The Ranch Pet Resort

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

Blog

Fun Facts About Dogs

by

For dog owners, our pups are more than just pets—they’re loyal friends, companions, and family members. Naturally, we want to know as much about them as possible. So, whether you’re a seasoned dog lover or just starting your pet journey, here are some fun dog facts.

Dogs’ Noses Are Wet for a Reason
A dog’s wet nose isn’t just cute—it’s functional. Dogs secrete a thin layer of mucus to help absorb scent chemicals. They often lick their noses to “taste” these smells, which enhances their ability to process and identify scents.

Dogs See Some Colors, Not Just Black and White
Contrary to popular belief, dogs aren’t completely colorblind. While they don’t see the full spectrum like humans, they can see shades of blue and yellow. Plus, their superior night vision gives them an edge in low-light situations.

Dogs Have a Paw Preference
Like humans, dogs can be right- or left-pawed. A study involving over 17,000 dogs found that about 74% had a preferred paw, with more being right-pawed than left.

Bloodhounds’ Noses Are So Accurate, They’re Used in Court
Bloodhounds can follow scent trails over 130 miles long and up to 300 hours old. Their tracking abilities are so reliable that their scent evidence is admissible in court.

Dogs Sweat Through Their Paws
Dogs primarily regulate body temperature by panting, but they also sweat—just through their paw pads. They have merocrine glands in their feet for sweating and apocrine glands that release unique scents for identification.

Dogs Have a Super Sense of Smell
Dogs have around 300 million scent receptors in their noses (compared to our 6 million). They also use a secondary system called the accessory olfactory system to detect pheromones, giving them incredible scent-detecting abilities.

A Dog’s Nose Print Is One of a Kind
Just like human fingerprints, every dog has a unique nose print. Some companies even offer dog nose print ID services for this reason!

Why Dogs Kick After “Going”
When your dog kicks up grass after doing their business, they’re not trying to cover it—they’re marking territory. Their paw pads release pheromones during this backward “scraping” motion, leaving a lasting scent behind.

Dogs Have a Third Eyelid
Dogs have an extra eyelid called the nictitating membrane. It helps clear debris from their eyes, distributes tears, and even supports immune defense.

Dogs Bring Out the Best in Us
Beyond all these facts, one truth stands out: dogs enrich our lives every day. Their loyalty, love, and quirky habits make them truly special companions.

Benefits of Owning More than One Dog or Cat

by

Animal lovers such as this blogger find deep companionship in the company of multiple pets. When you rescue shelter pets, you become immune to the work, time, care, and expense that owning multiple pets requires.

So when I tell people how many dogs and cats I have, their expressions and comments vary from-I don’t know how you manage that many pets to you’re crazy-and that expression mostly comes from my kids.

It’s true that having more than one dog or cat is a lot more of everything! More work, more fur, more food, more waste, more money to spend on doggie daycare, boarding, grooming, veterinarian expenses and so forth.

But I find the real joy in multiple pet ownership outweighs any of the negatives.

Agree or not, here are some reasons for owning more than one dog or cat; and these reasons also benefit your dog or cat.

Why Owning More Than One Pet Is Worth It

Adopting more than one pet may require extra effort, but the rewards are well worth it. If your dog or cat enjoys the company of others, having a second pet can lead to a happier, healthier household for everyone—animals and humans alike. Pets benefit from companionship, and their owners often experience more joy and stronger emotional bonds.

Benefits for Pets: Companionship and Activity

One of the biggest advantages of having two pets is that they keep each other company. Whether you’re at work, asleep, or running errands, your pets can play, rest, or explore together. This helps reduce boredom and loneliness, which are common in single-pet homes.

Pets also tend to be more active when they have a playmate. Dogs will chase, wrestle, and run together, while cats may stalk and pounce as part of natural hunting behavior. This kind of interaction often leads to more daily exercise than a human alone can provide. Staying active is important for preventing health problems as pets age.

Each pet also brings its own personality to the household. One might be quiet and affectionate, while the other is playful and full of energy. This variety can be fun and rewarding for everyone in the home. Pets can also bond with different members of the family, strengthening connections all around.

