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August is National Dog Month!

August 9, 2024 by Michelle Bedard

August celebrates Man’s Best Friend with a month picked just for them, and we want to make sure you dog is celebrated! We’re including some delicious dog treats you can make from home and some

Pumpkin Popsicles for Dogs

Pumpkin is a very good treat for dogs and is often used to settle upset stomachs. This simple-to-make popsicle treat uses just a few ingredients and is packed full of nutrients. For directions to make this tasty delicacy, click this link.

Pamper Your Pooch with a Canine Massage

Canine massage promotes relaxation and trust, improves circulation, mobility and healing, and reduces pain. The bonding between a human and a dog can increase significantly with touch, and dogs, like humans, enjoy the soothing touch of a massage.

For tips on how to massage your dog, click here.

Take Your Dog on Vacation with You

Whatever type of vacation you enjoy, consider adding your family dog to the fun! Whether you’re camping, taking an RV across the country, glamping, or staying in an elegant resort, bringing your dog with you adds fun for both you and your dog. Many Airbnbs and VRBOs allow dogs, most with a small pet deposit.

For a list of dog friendly hotels in California, click here.

Staycate with Your Dog in August for National Dog Month

Consider taking your dog on a fun outing with you as you staycate with your dog in August for National Dog Month. Livermore is filled with fun, dog-friendly places to staycate.

Do you like wineries? Check out the list of wineries that allow dogs. Are you a foodie? Bring your dog along. There are a number of pet friendly restaurants that allow your dog and have water and treats.

Are you a beer, ice cream or coffee lover? Try Livermore’s beer, ice cream or coffee trails.

Ready to walk off that dessert or meal? There are so many fun hiking trails that you and your dog can enjoy. Take a dip in the water after a long hike at Lake Del Valle’s beach area for dogs.

DIY Dog Toys

Dog toys don’t have to cost you a fortune! In fact, the better a toy can make your dog use its brain, the better the dog will sleep and the more fun it will have!

Consider making your dog an obstacle course, licking mat, agility course, or a sniffing garden.

Here is a video of fun and inexpensive DIY projects for you and your dog using some items you may have around the home.

Whatever toy you make will sure to make your dog very happy as it gets to spend time with you. And time spent with its human is the best way to celebrate your dog during National Dog Month.

Why Does My Cat Rub Against Me?

July 31, 2024 by Michelle Bedard

Cat Expresses Affection Through Leg Rubbing, Marking Territory And Showing Trust. This Behavior Signifies Comfort, Creating A Bond Between Feline And Human. Cartoon Vector Illustration

When The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa has the pleasure of boarding our clients’ cats, we often fall in love! Soft purrs, gentle nose bumps, tiny meows, the occasional reach out with the paw, and soft, full body rubs us often melt our hearts.

More often than not, our visiting cats rub against us, which led us to share with the simple answer to the question, Why Does My Cat Rub Against Me?

Top Reasons Your Cat Rubs Against You

Cats are pretty clear about their intentions, and their needs are few. When a cat rubs its body against you, it is trying to communicate with you. Here are the Top Reasons Your Cat Rubs Against You:

Communication Through Physical Touch

Cats use body language as their primary means of communication. When a cat rubs against you, which is also called bunting or head butting it is showing affection towards you.

Consider rubbing as cat speak for “I love you,” “I’m happy and content,” and “I care about you.” It’s their way of communicating how secure they feel and reinforcing their bond with you.

Marking Territory

Cats rub against you to mark their territory. Cats have scent glands located around their head, cheeks, and base of the tail. When they rub against you, they’re depositing their scent as a form of marking.

This behavior is rooted in their instinct to mark their territory and claim their space. It also serves to make their environment smell more familiar and comfortable.

Seeking Attention

If your cat rubs against you, it might be asking for something—whether it’s food, playtime, or a petting session. As time goes on, you will be able to determine what need your cat has when it rubs against you. But understanding all of these cues can help you better respond to your feline friend’s needs and strengthen your bond.

Social Bonding

When cats rub against each other, it’s often a sign of social bonding. The same behavior directed towards you is a sign of affection and trust. Your cat sees you as a close companion, much like they would another cat they get along with.

Comfort and Security

For many cats, rubbing against their favorite human or object is a way of seeking comfort and reinforcing their sense of security. It’s especially common in senior cats who may be more focused on maintaining their comfort and safety.

