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Dog Care

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!