Health Benefits for Owners

Pets aren’t just good for each other—they’re good for us, too. Owning a cat or dog has been linked to lower stress levels, reduced feelings of loneliness, and even improved heart health. When you pet or cuddle an animal, your body releases oxytocin (the “love hormone”) and reduces cortisol (the stress hormone). This can lead to lower blood pressure and a calmer mood.

Having two pets can double these moments of connection. Whether one is curled up next to you or both are playing across the room, it brings a steady sense of companionship. Pets can also help you stay more active. Dogs need walks and playtime, and even cats like to chase toys or explore, encouraging more movement and engagement in your daily life.

You might also find yourself more social with multiple pets. Animals often attract attention when you’re out and about, making it easier to meet new people. They’re natural conversation starters and can help you feel more connected to others.

Stronger Bonds and Lifelong Joy

The bond between two pets can be heartwarming to witness. Watching them groom each other, curl up together, or play chase through the house adds joy to your home. Their friendship is pure and strong—and it often mirrors the bond they share with you.

Of course, adopting more than one pet means making sure they’re compatible. Introduce them gradually and provide separate spaces at first. With patience and care, most pets will adjust and learn to enjoy each other’s company.

In the end, having more than one dog or cat often means more laughter, love, and connection. Two pets can enrich each other’s lives—and yours—every single day.

Considering adding another dog or cat to your household? Visit your local shelter, rescue group, or responsible breeder.

You Asked, We’re Answering! Here are the Responses to Some of the Questions You Asked On Our Social Media Pages

by

In today’s Ask The Ranch blog, we are going to answer some of the questions we get asked on our social media pages.

Our Ranch professional dog handlers understand you want to see your dogs or cats while they are in our care, and we do our best to feature as many of our adorable guests as we can!

Why isn’t my dog featured on today’s video or pictures?

Our primary focus is on your pets’ health, happiness, well-being, and welfare, and that sometimes takes us away from adding to your pet’s social influencer status! We try our best to spotlight as many pets as possible not only to make you feel comforted, but to also share how much fun the dogs have while in our care.

It seems so unfair that we are the only ones who get to see the dogs zooming, biting at the water, resting on each other, or simply choosing that one hiding spot for some serious R&R.

And while some dogs just love to have the camera on them, some of your fur babies are camera shy!

But don’t despair! We love to post the images and videos on our Facebook, Instagram, and Google Business Listings, so keep looking. Some days your pet will be fully featured and on other days, you will see them streak by!

Just know that one fact is certain, while under our care, your pet is safe, happy, and loved!

Is it safe for our young, little, shy, bashful, (insert concerned adjective) dog to be in that playgroup?

We temperament test all of our dogs and fit them in the right playgroup by age, activity level, size, experience, personality. We typically start out by separating the dogs by size, but some owners wonder if a young pup is safe with bigger, older dogs.

We want to reassure you that we are constantly watching to make sure that each dog feels safe and fits in with the energy levels of the other dogs. We have had instances where the smalls have more energy than some of the bigs and some pups just want to run with the big dogs!

Our experienced professionals take into account each dog’s personality, energy, age, size, and needs to ensure a positive and rewarding daycare or dog boarding experience. We want all dogs to want to return and have you feel confident that your best friend is treated just as we would want our dogs to be treated.

Can You Help My Dog Be More Social? I Want Him to Play with Other Dogs

We understand the fun of a playgroups, and we also understand some dogs take longer to warm up than others. That is why we make sure to do a thorough temperament testing with your dog. Dogs have unique personalities and depending on their background or experience, they may need some additional assistance to be added to our social playgroups.

We offer dog training services with professional trainers who can help your dog with obedience, behavioral issues, and socialization skills. Since no two dogs are the same, it’s best you speak to one of our trainers about your particular pooch!

If you are interested in booking a session or one of our stay and train packages, please register here!

How to Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy and Active

by

A closeup shot a fluffy black and white cat playing with a blue knitted mouse

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is always looking for ways to educate our readers, pet owners, and staff on ways to improve the lives of our feline friends. So we are dedicating our latest blog to the cats out there who want everyone to know how to keep your indoor cat happy and active!

We Speak from Personal Experience


As a multi-cat household, our cats have a variety of personalities, but one common trait is that our cats get bored and need to be stimulated.

