The Ranch Pet Resort

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Traveling with Your Dog? Here are Some Tips for a Successful Trip!

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If your dog is anything like the ones owned by us at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa, he or she knows when you are taking a trip. Once the luggage comes out, our dogs react in one of two ways: they either get excited because they usually get to go, or they get sad and sulk. There’s nothing like a sulking pair of big brown, green, or blue eyes (or combo of!) to spoil a solo trip!

Take Along Your Best Friend on Your Next Trip!

For your next trip, throw caution to the wind! Pack your bag and tell your pooch you’re going on a trip of a lifetime! In the excitement of leaving your day to day routine, don’t forget to keep these tips in mind for a successful trip with your best pooch.

  1. Make a test run with your pup to make sure he or she enjoys traveling and doesn’t get motion sickness.
  2. Visit the vet to make sure your dog is in good health, able to make the trip, and is up-to-date on all vaccinations.
  3. Verify that  your destination of choice allows dogs or makes accommodations for your furry friend.
  4. Pack plenty of food, treats, medications, first aid kit, leash, bowls, water, if necessary, a special toy or two, and bedding to make your bestie feel comfortable and right at home.
  5. Have your dog’s collar and ID tag on at all times and verify that your contact information is up-to-date and readable.
  6. For safety, it’s sometimes best to have your dog or pup travel in a carrier that can also be used as a safe place to escape from large crowds, noises, or unfamiliar activity or people.
  7. In the event of a long trip, stop and let your dog release some energy, relieve itself, and explore the new territory.
  8. Do your best to keep to the same exercise, water, and food routine to avoid any undue stress or system discomfort.
  9. Don’t leave your dog alone in a hot car; temperatures can reach deadly proportions quickly, even if it feels cooler outside.
  10. Have fun! Relax, enjoy, and take lots of pictures to make the trip memorable.

Must Have Apps for a Safe and Fun Trip with Your Dog or Pup

For an even better trip, download these apps:

  1. BringFido-find dog-friendly accommodations, restaurants, dog parks, beaches, vets, supply stores, and dog walkers quickly and easily.
  2. All Trails-find a list of fun, dog-friendly hiking or running trails.  
  3. Red Cross Pet First Aid-in the event you need some healthy remedies, this app will help you heal your beloved dog or puppy.
  4. BarkHappy-connect with other dog lovers, share stories, and report lost and found animals with this app. Also helps connect dog travelers with places and events.
  5. Ikibble-unsure if the food you want to feed your bestie is dog-friendly? This app will tell you if the food is dog-friendly.

Can’t Take Your Dog with You? Make His Vacation Plans at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is the number one veterinarian recommended dog kennel in Livermore. Surrounded by beautiful wineries and in the heart of Livermore, your dog will spend its time vacationing with other friendly dogs and pups at our new pet park in the supervision of trained and pet-loving staff. Make your reservation today and take advantage of our New Customer New First Night coupon if you are a newbie!

Do you want your dog to smell fresh and clean before coming home? Consider making it a Spacation with our dog grooming and spa! We have an excellent and experienced set of groomers on site to have your buddy looking, smelling, and feeling fresh and clean.

Whatever you decide, your dog or puppy will have the time of his or her life!

Keep Your Dog or Puppy Safe this Holiday Season by Managing their Diet

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The holidays are quickly approaching, and while those delicious and tempting dishes may be a treat to us, not all food is safe or suitable for dogs and puppies.

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa loves your dogs and puppies, and we want them to remain safe, happy, and free from any dietary issues.

Here is a list of just some of the food items dogs and puppies should avoid during the holidays and any time of year according to the ASPCA:

  • Alcohol
  • Avocado
  • Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine
  • Citrus
  • Coconut and Coconut Oil
  • Grapes and Raisins
  • Macadamia Nuts
  • Milk and Dairy
  • Nuts
  • Onions, Garlic, Chives
  • Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones
  • Salt and Salty Snack Foods
  • Xylitol
  • Yeast Dough

Symptoms to Look For in Your Dog or Puppy Who May Have Eaten Forbidden Food

It’s not always easy to keep an eye on our furry friends or manage our friends and relatives who mean well by sharing holiday delights with our pups. As pets owners, it’s our responsibility to be aware of the signs and symptoms that may affect dogs who ate something he or she shouldn’t have.

The typical behaviors exhibited by canines who ate or drank something forbidden include:

  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Impaired coordination
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Tremors
  • Coma
  • Panting
  • Excessive thirst and urination
  • Depression
  • Hypothermia
  • Choking
  • Fever
  • Bloating

These visible indicators could also have underlying conditions that may affect the dog’s blood, organs, skin, and coat, so it’s best to get your dog or puppy checked out as soon as you notice your pet is not acting normally.