Health Concern

If you notice changes in how or how often your cat is rubbing, or if they seem unusually persistent, it could be a sign of discomfort or a health issue. If the behavior changes significantly, it’s always a good idea to check with your vet to ensure everything is okay.

Enjoy the time your cat is spending with you! These special moments make for a firm bond and socially prepared cat. A cat who shows love by rubbing is a happy and content cat!

The 3 3 3 Guideline for Bringing Home a New Dogs

July 19, 2024 by Michelle Bedard

The 3 3 3 guideline for bringing home a new dog is often used to help your new fur baby adjust to their new environment. It’s popularized by rescue organizations and trainers to provide a timeframe for understanding a dog’s behavior in a new home and to help keep the pet in place.

The first few days and weeks with a new dog can be challenging for even the most experienced owner, often causing well-intentioned owners to give up or re-home their dogs.

By understanding the 3 3 3 Guideline and putting its practices in place, you and your dog have a better chance of making a stronger bond and connection and keeping the dog in its home.

Defining the 3 3 3 Guideline for Dogs

Phase 1: The First 3 Days

The first three days after bringing a new dog home are crucial for setting the foundation of trust and comfort. During this period, it’s common for dogs to experience heightened anxiety and stress due to the unfamiliar environment and separation from their previous surroundings. Here’s what to expect and how to help:

Adjustment Period: Dogs may seem withdrawn, nervous, or uncertain. They might not eat much, explore cautiously, or even hide.
Creating a Safe Space: Provide a designated area where the dog can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. This can be a crate, a quiet corner with a bed, or a specific room with their belongings.
Establishing Routine: Introduce a consistent schedule for feeding, walks, and bathroom breaks. Predictability helps alleviate anxiety and allows the dog to anticipate what comes next.
Bonding and Trust Building: Spend time sitting near the dog, offering treats, and using gentle, reassuring tones. Avoid overwhelming them with too much attention initially; let them approach you at their own pace. Wait to introduce family members and friends and avoid dog interactions and dog parks.

Phase 2: The Next 3 Weeks

As the initial adjustment phase transitions into the next three weeks, the dog starts to settle into their new life more comfortably. They begin to understand the household routines, recognize family members, and build trust. This phase focuses on:

Increasing Comfort: The dog becomes more familiar with their surroundings, including the layout of the home and the daily routines of the family.
Behavioral Insights: You may start noticing the dog’s true personality emerging as they become more relaxed. They might show curiosity, playfulness, or display their natural behaviors.
Training and Guidance: Begin introducing basic training commands and positive reinforcement techniques. This helps reinforce desired behaviors and builds confidence in the dog.
Socialization: Gradually expose the dog to new experiences, people, and gentle interactions with other pets (if applicable). This helps them develop social skills and adaptability and builds a strong foundation for the months to come.

Phase 3: The Final 3 Months

By the end of three months, the dog should feel fully integrated into their new home environment. They are likely to exhibit more confidence, trust, and a sense of belonging. This phase focuses on:

Solidifying Routine: Maintain a consistent schedule for feeding, exercise, and training. Consistency reinforces positive behaviors and helps the dog feel secure.
Advanced Training: Continue building on basic training commands and introduce more advanced skills as the dog becomes more responsive and comfortable.
Health and Wellness: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups, maintain proper grooming, and ensure the dog’s overall well-being.
Building Strong Bonds: Strengthen the bond with the dog through regular playtime, walks, and quality time together. Positive interactions with both humans and other dogs help deepen the emotional connection. By this period, you should see quite a difference in your dog’s personality and life should be a bit smoother for all of you.

Considerations for Following the 3 3 3 Guideline

Following the 3 3 3 guideline provides a structured approach to help dogs transition smoothly into their new homes. Every dog is unique, so adjustments may be needed based on their personality, history, and individual needs. Patience, consistency, and understanding are key throughout this process, fostering a loving and supportive environment where the dog can thrive and feel at home.

Playdates at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa wishes all new dogs and dog owners success with the 3 3 3 Rule. When your new pup is ready to show off its confidence and build more social relationships, we would love to have him for a playdate! Contact us for a meet and greet!