We have the typical cat trees with hanging balls, toys with feather, lights, movement, and tunnels. But when we notice the cats knocking pens off the desks, rubbing up against us for much needed attention and affection, leaving us “presents”, and lying around more than usual, we know we need to step up our cat game and provide some more indoor stimulation.

Aside from the empty Amazon box that they love more than the toys we bought for them, here are some fun ways to keep your indoor cat happy and active, prevent boredom and obesity, and eliminate behavioral issues.

9 Tips for a Happy Cat

1. Provide Plenty of Toys

Cats love to play and having a variety of toys helps keep them mentally and physically engaged. Interactive toys such as feather wands, laser pointers, and motorized mice mimic the movements of prey and encourage natural hunting instincts. Rotating toys regularly prevents boredom and keeps your cat interested.

2. Create Vertical Space

Cats love to climb and perch in high places. Investing in cat trees, shelves, or window perches gives your cat a chance to survey their environment from above, which provides both exercise and mental stimulation. If space allows, a cat tower with multiple levels and scratching posts can be a great addition to your home.

3. Engage in Interactive Play

Spending time playing with your cat strengthens your bond and helps them burn off excess energy. Wand toys with feathers or cat safe strings, balls, and puzzle feeders are great tools for interactive play. Aim for at least two 10-15 minute play sessions a day to keep your cat engaged and active.

4. Offer Scratching Posts and Pads

Scratching is a natural and necessary behavior for cats. Providing multiple scratching surfaces, such as posts, mats, or cardboard scratchers, helps keep their claws healthy and prevents them from scratching furniture. Place scratchers in areas where your cat naturally likes to scratch.

5. Introduce Food Puzzles and Treat Dispensers

Instead of simply offering food in a bowl, use food puzzles or treat-dispensing toys to make mealtime more engaging. These tools encourage problem-solving skills, slow down eating, and provide mental stimulation. You can also hide small portions of food around the house to encourage foraging behavior.

6. Give Them a View of the Outdoors

Even if your cat stays indoors, they can still enjoy watching the outside world. A window perch or cat hammock near a window allows them to observe birds, squirrels, and other outdoor activities. You can also install a bird feeder outside the window to provide extra entertainment.

7. Provide Safe Outdoor Access

If possible, consider creating a safe outdoor space, such as a catio (a secure outdoor enclosure) or leash training your cat for supervised outdoor adventures. This allows your cat to experience fresh air and new sights while staying protected from dangers like traffic and predators.

8. Offer a Cozy and Enriching Environment

Cats love cozy hideaways and soft bedding. Providing cat caves, blankets, and enclosed spaces helps them feel safe and comfortable. Additionally, rotating new scents (such as catnip, silver vine, or fresh herbs) can add excitement to their environment.

9. Keep Their Routine Consistent

Cats thrive on routine, so maintaining a consistent schedule for feeding, playtime, and bedtime helps them feel secure. A stable environment reduces stress and promotes a happy, well-adjusted pet.

By implementing these strategies, you can ensure that your indoor cat stays happy, active, and healthy. A well-stimulated cat is a content cat, and with the right enrichment, your feline companion will enjoy a fulfilling and joyful life indoors.

Happy Valentine’s Day from The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

by

On this day filled with love and affection, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa would like to wish you a very Happy Valentine’s Day!

And what better way to kick off today than with Valentine’s from some of our beloved guests!

Happy Valentine’s Day from The Dogs of The Ranch

Blue wishes you a most delightful Valentine’s Day! Blue represents all of the pittie dogs and pups who have endless love and affection to give all day every day. Who can resist Blue’s sweet charm and puppy dog eyes?

Dolce wants no none to be left “behind” on this Valentine’s Day. He represents the German Shorthair Pointers and all of the Ranch Dogs who have no problem being behind the scenes. These goofballs are fine not to take center stage and have all of the confidence to be photographed from all angles. If you look closely enough, you might even see the resemblance of a heart amid all of those mass muscles and spots!

With eyes this affectionate, how can you not fall for Lula? Lula represents all of the Ranch pups who speak with their eyes and melt our hearts. How can you not fall in love with someone so sweet and ready to give hugs with those giant paws. Lula, you had us with your brows. May all of your Valentine wished come true!