Contact Your Veterinarian Immediate or ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

If you think your pooch ate or drank something he or she shouldn’t have, try to calculate the amount of food or drink ingested, call your vet immediately, or contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Reserve Your Dog’s Staycation at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa this Holiday Season

If the idea of a second pair of eyes on your dog or puppy is too much during the holidays, we have the perfect pup solution!

Our professional dog day care and boarding facilities offer state-of-the-art care for your best fur baby. We have a brand new doggie playground and water park complete with friends to romp with, play with, wrestle with, and chase. Did we mention the toys we have to tossle and tug? All of this fun is supervised by our humans who can’t wait to spoil your bestie with love, hugs, pets, and lots and lots of attention!

We are quite proud to be the number one veterinarian-recommended dog boarding facility. Your dog or puppy will feel right at home with spacious outdoor play yards, hospital grade cleaning systems, and a staff that loves them like their own. Located in the heart of wine country, our views are remarkably the best in town!

Contact us to make your holiday reservations.

Howl – O – Ween Costume Party!!

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Howl – O – Ween Costume Contest!!

Bring your pup in for Halloween Day Celebration on Friday October 30!  We will be having a very special Halloween themed play group full of tricks for treats!  Also bring your pet dressed to their best.  We will have a costume contest with fun prizes for the top 3 winners.  Every pup will be sent home with a very special gift bag along with a personalized Halloween picture and frame.

Sign your pup up today! Spots are limited

To learn more about our dog day care services click here

The Ranch
925.447.1729

Why Every Cat Lover Should Own a Black Cat

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With Halloween just around the corner, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa in Livermore is feeling the excitement in the air!

Part of the allure and fun of Halloween is the association of spooky ghosts, playful pumpkins, creepy skeletons, and scary witches and monsters. Black cats, one of the most well-known icons of this holiday, have played a huge role in Halloween beginning in the Middle Ages.

Once thought to bring bad luck, black cats were associated with witches and witchcraft, drawing an unfair superstition to these amazing, beautiful creatures.

The truth is, black cats have some very unique qualities and associations that make them stand out from other cats. Ask anyone who owns a black cat, and they are sure to mention how their dark fur baby stands out from any other cat they have owned.

5 Reasons to Own of a Black Cat

1. Contrary to popular belief, black cats are believed to bring luck, prosperity, and love in certain areas of the world. If an ebony feline crosses your path in England, Ireland, or Asia, you are considered to prosper from good luck (source). Lucky enough to have a black cat show up at your doorstep in Scotland? You are going to be rich!

Japanese women, according to an article in the Spruce Pets, are more likely to attract a suitor. Looking for a date? Get a black cat!

Getting married in England’s Midlands? Expect to receive a black cat as a wedding gift as they are associated with bringing good luck and happiness to the bride.

2.  The fur on black cats can turn beautiful colors. Black cats’ fur, like any feline fur, can turn grey or white with age, but the color change is more visible on a cat with black fur. If your black beauty prefers to lie in the sun, its fur may show signs of a beautiful reddish-brown color. The sun’s rays break down the melatonin in the fur temporarily to reveal beautiful rusty colors. (Leader Blog)

3. Black cats have a better immune system than other cats. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health discovered that black cats are more resistant to illnesses such as Feline HIV which in turn can make them live longer. (source)

4. The eyes have it! Black cats have more melatonin in their eyes and can come in intoxicating colors of gold, green, or blue. (source)

5. Black cats are the least likely to get adopted, so if you want to make a huge difference, adopt a black cat and its partner. Cat owners know two cats truly are better than one! Think of all the cool names you can come up with when giving your new black feline their own identity!

Need a Vacation Home for Your Black Cat? Let The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa Help You!

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is Livermore’s answer to your vacation needs. We board cats in our brand new, state-of-the-art facility in Livermore’s beautiful wine country.

Your furry feline will indulge in four-level cat accommodations and have plenty of room to sprawl, play, and sleep! Don’t worry about any canines disrupting your cat’s vacation stay, as our cat room offers its own private space.

Do you need a place to put your feline bestie for a purrfect vacation? Check out our cat boarding details.

Fun with Fido! A Day with your Dog in the Tri-Valley

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The Tri-Valley is known for so many interesting places to visit, play, dine, shop, swim, and recreate!

When you have a four-legged best friend, a trip around town is always more fun when you’re together!

Bring Your Pooch to Play in Dublin!

