The Ranch Pet Resort

Premium dog & cat boarding, dog daycare, play groups, dog & cat grooming, and more!

Blog

September Bowser Report

by

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

Check out These Fun Fall Events in Livermore!

by

This Thursday marks the first day of fall and what better way to welcome it than by participating in fun events. Livermore offers so many fun activities, we couldn’t help but share some of them.

Get Ready to Laugh at the San Francisco Comedy Competition

Livermore’s Bankhead Theater is hosting the 46th Annual San Francisco Comedy Competition. Be one of the guests to witness the next big comic at this year’s finals competition.

Get your tickets for an event that is sure to bring a smile to your face this fall. Click here for more information and to order tickets. The events starts at 7:30.

Across Party Lines at Almost Famous Wine Lounge

We looked at your calendars and saw that you didn’t have any plans for Friday! This is a perfect opportunity for you to join Across Party Lines as they sing at Almost Famous Wine Lounge in Livermore.

“Across Party Lines (APL)… focuses on original music incorporating the styles of classic rock, ballads and blues, while featuring creative instrumental solos and vocal harmony.” We can feel the music in our souls, and we are all in! Care to join us?

Weather reports shows sunny skies, so may we suggest arriving at Almost Famous Wine Lounge’s tasting room between 2-5 and staying for the music?

“ALMOST FAMOUS WINE COMPANY creates genuine brands that authentically draw upon the winemaking heritage, experience and passions of our dynamic winemaking team.

We’re generous dreamers and rebels. Our brands are driven by consumer requests and demands, not production quotas or tired assumptions. And each brand gives back to an important cause.”

We don’t know about you, but we are sold on the idea! Two glasses of dog day chardonnay please!

Rockin’ Octoberfest

Don’t let the name, Octoberfest, fool you into thinking this event is in October. Rockin’ Octoberfest takes places this Saturday at Shadow Puppet Brewing Company and features The Velvet Hammer Band.

Dance to your favorite Blues, Rockin Roll, and county tunes and jive along to jazz and even classical music with this feel good band. We dare you to stay in your chairs!

Sample a selection of German beers and food at Shadow Puppet Brewing Company before the show.

Sounds like just the right way to start fall off right!

Happy Fall From Your Friends at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

We look forward to more doggone fun at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa this fall. Our dogs are never too cold to enjoy a romp in the playground, a tug at tug-o-war, or on the hottest of days, in the East Bay’s only water feature!

On those cold days, be sure and know our kennels offer heating so our dogs are always comfortable, loved, and taken care of.

Traveling for the Holidays? Book Your Pet’s Reservations Early!

If you are looking to go away for the holidays, we urge you to book early! Our dog boarding and cat boarding fill up quickly, so make sure you get your reservations in now!

The Dogs Days of Summer are Almost Over

by

Dog trail in the sand

Don’t tell the dogs, but summer is coming to a close. School is back in session, the days are getting shorter, and NFL football is starting back up!

While the current weather trend doesn’t fully agree with summer coming to an end, the upcoming Labor Day Weekend signifies the traditional end to summer.

While we have quite enjoyed the summer frolicking with your dogs in the best ever, one-of-a-kind ONLY water park in the Tri-Valley, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa wants to take this time to get your pup ready for fall!

Freshen Up for Fall!

Is it time for your pupperoo to get a haircut? bath? nail trim? Our dog grooming facilities are very pupular (see what we did there?). We hear it’s the best place in town to get a blueberry doggie facial, deshedding treatment, luxury bath package, teeth brushing, and more!

Book now for the winter pictures since we fill up fast!

Shop Now for Winter Wardrobes

Winters can get mighty cool around here, so shop for the most trendy and fashionable doggie active wear. Murphy’s Paw in Livermore is the go to doggie outlet for all of your necessary and fashionable trends. From leashes and collars to cool outer and inner wear, your dog will be stylin’!

Cindy Kirkland from Pleasanton’s pup is the coolest pup in the neighborhood in this jean jacket!

Winterize Your Dog with a Doggy Check up

We never want our furry besties to feel anything but their best! Consider taking your pup in for its annual check up. Have your favorite vet check your pup from tooth to tail to ensure he gets all A’s in health and wellness! Make sure all shots are up-to-date and microchip your pet to ensure its safe return in the event she wanders off!

Complete a Home Safety Check

With summer coming to a close, it might be time to winterize. Make sure all chemicals from the pool are put safely out of reach, the pool cover is on and there are no holes or tears in case Rambo Pup decides to charge on it; the latches on your gates self-close so Scooby can’t escape; the holes and loose fence board are replaced; and anything that can be put in your dog’s mouth and cause a hazard are picked up and out of sight.