Ah, Pretzel, no one ever wants to be dumped on Valentine’s Day. That is why we count on you to make sure you do your “doodie” and keep us together. Pretzel represent our self-confident puppers whose high-energy antics and agility skills keep us on our toes. You know what’s better than this sweet Pretzel? Lots of pretzels covered in chocolate and dipped in sprinkles.

Valentine’s Wishes from The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

May your Valentine’s Day be filled with love from your fur babies, and may you shower them with the affection they deserve.

We feel so lucky to be able to spend Valentine’s Day with your dogs and soak up all of the love and affection they provide to us this day and every day!

Human Foods that are Safe for Dogs

If you want to spoil your dog this Valentine’s Day, here are some human foods that are safe for dogs as well as some foods that you should avoid. Remember, chocolate and alcohol is toxic for dogs, so keep the chocolate covered strawberries and champagne for you!

Natural dog food Hungry brown dog lying near its bowl full of meat food looking at camera, top view

The Growing Popularity of Homemade Pet Food: A Trend Driven by Health and Quality

by

In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the way pet owners approach feeding their dogs and cats. More and more, people are opting for homemade pet food over commercially produced kibble or canned options.

This trend has grown in popularity due to various factors such as concerns about pet health, a desire for transparency in ingredients, and the increasing awareness of the potential risks associated with mass-produced pet food.

With an emphasis on nutrition, quality control, and personalized diets, homemade dog food has become a preferred choice for many pet owners seeking the best for their furry companions.

Health Concerns and Quality Control

One of the primary drivers of the popularity of homemade dog food is the growing awareness of the potential risks associated with commercial dog and cat food. While many high-quality brands exist, there have been instances of recalls, contamination, and the discovery of harmful ingredients in mass-produced pet foods.

These issues have led to a shift in trust, with many pet owners now preferring to control what goes into their animals’ meals. Homemade pet food provides an opportunity to choose fresh, natural ingredients that can be tailored to the dogs’ and cats’ specific health needs.

Additionally, some commercial dog and cat food products are filled with fillers, artificial additives, and low-quality meats that may not be ideal for a pet’s health.

Homemade meals allow pet owners to focus on high-quality proteins, fresh vegetables, and wholesome grains, reducing the risk of exposure to undesirable ingredients.

With the rise of dietary concerns such as obesity, allergies, and sensitivities in animals, many pet owners feel more comfortable preparing their own food to ensure their dogs and cats are receiving a well-balanced and nutritious diet.

Personalized Nutrition

Another factor contributing to the popularity of homemade pet food is the ability to customize meals based on the specific needs of individual dogs and cats. Each animal is unique, with different dietary requirements depending on factors such as age, breed, size, activity level, and any medical conditions.

Homemade pet food allows pet owners to create personalized meals that meet their pet’s specific nutritional needs, ensuring optimal health.

For example, senior dogs and cats with joint issues may benefit from recipes that include ingredients like turmeric or fish oil, known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Similarly, dogs or cats with sensitive stomachs or food allergies can avoid triggering ingredients, such as grains, dairy, or common meat allergens, by creating customized meals at home.

For active dogs or working breeds, owners can focus on high-protein meals to support muscle growth and energy levels.

This level of personalization is difficult to achieve with pre-packaged pet food, making homemade options an attractive alternative.

Transparency and Control Over Ingredients

Pet owners are becoming increasingly conscious of the ingredients in the products they buy, and this extends to dog and cat food as well.

Homemade pet food offers transparency and control that commercial pet food simply cannot provide. With homemade meals, pet owners can choose organic, non-GMO ingredients, ensuring that their dogs and cats are eating food that aligns with their values and preferences.

Additionally, by cooking their pet’s food at home, owners can avoid any unwanted surprises and know exactly what their pets are consuming, which builds trust and confidence in the meals they provide.

The Growing Popularity of Homemade Dog Food: A Trend Driven by Health and Quality

The popularity of homemade pet food is expected to continue growing as more pet owners seek healthier, safer, and more personalized options for their dogs and cats.

With an increasing focus on transparency, high-quality ingredients, and nutrition, homemade dog and cat food provides a viable and often superior alternative to traditional commercial pet food.

As the trend gains momentum, pet owners are embracing the opportunity to take control of their dog and cat’s diet and health, ensuring their beloved pets live longer, healthier lives.