The Ranch Pet Resort

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Dog News

Choosing the Right Dog for You!

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66% of U.S. households own a dog (Forbes 2023). With so many dog breeds available, how can you choose the right dog for you?

Research Different Breeds

The first piece of advice The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa would give you regarding bringing a dog into your household is to make sure you research the breeds you are considering. Different dogs have different needs; make sure you are able to meet their needs and they can meet yours.

Consider such traits as activity level, size, height, weight, grooming needs, need for attention, affection, attachment, or a job, intelligence, physical traits such as hair or fur, long snout or short stout with wrinkles, bulging eyes, erect or floppy ears, prey dog or low prey drive, child friendly; loyal or more independent; or vocal or more quiet just to give some suggestions.

You can get advice online, by asking people who own the dog you want, getting information from a reputable breeder or rescue, speaking with your vet, visiting dog shows, your local dog shelter, or pet adoption fairs.

Consider Space When Choosing the Right Dog for You

Some dogs need a lot of room to run and roam and would fare better with a large yard, while others have low exercise needs and could do better in an apartment, condo, or townhome.

Large dogs take up a lot of space in the home, so make sure you are comfortable sharing your home with a big bestie. Big dogs need big beds whether they sleep on the floor or in bed with you!

Smaller dogs can be content in smaller dog beds and definitely take up less room under your covers.

Crates work really well for dogs, as they are used to sleeping in dens in the wild. But make sure the crate is large enough for the dog to fully stand up and turn around.

Dogs love to ride in cars, so if you’re planning on adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog or Mastiff, a car’s back seat or rear area would work best! Little dogs often have their own car seat beds and take up little space. In either case, it is a good idea to seatbelt your dog.

Calculate Expense- Dogs are Not Cheap

Whether you are getting a dog from a breeder, rescuing from the shelter, or getting a dog from a friend, all dogs cost money. There is typically a fee for the dog. If a dog doesn’t already come with a full series of shots, he will need his vaccines.

To avoid unwanted pregnancy and reduce the risk of cancer in dogs, spaying or neutering your dog is a good idea. Check with your local veterinarian as costs do differ based on weight and other considerations.

Dogs need food all the time! Whether your dog prefers dry, wet, or homemade, you need to budget for food.

Toys, collars, leashes, training paraphernalia and classes, puppy pads, nutrients, vitamins, calming treats, bedding, treats, dog bowls, poop bags, medicines, pet insurance, boarding, and pet sitting, are not cheap! Be prepared to spend a lot of money before you even get your dog.

Emergencies might occur. This is an unexpected expense that can cost you a lot of money, so factor that in when you are calculating your expenses.

Don’t Forget Pet Care

Pet care does not just mean routine maintenance of vaccinations. Some dogs need frequent grooming, brushing, or bathing to keep them healthy and comfortable.

Some dogs have medical issues that require a monthly prescription or routine administration that adds to their care.

Routing dog maintenance is important, so don’t forget to take your pet to your favorite veterinarian.

Consider The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa for Your Dog’s Needs!

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is excited for anyone who is choosing a dog. As dog lover’s ourselves, we know how much joy and happiness a dog can bring to a person.

If your new dog needs behavior lessons, doggie daycare, grooming, or boarding, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa would be happy to assist you!

Do Animals Dream? What Do They Dream About?

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Happy Dreams after a day at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

The other night my dog, Lola, was sleeping on my bed and she started whimpering. Her feet started moving in a running motion and her eyes, while shut, twitched.

I patted her gently to reassure her she was safe, and I was there to protect her. Her frantic motions and whimpering stopped without her waking up, at least to my knowledge.

Last night, my cat, Turkey (yes, we have a cat named Turkey), was sound asleep on my chest. Suddenly and without any warning to me, he jumped up, opened his eyes, and looked around. He immediately settled back to sleep with no further jumping motions.

These actions, and years of watching my many animals and fosters make motions when they sleep, made me question if animals dream like humans do, and if they do, what do they dream about?

Mammals Do Dream During REM

According to an article in Psychology Today, mammals do dream during periods of REM sleep, our deepest sleep cycle. REM, Rapid Eye Movement, allows for vivid dreams and occurs during the end of the sleep cycle (source).

If your dog or cat is experiencing twitching sensations, it is in REM sleep and dreaming about a sensation it experienced during wakefulness.

