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Dog Care

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!

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.

Hey, Mom and Dad! Check out these Local, Livermore Activities While I’m in Doggie Daycare!

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Look, Mom and Dad, I really want to go to Doggie Daycare at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa! So I’ve compiled a list of fun local, Livermore activities to keep you busy while I’m in Doggie Daycare!

I know you’ll miss me, but with all the activities The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa plans for us, all the great adults playing with us, and all the groovy friends I have waiting for me, it’s only fair that you get to have fun, too!

So, grab some friends or go by yourselves and check out these fun local, Livermore activities.

Wine Taste in Livermore

Glass Of Wine With Grapes And Barrel On A Sunny Background. Italy Tuscany Region

You don’t have to be as smart and refined as a poodle to know that Livermore has some of the best wine tasting in the Bay Area!

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is in the heart of wine country, so when you drop me off to play with my pack buddies, you can smell, swirl, sip, or spit that juice made from grapes all you want! Just don’t give us any grapes because they are toxic to dogs.

Golf in Livermore

I’ve heard people yell, “Fore!” when they swing at this little, tiny ball with what looks like a stick. I’m not sure what “Fore” means, but when that word is said, a bunch of people run and cover their heads. What a funny game you play!

I’d love to chase that ball on those rolling green hills and dig in the sand! Maybe one day you can take me with you so that when you hit the ball in the water, I can retrieve it!

Speaking of retrievers, have you seen some of them at The Ranch? They love to play in the water park that is unique to The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa.

So why don’t you check out the Golf courses in Livermore? I hear some of them are the best in the country!

Hike in Livermore

Oh, boy, do I love a good hike! But I’m ok with you dropping me at doggie daycare so you can hike without me sniffing out snakes or other dogs or needing to stop at every bush, twig, plant, and blade of grass to sniff who dared come before me on the trails.

Livermore has some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the area. Check them out! You can even run, jog, or ride your bike!

Shop in Livermore

Talk about premium shopping in Livermore! The San Francisco Premium Outlets have so many chic, trendy, name brand stores with discount prices! I’m almost as excited about you shopping as I am about meeting my friends on the play structures at the dog park at doggie daycare!

Stay awhile and eat at the many eateries when you tire from shopping. Just don’t forget to pick up something for me! Afterall, I am your best friend!

Hoomans, Treat Your Dog to a Fun Time at The Ranch Pet Resort’s Doggie Daycare!

For a fun-filled day, morning, or afternoon while you wine taste, golf, hike, shop, dine, or play with your own best friends, sign your pooch up for doggie daycare at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa!

Vet approved and loved by hoomans and pooches, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa in Livermore offers a safe, fun, monitored playground for all of man’s best friends. Don’t wait! Make your reservation today!

What to do When You Find a Lost Dog or Cat

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It’s no coincidence that more dogs and cats get lost this time of year than any other part of the year.

Holiday parties, Fourth of July Fireworks, BBQ’s, summer pool fun, vacations, and visitors mean more chaos in the household and more chances for scared, anxious, frightened, or excited dogs and cats to run away, run and hide, or just plain venture out when a gate is not closed or locked. According to the American Kennel Club, “…more pets go missing during July 4th weekend than any other time of the year.”

So, what do you do when you find a lost dog or cat?

Tips on Reuniting the Family Dog or Cat with its Owner

When you find a dog or cat that you believe is lost or displaced, it’s important to act in a timely manner. Chances are, the owners are looking for the pet as well, and trying to unite the two will ease the stress and anxiety for both the lost dog or cat and the owners.

Approaching a lost dog or cat should be done with careful precision not to cause injury or harm to you, the lost pet or your pet.

If a dog shows signs of being friendly, carefully approach the dog and look for a tag, collar, or other apparel such as a bandana that might include identification. If you find identification, call the number as soon as possible and text a picture of the dog for further confirmation.

If the dog is without a collar and allows you to either put a leash or collar on it, it’s best to isolate the dog in a confined space if you can. This time alone keeps your pets safe, calms the lost dog, and lessens the chance of either pet contracting diseases or fleas. Include a blanket or bed if you have one and food and water.

