The Ranch Pet Resort

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Healthy and safety tips

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!

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.

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!

Check out our Facebook Highlight Reel of Your Dog at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

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If you are in need of some laughs and giggles, may we suggest you make it part of your daily or weekly routine to check out the Facebook highlight reel of your dog at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa?

Our professional doggy daycare managers keep the video reels going throughout the day to capture your bestie at play! You may be surprised to see how your pooch acts when you aren’t around!

When work, the kids, life, or school gets you down, there is no bigger way to put a smile on your face than to see the dogs in action at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa.

Favorite Highlights from the Dogs at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

Summer is just days away! The dogs at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa are feeling some early summer fun! With the warm weather and our uber-spectacular, super-splash-zone water park for dogs, our dogs are having a crazy good time.

Frenchie Wipe Out

Check out this screen shot of Little Frenchie gone wild! Then zip over to our Facebook page to see the video in “reel” time. His form is incredible, but his recovery earns Frenchie a Purrfect 10!

It’s Monday. Is that Mufasa Overlooking the Land?

The Facebook message speaks of new friends having a blast! We think the Border Collie on the top of the play structure makes for a perfect Mufasa overlooking his den, no? Someone has to be in charge of the pack! Click here to see the “reel” version of what’s going on in the play area!

Guess What Happens Next?

The scene: a bunch of dogs gather around on a warm day with water features. Guess what happens next? Do the pack of dogs:

A) Call it a day and lie down?

B) Run laps?

C) Start howling for treats?

Click the Facebook link to find out!

Keeping Your Dogs and Cats Safe and Healthy This Summer

The Pet Ranch Resort and Spa wants to remind you to keep your dogs and cats safe and healthy this summer. In our May Bowser Report, we posted an infographic reminding you of ways to make sure your dogs and cats are safe and healthy in the summer weather.

Summer may also be a good time to check and see if your dogs or cats suffer from some of the most common pet ailments.

According to Vetsource, “Dogs and cats have many of the same health problems as humans — but they may not show symptoms in the same ways we do. Our pets have an instinctual response to hide their vulnerabilities. It’s up to us to pay attention, learn the symptoms, and help them get the best treatment.”

Some of the most common ailments in dogs and cats include:

  • Fleas
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Ear infections
  • Allergies
  • Worms
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Hot spots/skin irritations

Check with your vet to make sure your pet is healthy and happy! Don’t forget about their mental health as well! Keeping your pet fit, active, and interacting with friends is part of their social development.

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is happy to offer doggie daycare and boarding for your dog or cat. Contact us today to find out more or make a reservation!