So, the dog moving its legs in a running or swimming motion is very likely chasing the ball you threw it, re-enacting the swim it took, or possibly running from something frightening.

In my case, my dogs’ whimpers may have been from a trauma she suffered before we adopted her just a few months ago.

Turkey jumped in fear of something, and for Turkey, that something could be his own shadow, as he really is a scaredy cat.

Animals Dream Based on Their Sensory Factor

Daniel Graham, Ph.D. explains that animals dream based on what senses they use most often. Cats, Dr. Graham said, explore the world visually, so their dreams would be based upon actions, events, people, or animals they see.

Mice, on the other hand, experience the world via smell. So, their dreams are about food, flowers, garbage, other mice, or whatever fascinating item they smelled that day.

Imagine dreaming in smells over sights. That dream experience could be wonderful if you visited a bakery, flower shop, or bread store; if you visited the junkyard or changed your baby’s dirty diaper, you may not want to go to sleep that night.

Should You Wake a Dog or Cat if it is Having a Bad Dream?

Perhaps the phrase, “let sleeping dogs lie” should be rephrased to “let dogs experiencing what looks like a nightmare lie.”

When your dog or cat is experiencing what appears to be a nightmare-legs twitching, eyes blinking rapidly, body shaking, voice whimpering, it’s best not to wake your dog or cat.

The dog or cat may awaken in a dream state (similar to when we wake not knowing where we are or what day it is) and cause injury to you, thinking you are part of its dream (source).

If your dog or cat is having a bad dream, gently call its name until it comes out of the dream state.

No Bad Dreams at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is such a fun, active, and safe place that we can’t imaging your dog or cat going to sleep afraid or experiencing nightmares.

During our boarding sessions, dogs get story time with our friendly and compassionate staff, and then they get tucked into our soft beds!

Cats get purr time when they are boarded, with staff making sure all bedding is soft and clean and nightmare free! Our cats are houses away from the dogs, making their stay quiet, peaceful, and serene.

Book Your Stay at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is the premier dream destination for your dog or cat. We would love to have your dog or cat stay with us. Simply click here to make your reservation!

What Does My Dog’s Behavior Mean?

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Before we had dog behaviorists to analyze what our dog’s behavior meant, we may have misinterpreted what our best friends wanted to communicate with us.

Does a wagging tail really mean our dog is happy to see us? Does sitting by the food bowl and barking really signify our dogs are hungry? Could she really be manipulating us to get an extra meal, snack, or treat?

Does a dog who is whining and whimpering need medical care, exercise, love, attention, or a friend?

Are dog owners correct in imposing our feelings and sensations onto our dogs, or do does have they own form of communication?

The research team at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa sought ought these answers (no, we don’t really have a research team, just a behaviorists who are “in the know” and want to share this information with others)!

Common Dog Behaviors and What They Signify

Tail wagging: you aren’t wrong if you assumed tail wagging is a sign of happiness in a dog. According to pet experts at Pet Helpful, tail wagging also signifies that a dog wants to play, is friendly, or is being submissive. A rapidly wagging tail is indicative of a happy, carefree dog; a steady wagging tail held in a natural position suggests your pup wants to play; and a rapidly wagging tail held in a downward position means your dog is being submissive.

Digging: a digging dog, especially one that is digging in your flower bed, doesn’t mean to be naughty and bothersome! He is reacting out of a natural tendency to bury or uncover a treat or treasure, protect young, cool off, or uncover a small critter. This last behavior is especially common in dogs bred for hunting.

Yawning: A yawning dog doesn’t necessarily need a nap. She may be anxious, confused, stressed, experiencing a new situation or presence that makes her uncomfortable or threatened, or meeting a new dog. Yawning eases pressure and tension. (source).

Panting: a dog can’t sweat like a human, so it pants to cool itself and to avoid overheating. A dog may also pant if it is in pain or about to deliver a litter of puppies.

Staring: Most parents have taught their kids that staring is rude! But be aware that a dog who stares at you can either be showing aggression, love, or submissiveness, or awareness. A dog who stares with wide eyes is alert; if he shows the whites of his eyes he most likely feels threatened and may be prone to attack. A dog whose stare is intense and narrows is trying to dominate you. A polite or submissive dog will look away after staring for a brief time. Should your dog blink at you, she is showing how much she loves you, that she wants to play, or both!