New Dog Id Tags

Has it been awhile since Ms. Lucky Loo had her tags replaced? Sometimes wear and tear get the best of our pets, and our contact information wears off. Consider replacing old dog ID tags with current and correct information. Who doesn’t like a shiny new object around our neck anyway?

Replace Toys and Bedding

Is Finn’s dog bed looking ragged and dirty? Does it have more holes in it than your favorite chewed up pair of slippers? It’s a fine time to shop for a new winter bed. Choose one that fits your dog when it curls up and stretches out so your dog is warm and comfortable. Toss out old comforters and blankets that can easily be chewed and swallowed.

Take it from this blogger whose ornery lab ate the stuffing from an old comforter. The material lodged in the dog’s intestines and had to be surgically removed. You’d think both the blogger and the dog would learn after the first mistake. Nope! We underwent expensive surgery two times!

While we are on the subject of throwing out dangerous items, consider tossing toys that have seen better days. Loose threads, stuffing from “indestructible” toys, and hanging plastic pieces are an expensive emergency vet visit waiting to happen.

Book Regular Doggie Daycare Outings

We all get cabin fever with cold winters, and there is nothing like doggie daycare at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa.

Whether it’s frolicking on the play structure, romping along the artificial turf, or even splashing in the puddles and water fun on warmer days, your dog deserves all the love and attention from our professional staff at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa.

Just like you enjoy your time away from work to hike, bike ride, or build those muscles at the gym, Marmaduke needs his time away from home, too.

Book now!

For more fun-loving ideas to do with your dog around the Tri-Valley or more pet-related information, read our blog!

Bigger Dogs in Need of Homes. Where are Adopters?

by

Ducky is available for Adoption at Berkeley Humane

A year ago, there was a record number of animals adopted into loving homes. Families found more time and opportunity to welcome a new family member due to the effects of COVID. Sadly, a record number of animals have recently been turned into shelters since people stopped working remotely. The time commitment, expense of owning a pet, lack of available vets, and life changes have caused pets to be turned into a shelter; and a lot of those animals are still waiting for their forever homes.

In a recent CBS news report, Berkeley Humane expressed the sadness and frustration at the lack of adopters and the number of larger dogs who are still waiting for their forever home.

The news segment featured Carly Skonnard from Berkeley Humane who showcased two beautiful dogs, Kieran a shepherd mix, and Ducky, a Doberman Pinscher.

Kieran from Berkeley Humane has been in the shelter for half a year

Both dogs are friendly, health-checked, and overlooked. Berkeley Humane staff train the dogs and spend time with them and want nothing better than to find the perfect adopter for these long-time residents.

Bark and Meow Around the Block Pet Adoption Event at Berkeley Humane

To help ease the financial burden of adopting a pet for life, Berkeley Humane is hosting Bark and Meow Around the Block on Saturday, August 27, from 10 am to 4 pm at 2700 9th Street, Berkeley.

The Adopt on the Spot event features dogs and cats wanting a forever home. “Adoptable dogs, cats, puppies and kittens will be vaccinated, microchipped, and ready to go home! Adoption fees are waived for this event. Adoption counseling will be provided to help set up new pet families for success!”

For more information about the event or to adopt a pet for life, please visit the Berkeley Humane website.

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa Can Help Pet Sit! 🐶

If you are worried that you don’t have enough time for your beloved pet, worry no more! The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa offers doggie daycare and boarding for your furever friend. At a very affordable price, your pet will be loved, exercised, supervised, and socialized with some of the most excellent dogs in the area.

Our team of dedicated, dog loving staff will make sure your dog is cared for just like you would. We have activities and games, fun, frolicking, and did we mention a WATER PARK? Even the most water-avoidant dogs like to play in and around the water structure or nap under one of our play structures.

Our staff is there to supervise all dogs for their safety, fun, and enjoyment.

Want to know more? Check us out on Facebook and Instagram!

Adopt a pet for life, and allow The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa to paw sit while you go to work or travel on vacation!

Do Dogs Experience Anxiety?

by

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa‘s “Rover Reporter” went on a mission to answer the question: Do Dogs Experience Anxiety?

A simple Google search led to the answer that yes, dogs and other pets do experience anxiety, and they show it in ways we may or may not recognize.