Dublin has so much to offer a dog and his best friend. Dublin Hills Regional Park offers miles of trails to explore and views far beyond the reach of the human or canine eye. It’s a well-known good time for outdoor enthusiasts who want to romp, walk, or run, and it’s open for play!

The Doherty Hills Dog Park offers big dogs and little dogs their own separate space to play off leash. The soft grass and balls make this a dog gone good time for the dogs and offers benches for their adults to rest and watch. Dogs like the variety of breeds and sizes to wrestle and chase and owners like the respectful, responsible adults the dogs invite to come along.

Puppies in Pleasanton!

Dogs and their owners go crazy in Pleasanton! If you and your pooch are looking for a store that has everything for dogs, you must visit Murphy’s Paw in Downtown Pleasanton. Family-owned and operated, poochies go nuts for their treats, toys, accessories, and doggie ambassador, Gus.

Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area provides an excellent resource for humans and their besties to hike, boat, and swim. Currently, the park is allowing visitors on a walk-in basis and hasn’t reopened swimming yet, but when they do, make plans to visit this beautiful park.

Living Life in Livermore!

Dogs are welcome in many of the restaurants in Livermore which makes having lunch or dinner that much more fun! For a list of Livermore restaurants that accept dogs, check out our blog, No Need to Leave Man and Woman’s Best Friend Home on Date Night! Here are 10 Dog Friendly Restaurants in Livermore.

After a good meal for you and your pup, head out to Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore. Leashed dogs are welcomed on the hiking trails and can swim in all areas except East and West Swim Beach.

As of October 2, 2020, camping and boating will reopen at Del Valle Regional Park so head out for some fun in the sun but remember to bring sunscreen for both of you!

Life with Pups in Dublin, Pleasanton, and Livermore

Dogs truly are man’s best friend. We want to be with our canine bestie to share in our daily activities, whether they be playing at a dog park, shopping at dog stores, or hiking, boating, camping, or eating.

At the end of the day when your dog is a bit on the “outdoor adventure” smelly side. It’s a great idea to plan a spa day for them.

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa in Livermore

Little maltese dog at spa

 

Grooming at Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

There’s no better dog grooming facility in Livermore than The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa. Our brand new, state-of-the-art grooming salon includes haircuts, luxury and basic bath packages, nail trims, and other important maintenance services to keep your pet looking and feeling their best.

For more information or to book a salon day for your canine pal, contact us today!

Ten Fun Facts About Dogs

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It’s just beyond sunrise on a Saturday morning, and all you want to do is sleep in. You roll over to take in that bonus sleep when you have an odd sense that someone, something is watching you.

You open your eyes and find yourself staring into the excited eyes of a pooch who just doesn’t understand why you aren’t getting up to take him on his morning run. You roll over and pretend not to notice that your fur baby is now whining softly, but methodically, and his tail is swishing in excitement. Suddenly, you feel a heavy paw tapping your back, until the entire body of your canine bestie is on top of you licking your face.

What is it about our beloved pooches that makes them one of the most popular pets to own? For anyone who has ever owned a dog, the answer is clear.

Dogs provide us with companionship, unconditional love and acceptance, a reason to get up in the morning (literally as well as figuratively), and fill our lives with joy and laughter.

Each dog is unique in their own ways which makes them such a popular pet and companion.

Here are some fun facts about canines that you may or may not know.

  • Dogs stare at us intentionally. They are showing their love for us; they are watching our behavior for cues to our emotions: sadness, excitement, loneliness; or they want something, such as a walk, attention, or food. With no voice, dogs speak with their eyes (Source).
  • Dogs’ noses are wet to absorb chemicals in scents which they can taste when they lick their noses.
  • A bloodhound’s sense of smell is so accurate it can be used as evidence in a court case.
  • Three dogs survived the sinking of the Titanic. Two Pomeranians and a Pekinese were among those rescued in the fatal shipwreck.
  • The cute, cuddly Ewoks for the Star Wars movies were based on George Lucas’ family dog.
  • Dogs chase their tails to get our attention, to be playful, relieve boredom, stress or anxiety, or because they have a medical condition that needs your attention.
  • Two types of dogs have black tongues: Chow Chows and Shar-Peis.
  • Zeus, a Great Dane, is the tallest dog in the world, standing at 44 inches tall.
  • Dogs can see color, but their perception and intensity of color is not as sharp and distinct as a human’s. Dogs are most likely to see blue, yellow, and grey, but unable to see red and green.
  • Newfoundlands are used as lifeguards due to their webbed feet and water-resistant coats. Owners of Newfoundlands often report their dogs try to “rescue” them when they are swimming. (Source).

Perhaps knowing a bit more about dogs may make you understand them a little more and have even more of an appreciation for them.