Showing the belly: A dog who lays on its back feels safe and secure. This is a very vulnerable position and expresses deep comfort and relaxation and trust. He may also be signifying to you or another dog that he has accepted a more submissive role, that he is cooling himself off, or he is just more comfortable sleeping on his back. Like humans, dogs have preferred comfort positions when sleeping.

Raised hackles: Raised hackles are a result of a surge in adrenaline either from fear, curiosity, excitement, arousal, or if it’s a hunting dog, smelling prey (source).

Licking: Dogs lick, it’s what they do. The important piece of information is why dogs lick. Dogs lick themselves to groom, relieve allergies, clean a sore, and to feel calm and relaxed. If you are the lucky recipient of a dog’s lick, it means your dog loves you and wants to bond with you. Licking is a natural and instinctive action and a way for your dog to express itself (source).

Pay Attention to Your Dogs Behaviors

While this list of dog behaviors is only a short one, and we may never understand why dogs behave the ways they do, it’s more important to pay attention to your dog and the conditions under which it behaves.

The more you understand about your dog’s behaviors, the better of a relationship you have with your dog. A better-behaved dog makes for a happy dog-human relationship.

New Year’s Resolutions from The Dogs and Cats at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

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New year goals 2023 on desk. 2023 goals list with notebook, coffee cup, plant on wooden table. Resolutions, plan, goals, action, checklist, idea concept. New Year 2023 template, copy space

It’s the beginning of a brand new year and the dogs and cats of The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa have finalized our New Year’s resolutions. With some debate, mostly from the finicky cats, we have decided to make these New Year’s resolutions a top priority, starting immediately!

We Resolve to Keep Up-to-Date on our Vaccinations

Vaccines keep us and those around us safe and protected from disease, and it’s a good time for our owners to make sure we are up-to-date.

While most dogs get the core vaccines such as Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Rabies, it’s important to check with our vet to discuss what other vaccines might be beneficial to us.

Since some of us are boarded or come for super fun play dates at doggie daycare, we also need Bordetella to keep us protected from kennel cough which is very contagious. But it’s a good idea to check with our vets to determine what other vaccines might be useful for our lifestyle. Click here for more information on vaccinations from Pet MD.

It is recommended that felines, aka cats, get the FVRCP and rabies vaccines. FVRCP stands for Feline rhinotracheitis virus/herpesvirus, Feline Calicivirus, and Feline Panleukopenia. Those are some big words and some bad diseases, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on our shots!

Depending on whether we are indoor, outdoor, senior or young cats determines how often we get our shots. If we are being boarded or going to experience a stressful situation such as traveling, it’s also recommended that we get a booster 7-10 days prior to the event. (source)

We Resolve to Stay in Shape

Over the holidays, we may have had a few too many treats and tasty snacks! With the cold weather and rain, we may not have had as much exercise as we need to shed those unsightly pounds and ounces. Plus, being overweight is just not healthy for us!

To solve the battle of the bulge, we resolve to run more and chase balls, sticks, toys, feathers, fake mice, lights, leaves and anything that moves, including our owners!

We shall wrestle with our pals at The Ranch during doggie playtime and chase our tails whether we’re dogs or cats! No cat tree will go unclimbed, no flimsy object left unattended will go un flicked with fluffy cat paws; no path will go un-walked; no box will go undiscovered.

We resolve to nap with purpose after we take our morning strolls and groom ourselves.

We promise to wake our owners first thing in the morning with wet, slobbery kisses and lead them to our leashes, walk across their faces and chests, and lick them or stare at them until they awaken to care for our needs or take us to The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa.

Together, we promise to look and feel our best which makes for healthy, happier pets.

We Resolve to Behave

A few of us need to work on our manners, so we resolve to behave. That means we will try really hard not to jump on or climb on counters even if there is tasty food. We will sit, stay, lie down on command, walk well on our leashes, and keep your hands out of our mouths-puppies, are you listening?

We will do our doggie business outside, even in the rain, and we will use our litter boxes each and every time.

We will do our very best not to mark our territories, which may or may not be your walls, curtains, carpets, plants, etc. out of anger or disproval of the upheaval of visitors during the holidays.

We will aim to be good dogs and cats and make our owners proud!

Here’s to making and keeping New Year’s Resolutions from the Dogs and Cats of The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa!

October Bowser Report from The Dogs of The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

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Cute black and tan dachshund dressed in witch costume and hat for Halloween party, pumpkin with candles near. Bright orange background.