If you find a lost cat, carefully attempt to look for identification as well. Displaced or stray cats are extremely difficult to catch, and you should only attempt to do so if you have prior experience and the right clothing and a carrier.

Should the lost cat allow you to pick it up, quarantine it in a small space with a blanket, food, and water.

I Have the Lost Dog or Cat- What Do I Do Now?

If the lost dog or cat does not have an ID tag, call your vet and ask if you can bring the animal in to scan it for a microchip. Most vets will help you scan the animal; many rescue sources may even send a person to your home, thereby eliminating the stress from a trip to the vet.

If the pet is microchipped, contact the owners immediately and make arrangements to return the pet. Then congratulate yourself for successfully rehoming a lost dog or cat.

Advertise a Lost Dog or Cat

Social media is an excellent place to advertise a lost dog or cat. The Nextdoor app is also a great platform to use to share news of the lost dog or cat. Include several pictures of the dog or cat and a summary of what the dog or cat looks like.

Include the gender and color of the dog or cat and keep in mind that time away from home, the weather, mud puddles, and more can alter the color of the animal. Take notice of any unusual markings or behaviors that might distinguish the lost dog or cat from any other.

Also include the area you found the lost dog or cat, keeping in mind, lost animals can travel miles away. Of course, include a way to contact you-display several phone numbers, an email, a social media account, an address, or all of the above.

Put up fliers around the neighborhood with pictures, descriptions, and contact information.

Look on Sites that Advertise Lost Dogs and Cats

Be proactive in your search and contact your local animal shelters with a description of the lost dog or cat. Visit as many as you can if you have time and look through their book for postings that match the dog or cat you found.

Look for websites that post lost pets and be diligent in checking constantly. Sometimes an owner is unaware of their pet being lost due to being on vacation or traveling.

Contact rescue sites and nearby vets and pet stores in case the owner has been there looking for their pets.

Be sure to share with everyone you know that you have found a lost dog or cat and ask them to share this information as well.

Today’s technology makes the world a smaller space to reunite lost dogs or cats and shortens the time it takes to reconnect loved ones with their pets.

Keep Your Dogs and Cats Safe this Summer

If you are worried that company, your travels, or your busy lifestyle might be too much for your dog or cat, consider boarding them with The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa in Livermore’s beautiful wine country.

Whether you are interested in daycare or boarding your dog or cat, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is a safe and enjoyable place for your dog to rest and relax. Contact us to make a reservation!

Tips to Help Your Dog or Cat Feel Comfortable If You are Returning to Work Outside the Home

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Last year, rescue organizations and breeders saw a surge in dog and cat adoptions. Isolation and loneliness led many people to adopt a pet, filling a need for both humans and pets.

Last year’s newly adopted pets were used to their humans being home to comfort them, spend time with them, feed, play, and exercise them. Now that people are returning to work outside the home, some dogs and cats are experiencing anxiety and stress.

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa would like to offer these tips to relieve the stress and anxiety your dog or cat might feel after you go back to work.

Signs Your Dog or Cat is in Distress

Pets get used to a routine and when that routine changes, they can feel unsettled.  Much like humans, adapting to a new routine and change in the household takes time and patience.

If you find that your dog or cat is restless, anxious, not eating, chewing itself, licking excessively, shedding more than usual, being abnormally clingy, chewing items, barking, or showing destructive behavior they once did not, your pet might be feeling the impact of you going back to work.

Help Your Dog or Cat Adjust to Being Home Alone

If you know your routine is going to change, leaving your dog or cat home alone, you can try these tips to help your pet adjust.

1. Slowly adjust to your new routine. If you know you will be going back to work, practice a slight change in the routine to ease your pet into the changes.

2. Reassure your pet so it knows you will be back.

3. Leave a radio or TV on for background noise.

4. Make sure your pet is left with a familiar pillow, towel, blanket, stuffed animal, or piece of your clothing.

5. Fill your home with toys and activities to keep the pet busy. Cardboard boxes make for great fun and a safe shelter for the anxious cat; filling dog toys with treats that take time and effort to remove can relieve anxiety, pass the time, and distract your dog as you walk out the door.

