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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.

Bringing Home a New Dog or Puppy 🐶

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Dogs and puppies are so darn cute and irresistible. Add your own mini person to the mix begging for a dog or puppy and, depending on your answer, you either become the world’s best parent or the most evil parent on the planet.

Promises of “I will clean up after him,” “We will walk her every day,” or “She can sleep in my room!” combined with the whiny and unrelenting questions of, “PULEEEZE can we get one?” make even the most practical parent give in.

Congratulations! You have a new dog or puppy.

Tips for the Parent Who Gives in to a New Dog or Puppy

The first tip to abide by as a new dog owner is to recognize that the promises made by your unrelenting child will not last. But the responsible parent knows that. You will become the primary care owner, trainer, poop picker-upper, walker, and master of all canine needs.

New dogs and puppies are fun at first, but their needs do not often meet the timelines of a child who truly meant what he or she said when you got the pooch but didn’t realize it would interfere with sleep, fun with friends, or laziness.

Tip two: dogs and puppies live a long time. Responsible pet owners choose to have these animals as part of their family through their entire lifetime; so plan accordingly. Some smaller breeds can live well into their late teenage years.

Third tip to consider: dogs and puppies are expensive. They need to go to the vet, some might need grooming or teeth cleaning, others require medication, and all need healthy, nutritious food and treats! Don’t forget the toys, bedding, collars, leashes, microchipping, and crate

Fourth tip: dogs and puppies all need exercise to stay fit and trim! Come rain, shine, snow, and wind, dogs need to roam, walk, run, play! Keep this in mind when choosing your dog or puppy. Some dogs and puppies have higher exercise needs than others, but playtime with your pooch is an absolute must.

Exercise is a must!

Tip five: Dogs have many of the same emotional needs as people. Dogs are pack animals. If they do not have another canine friend in the family, or even if they do, they depend on their human friends to be part of their pack. Dogs and puppies count on you to be part of their family and need companionship. Nothing makes them happier than to spend much of their waking moments with you.

Tip six: Dogs need training! Much like a child, a dog turns to you, their Alpha pack leader, to correct their behaviors in a loving, patient manner. They will have accidents, chew, destroy if left unattended, and may cause utter mayhem.

Be prepared for this and take measures to train your dog. Look for advice from your neighborhood trainer, get referrals from friends and neighbors, look online, or read books. No two dogs are alike, so have an open mind to your dog or puppy’s needs.

Seventh tip: Your dog or puppy needs a time out. It sure is fun to play with your new puppy or dog, but they truly do need their own downtime. Allowing them to feel safe and secure without having to be with you 24/7 creates a secure dog who will not have anxiety when you are gone.

Eighth tip: Dogs and puppies are den animals and like crates. Contrary to the thought that crating a dog for a short period of time while you are gone or crating him at night is mean, dogs adapt well to a crate when introduced slowly over time.

Train the dog early to go in the crate; put toys or treats in the crate; leave the door open for her to go in as she pleases. All of these exercises will make having friends over more enjoyable, will keep the dog out of trouble, and will make for a happy pooch.

Tip nine: Dogs needs’ change as they age. Be prepared for a lifetime of adjustment. Changes in diet, activity level, and temperment are common. Dogs can’t show distress or pain, so watch behaviors carefully no matter the age.

Tenth tip: Dogs are the most loyal pets, and if given a lifetime of love and patience, training and care, they will reward you ten-fold. Constant companions who never judge or show disappointment in you, dogs and puppies will always be happy to see you.

They provide you with an excuse to get out of the house, meet new friends (often with dogs), and opportunities to explore. You just might find that dog or puppy your kids begged you to get will comfort you when those kids turn into adults and start their own lives.

Be prepared for your new dog or puppy to soften your heart and experience an unconditional love you never knew existed!

Good luck with your new dog or puppy!

Tips to Keep Your Canine Buddy Comfortable During the Hot Weather

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The hot weather, mixed with our current poor air quality, requires some extra special pooch attention this summer. Even though your dog may want to run, jump, play, and go for a walk like normal, be mindful that they are very susceptible to heat stroke when temperatures rise above average.

