but they also sweat—just through their paw pads. They have merocrine glands in their feet for sweating and apocrine glands that release unique scents for identification.

Dogs Have a Super Sense of Smell
Dogs have around 300 million scent receptors in their noses (compared to our 6 million). They also use a secondary system called the accessory olfactory system to detect pheromones, giving them incredible scent-detecting abilities.

A Dog’s Nose Print Is One of a Kind
Just like human fingerprints, every dog has a unique nose print. Some companies even offer dog nose print ID services for this reason!

Why Dogs Kick After “Going”
When your dog kicks up grass after doing their business, they’re not trying to cover it—they’re marking territory. Their paw pads release pheromones during this backward “scraping” motion, leaving a lasting scent behind.

Dogs Have a Third Eyelid
Dogs have an extra eyelid called the nictitating membrane. It helps clear debris from their eyes, distributes tears, and even supports immune defense.

Dogs Bring Out the Best in Us
Beyond all these facts, one truth stands out: dogs enrich our lives every day. Their loyalty, love, and quirky habits make them truly special companions.

Benefits of Owning More than One Dog or Cat

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Animal lovers such as this blogger find deep companionship in the company of multiple pets. When you rescue shelter pets, you become immune to the work, time, care, and expense that owning multiple pets requires.

So when I tell people how many dogs and cats I have, their expressions and comments vary from-I don’t know how you manage that many pets to you’re crazy-and that expression mostly comes from my kids.

It’s true that having more than one dog or cat is a lot more of everything! More work, more fur, more food, more waste, more money to spend on doggie daycare, boarding, grooming, veterinarian expenses and so forth.

But I find the real joy in multiple pet ownership outweighs any of the negatives.

Agree or not, here are some reasons for owning more than one dog or cat; and these reasons also benefit your dog or cat.

Why Owning More Than One Pet Is Worth It

Adopting more than one pet may require extra effort, but the rewards are well worth it. If your dog or cat enjoys the company of others, having a second pet can lead to a happier, healthier household for everyone—animals and humans alike. Pets benefit from companionship, and their owners often experience more joy and stronger emotional bonds.

Benefits for Pets: Companionship and Activity

One of the biggest advantages of having two pets is that they keep each other company. Whether you’re at work, asleep, or running errands, your pets can play, rest, or explore together. This helps reduce boredom and loneliness, which are common in single-pet homes.

Pets also tend to be more active when they have a playmate. Dogs will chase, wrestle, and run together, while cats may stalk and pounce as part of natural hunting behavior. This kind of interaction often leads to more daily exercise than a human alone can provide. Staying active is important for preventing health problems as pets age.

Each pet also brings its own personality to the household. One might be quiet and affectionate, while the other is playful and full of energy. This variety can be fun and rewarding for everyone in the home. Pets can also bond with different members of the family, strengthening connections all around.

Health Benefits for Owners

Pets aren’t just good for each other—they’re good for us, too. Owning a cat or dog has been linked to lower stress levels, reduced feelings of loneliness, and even improved heart health. When you pet or cuddle an animal, your body releases oxytocin (the “love hormone”) and reduces cortisol (the stress hormone). This can lead to lower blood pressure and a calmer mood.

Having two pets can double these moments of connection. Whether one is curled up next to you or both are playing across the room, it brings a steady sense of companionship. Pets can also help you stay more active. Dogs need walks and playtime, and even cats like to chase toys or explore, encouraging more movement and engagement in your daily life.

You might also find yourself more social with multiple pets. Animals often attract attention when you’re out and about, making it easier to meet new people. They’re natural conversation starters and can help you feel more connected to others.

Stronger Bonds and Lifelong Joy

The bond between two pets can be heartwarming to witness. Watching them groom each other, curl up together, or play chase through the house adds joy to your home. Their friendship is pure and strong—and it often mirrors the bond they share with you.

Of course, adopting more than one pet means making sure they’re compatible. Introduce them gradually and provide separate spaces at first. With patience and care, most pets will adjust and learn to enjoy each other’s company.

In the end, having more than one dog or cat often means more laughter, love, and connection. Two pets can enrich each other’s lives—and yours—every single day.

Considering adding another dog or cat to your household? Visit your local shelter, rescue group, or responsible breeder.