It’s October and that means spooky good fun for both hoomans and the dogs of The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa.

With so many exciting parties and food literally at the drop of a hat or hand or cute pumpkin pail, our October Bowser Report is full of tips and reminders to keep us safe and happy and your carpets diarrhea free!

Gentle Reminders About Treats During Halloween and Keeping Dogs Safe

While two-leggers love to indulge in chocolate delights, peanut butter with chocolate, and other sugary treats, let’s remember that candy can be harmful and even deadly to dogs.

Depending on the type of dog and the amount ingested, chocolate is one of the most dangerous foods that dogs can eat.

If your dog eats chocolate, he can suffer from any or all of these signs: diarrhea, vomiting, increased thirst, excessive urination, racing heart rate, panting, or restlessness.

Even the most well-meaning hooman may try to keep chocolate treats away from us dogs, but some of us are very clever and conniving when it comes to finding food we are told we must not eat.

If you think your dog has ingested chocolate, reach out to the animal poison control. Symptoms may take hours or days to develop, so it is always better to be safe by contacting your local poison control.

For reference, you can keep this information handy ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435.

Halloween Can Be Scary for Dogs for Many Reasons

Please know that we dogs aren’t always the barking protectors we sometimes are known for. The truth is, we don’t understand why all of these little people come to the door all dressed up and ask for candy.

While some of us eagerly greet these strange hoomans, many of us would feel much safer closed off in a room or in our crates.

Please take care of us, especially if this is our first Halloween or if we can be unpredictable. An open door is an invitation to some of us to run away or follow a group of “trick-or-treators” whatever that means. Our risk of getting injured or hit by a car increases with this unpredictability.

Also, while most of us love our walks, it can be super scary to walk around with all of the noise, commotion, and spooky decorations. If we feel scared at all, if you think we might try to escape from our collars or leashes, bite at anyone wanting to pet us, or get frightened and run off, please leave us at home!

Safe Costumes are Awesome!

We took a poll and while some of the not-so-fun dogs prefer not to be dressed up in funny hats or costumes that make people laugh when we run, many of us love to wear safe costumes!

We want to remind you to please choose outfits that are comfortable, allow us to move naturally, relieve ourselves, and not choke on small buttons or parts that can easily be chewed off.

What’s Halloween without us dressing up?

Halloween at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

Monday is Halloween, and for all of us dogs who get to board or visit for doggie daycare, we are encouraged to dress up! While there won’t be any formal Halloween festivities, we are encouraged to come in costume!

Based on some of the previous years’ costumes, we are in for a Howling good time!

September Bowser Report

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It’s September at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa and we had a fantastic summer! Both bigs and smalls got some excellent play time running up and down the one-of-a-kind playground and biting at the water, jumping, and splashing in the East Bay’s ONLY water park structure!

We noticed the weather got a little cooler, but that meant even more fun as we had more energy to play and romp, tug, get hugs, be held, play ball, get pet, and spend lazy afternoons napping in the sun.

We celebrated birthdays, welcomed new dogs, had nighttime stories read to us, got tucked in, comforted, nurtured, met new friends, and couldn’t wait to come back!

What Do Dogs Love About The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa?

The dogs in the hood want to know what makes The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa Livermore’s most recommended pet care provider. So, during one of our group play outings, we huddled together and came up with a list.

Why Dogs Love The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa by the Dogs of The Ranch

  • We are social media influencers! Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Google!
  • We get to socialize with others just like us!
  • We love and are loved in return.
  • We get to play in a state-of-the-art WATER STRUCTURE!
  • We go to sleep in temperature-controlled lodging.
  • The cats are separated from us.
  • Holidays are filled with fun and games and songs!
  • The Bacon Bubble Party!
  • Blueberry Facials that feel oh, so good!
  • On site owners for our safety, nurturing, and protection!
  • The site is new, spacious, and full of amazing scents to smell. We are talking nose to the ground kind of awesomeness!
  • We get to paawwwwty like a rockstar!
  • We get to be housed with our family buddies!
  • We are in one of the most beautiful places in California! We ❤️ Livermore.
  • We get pooped out. And that makes Mom and Dad very happy!
Boarding with Buddies
Baby, I’m a Rockstar! ⭐️
Rockin’ Pups
I Have Over 8k Likes!
Whose Ready to Play Ball?
Howliday Pawties