Avoid Canine Heat Stroke with these Five Tips

Heatstroke can overcome a dog in minutes, so it’s important to take precautionary measures to make sure your best friend stays cool and hydrated in warm temperatures.

Dogs don’t sweat through their skin, rather, they regulate their body temperature and keep cool by panting and releasing heat through their paw pads and noses.

For a happy, healthy fur buddy, avoid heatstroke in hot weather with these tips:

  • Have clean, fresh water available to your pooch at all times.
  • Avoid exercising in the heat of the day, usually between 11 am – 3 pm. If the sidewalk is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for the pads of your furbaby.
  • NEVER leave your buddy in a car unattended, even with the windows down.
  • Place a t-shirt or non-toxic, waterproof human or dog sunblock on dogs with lighter coats. Dogs with fair-colored fur are susceptible to sunburn on their ears, noses, and sparsely-furred areas.
  • Be particularly mindful of overweight dogs or those with short noses, as they can easily get heatstroke with the slightest bit of exercise.

Signs of Heatstroke in Your Dog

If your dog shows any of these signs, take them to a cool place, wet their coat with cool water, and call your vet immediately, as they could be suffering from heatstroke. It’s always better to be safe and cautious.

  • Excessive panting
  • Drooling or salivating excessively
  • Collapsing
  • Irregular behavior after having been in the sun
  • Restlessness or agitation
  • Increased heart rate
  • Pale or bright red gums or tongue
  • Trouble breathing
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Playtime Ideas During the Hot, Summer Temperatures

Changes in their exercise pattern due to hot weather doesn’t make sense to a dog who is used to playtime, walks, and tugging on their favorite toy.

Some fun, healthy activities during hotter weather can still take place! If your pooch is bored and you are stumped thinking of new ways to keep him entertained during the heat, consider these alternatives!

  • Go swimming! Dogs love to swim, and it’s healthy for them. Check your areas for safe waterways with clean water for you and your dog to romp, splash, and swim! Be patient if your dog has never been near water as it’s a new adventure. Some dogs might just be happy splashing in waves or trotting along the shoreline where their feet still touch the land.
  • Make Ice Pops for your dog to enjoy and stay entertained! Freeze treats or stuff a Kong with treats and freeze it.
  •  Lie under a shady tree and bring a spritzer bottle filled with water. Some dogs love to “catch” the water as it cools their fuzzy faces.
  • Turn on the sprinklers and encourage your buddy to chase a toy or you as you both indulge in some cool fun!
  • Stay in an air-conditioned home and roll a ball or tug on a favorite toy with your bestie.

No matter which activity you choose, all your dog really craves is time with you!

No Need to Leave Man and Woman’s Best Friend Home on Date Night! Here are 10 Dog Friendly Restaurants in Livermore

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Dogs welcome in Livermore eateries!
Photo credit to Helen Lopes, Unsplash

The sad, somber look in a dog’s eyes as you leave for work, an outing, a party, or a trip to the mall is enough to melt even the coldest of hearts.

Throw in the whine, whimper, or soft sigh as your best friend lies down in utter disbelief that you are not inviting him to go along, and it’s enough to make you cancel plans and stay home!

But life doesn’t have to be a choice between your furry friend and your best human.

Bring Your Canine Buddy with You to Dine in Livermore

Whether it’s fine dining at Zephyr Bar and Grill,  pub food at First Street Alehouse, or  authentic BBQ at Sauced, you and your dog(s) are welcomed to dine on the outdoor patio.

Many restaurants in Livermore are eager to include your canine companion and some, such as Riata Diner and Tavern, even offer biscuits and fresh water to satisfy your furry pal while you dine at the outside patio or grab food to go!

10 Livermore Eateries that Welcome Dogs

Looking to include your pampered pooch at your next meal? Consider these Livermore eateries.

Eight Bridges Brewing

Strings Livermore

Uncle Yu’s at the Vineyard

Sansar Indian Restaurant

Patxi’s Pizza

Simply Fondue

Zephyr Bar and Grill

First Street Alehouse

Sauced

Riata Diner and Tavern

It’s always a good idea to contact a restaurant prior to visiting to check hours of operation and other considerations that may impact your night out with your beloved dog(s).

Just keep in mind that no matter which Livermore restaurant you choose, your dog only cares about spending time with you!