6. Have someone check on your pet while you are at work.

7. Use a video monitoring system to “call” your dog or cat or check on them while you are away.

8. Upon arriving back at home, spend quality time with your pet, playing, walking, petting, and talking to your pet to reassure it.

9. Be patient and understand we all need time to adjust to change.

10. Sign your dog or cat up for pet boarding or doggie daycare at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa. The interaction is great for your pet, relieves loneliness, and can make you both feel better about the change.

Count on The Ranch Pet Resort for Your Pets’ Needs

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is a family-owned business. We pride ourselves on the love and care we provide your pets in our very modern, very comfortable, brand new facility!

From hugs, kisses, bedtime stories, water park and more, your dog or cat is treated as a VIP.

We understand leaving your pet behind can be difficult for both of you. Interested in learning more about our pet sitting services? Contact us for a consultation and visit! Ask about our specials for new customers!

Managing My Dog’s Shedding

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Funny portrait of cute puppy dog border collie with fur in moulting lying down on couch. Furry little dog and wool in annual spring or autumn molt at home indoor. Pet hygiene allergy grooming concept

At The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa, we see all types of dogs-those with short fur, some with hair, others with longer fur. Shedding is a common problem, even a nuisance, for some dog owners.

We often get asked how dog owners can manage their dog’s shedding.

What Causes Shedding and Can I Avoid it?

Shedding is a result of the loss of old fur or hair that is no longer needed. At certain times of the year, dogs shed their coats to regulate their body temperatures. Some dogs also tend to shed when they are anxious or under stressful situations.

Many breeds shed naturally, and it’s nothing to worry about, nor is it something pet owners can avoid. Some dogs such as Siberian huskies, Labrador retrievers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Akitas shed more than others due to their fur coats.

Some dogs such as Poodles, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Yorkshire Terriers have hair, not fur. These dogs are considered hypoallergenic and shed less than other breeds.

Helpful Advice to Manage Your Dog’s Shedding

No one likes the tumbleweed of furballs that harbor under couches or chairs. Even less of us like to come to work or go out with fur stuck to our clothes.

If you have a dog that sheds, you might find these tips helpful:

  • Use a shedding tool to brush your dog’s coat. This tool can help remove undercoat fur before it starts shedding.
  • Choose a brush created for your pet’s fur and make it a regular grooming habit. Whether it’s a wire brush or rubber comb, it’s important to choose the right grooming instrument. Most dogs find the brushing pleasant, much like a massage for a person. Plus, it builds trust and bonding with your dog.
  • Choose a healthy diet. Some dogs are allergic to certain products in foods. Ask your veterinarian or your local pet store for help selecting the right type of food for your dog to avoid allergies that might add to shedding.
  • Keep fresh water available at all times. Dogs who are dehydrated are more prone to shedding.
  • Make bathing your pet a regular activity. Not only will your dog smell better, but bathing will also help decrease the shedding before the fur falls out. Try a de-shedding shampoo for even better results.

When Should I be Worried About Excessive Shedding?

If you are worried about excessive shedding, it may be a good idea to take your dog to the vet. Parasites such as lice, fleas, and mites can cause abnormal or unusual shedding. Ringworm, or other fungal infections, immune diseases or cancer can cause shedding, too.

If you see scabs, bumps, or rashes in addition to excessive shedding, if your dog is licking excessively and experiencing fur loss, or if you notice your dog acting unusual in addition to the shedding, it might be a good idea to take your dog to the vet.

Let the Groomers at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa Help with Your Dog’s Shedding

Three dogs in towels after bathing

Our professional groomers have years of experience with shedding! At The Ranch, your dog is treated like royalty with its own spa day! Ask about our de-shedding treatments and specialty shampoos. Your dog will leave looking, smelling, and feeling great!

Contact us to make an appointment for your dog at our award-winning, luxury spa!