Ways Dogs Show Anxiety

According to an article by the American Kennel Club, dogs experience anxiety in several ways. If your dog is showing signs of the following, it may be experiencing anxiety:

  • Excessive panting, drooling, licking, barking, whining, or howling
  • Urinating or defecating in the house (unrelated to potty training or incontinence)
  • Aggressive behaviors
  • Destroying property
  • Digging
  • Pacing about
  • Appearing depressed
  • Demonstrating repetitive or compulsive behaviors
  • Restlessness

Why Do Dogs Get Anxiety?

Much like humans, dog experience anxiety under certain conditions or circumstances. Some anxiety behaviors can be recurring, and others can be constant.

Dogs are very adept at “reading” or understanding situations and people. If your dog senses that you are stressed, it can react to your feelings.

If a dog is in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar situation, such as going to the vet, traveling, or moving, it can also exhibit anxiety.

Sometimes sounds, noises, unfamiliar surroundings, objects, surfaces, other animals, or strangers can cause a dog to feel anxious.

Likewise, dogs who are separated from their owners, even for a brief period of time, can experience anxiety.

Anxiety is also common in older dogs whose cognitive functions are starting to decline.

How to Help an Anxious Dog

Every dog reacts differently to anxiety, and it’s important to monitor your dog’s reactions and health to determine if your dog has anxiety and if you need to seek treatment for anxiety.

The first action you might take is to visit your vet. Describe your dog’s behaviors and under what conditions your dog appears anxious.

Medical treatments, behavior training, socialization, crate training, exercising your dog, providing a nourishing diet, and removing your dog from stressful situations are just some of the ways you can ease the anxiety your dog is experiencing.

Anxiety Can be Normal in Dogs

If your dog is experiencing anxiety, it can be a perfectly normal and acceptable behavior.

This “Rover Reporter” noticed increasing anxiety in her older dog a few years ago. Separation anxiety, howling, restlessness, and excessive panting (when all weather extremes were normal) were the first signs that something was not quite right with my beloved pooch.

Medication didn’t seem to work on him, so we adapted to working from home, assuring him each time we left “we would be right back,” cuddling him, allowing him to sleep with us, changing his diet, and allowing him to be where we were.

He has since mellowed, except when we have company, at which point he wants to be where the action is, or he will cry and howl if separated.

Most importantly, we have come to accept our pooch has changing needs, not much different than ours, and with patience, education, understanding, and love, he has settled down a bit, and that makes us all less anxious.

July Bowser Report Reveals that Dogs Make Neighborhoods Safer

by

Dogs in the neighborhood make people feel safer

A new study by Ohio State University finds that dogs deter crime and make neighborhoods safer, especially when neighbors trust each other.

Let’s consider the noise any dog makes when it barks, and why it barks. Dogs bark to alert us of danger, an intruder, a moth, bird, UPS carrier, squirrel…you get the picture. The commotion a dog makes for any reason deters criminals from committing crimes and makes neighborhoods safer.

So, the next time you get upset about your neighbor’s dog barking, remember, he is scouting the neighborhood for mischief so you can sleep peacefully!

Dog Walkers Promote Trust in the Community

Listen, we dogs know that people who walk dogs are often some of the friendliest people in the neighborhood. When neighbors take time to get to know dogs and their owners, a bigger trust develops.

These dogs walkers become the eyes and ears of the community and are sometimes the first to be alerted to something “not quite right.” The suspicious car that circles the neighborhood; the new crowd of people walking the street; and the misplaced truck that only stops at homes with packages become very noticeable to the dog walkers who are very aware of the normal happenings in their neighborhood.

When something in the neighborhood is unusual, credit for noticing can often be given to the local dog walkers and their dogs!

Neighbors tend to trust the eyes and ears of the dependable dog walkers who get to know not only the neighbors, but their cars, their comings and goings, and their property.

Here’s a shout out to the dogs who insist on being walked and taking their neighborhood dog watch duty seriously!

Dogs Bring Health Benefits to Humans

It’s long been argued that a dog can “improve mental well-being, decrease the risk of cardiovascular problems, increase physical activity and even make you more attractive to others” (source).

Anyone who has ever owned a dog or two or three might also add that owning a dog increases the owner’s overall happiness and decreases stress or anxiety. The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa also reports that sleeping with your beloved canine causes a deeper, more restful sleep.

Now we dogs at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa can celebrate what we already knew: owning a dog is awesome!

Consider Adding a Canine to Your Crew

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is committed to the health, safety, and well-being of your dog. If you are considering adding a dog to your family, we offer dog boarding, doggie daycare, dog grooming, and dog training.

The shelters are full of dogs and puppies who need furrever homes. Please considering adopting a dog from your local shelter and saving the life of the dog, yours, and your neighbors.