Ways to Keep Your Pet Safe this Fourth of July

June 28, 2024 by Michelle Bedard

Fourth of July, the Nation’s birthday, is a time for fun, family, friends, food, and fireworks in some areas. But for our furry friends, who aren’t used to the crowds, noises, amount of people, and certainly the boom of explosions, this can also a time of fear and anxiety.

The Ranch Pet and Resort and Spa offers these suggestions to keep your pets safe this Fourth of July.

Keep your pets home while you enjoy Fourth of July festivities. Not only can the experience cause stress and anxiety, the hot weather can cause stroke or heat exhaustion.
Put a GPS tag on your pet’s collar in the event it does escape. The Fourth of July is one of the busiest times of the year for already over-crowded shelters, and you want to make sure you get your dog or cat back.
Bring your cats and dogs inside well before fireworks could possibly go off. Even in areas where fireworks are not allowed, some people will set them off. With your dog and cat inside the house, you eliminate, or at least severely decrease, the possibility that your pet can escape.
Consider putting a Thundershirt or tight piece of clothing on your cat or dog to make it feel safe.
Turn on the TV or radio to eliminate or diffuse the sounds of fireworks.
Close all windows and doors. Close curtains to eliminate visual stimulation.
Provide a safe and quiet space for your pet to retreat in the event it gets scared and wants to hide. A crate or room can serve as a safe place to retreat while you enjoy the nights’ events. Include toys, treats, and lots of blankets to hide under.
Provide air conditioning, cooling blankets, and plenty of fresh water for your pets to keep cool.
For severe trauma, ask your veterinarian about anxiety medications or CBD products.
Consider hiring a pet sitter to stay with your dog or cat while you go out.
Be very careful when opening the door or allowing your dog outside to go to the bathroom. Even the most well-behaved and most trusted dog can get spooked and run away.
Make sure your dog or cat is wearing a collar with your current address or phone number on it.
Put a leash or harness on your dog when taking it out to the bathroom in the event it gets spooked.
Check all fences for loose boards and secure all latches on gates and doors.
In the event your dog does escape, immediately put an alert out to your Neighborhood Outlets such as Nextdoor and social media platforms. Put up fliers around the neighborhood, vet offices, and make a report with your nearest animal shelter while you look for your dog.
Microchip your pet! You have a much higher chance for getting your pet back.

Happy Fourth of July from The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa wishes you, your family, friends, and pets a very happy Fourth of July. Celebrating the birthday of our nation is a time to celebrate, and we want to make sure all of you enjoy the day while keeping your pets happy and safe as well!

Hot Weather Reminders for Our Furry Friends

June 19, 2024 by Michelle Bedard

Summer is right around the corner, and The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa wants to remind you to protect our furry friends during the hot weather. Whether you’re at home, traveling, or driving, it’s important to remember that our pets can’t cool off like we can.

Tips to Keep Your Dogs and Cats Cool During Hot Weather

Dogs pant to cool off and cats cool off by grooming themselves and releasing heat through their paw pads. We can help our pets cool off with some planning and preparation.

Here are some tips to keep your dogs and cats cool during hot weather:

Always provide fresh, cool drinking water
Only exercise your pets during cooler weather
Never leave your pet in a car even if you think it is not hot outside; the weather inside a car can heat up quickly in a short amount of time
Close blinds, shades, and curtains to cool down a room
Provide a cooling towel, mat, or pad for your pet to rest on or near
Use a fan inside but allow your dog to get relief from its cooling breeze
Place ice cubes or ice treats in your dog’s water or dish; these also provide fun toys for cats to play with. Since their paws absorb heat, playing with ice treats can keep your cat cool
Fill a shallow pool with water to play or splash around in
Use a mister or sprinkler for outside, cooling fun
Bring dogs and cats inside with air conditioning, fans, or open windows; animals can easily overheat just by lying in the sun

Signs of Heatstroke in a Dog or Cat

In the event that you think your dog or cat is overheated, be aware of these symptoms:

Panting in cats-cats don’t pant naturally like dogs do. In the event your cat is panting, this may be a sign that your cat has heatstroke.
Glazed eyes
Lethargy
Lack of appetite
Loss of balance or wobbly walking
Difficulty breathing
Rapidly beating heart
Vomiting
Seizures
Gums or tongue being exceptionally red
Collapsing

If you see any of these signs in your dog or cat, please contact your vet immediately. Take your pet to a cooler location, or place in front of a fan, place a cool towel on your pet, and give your dog or cat cool water but not ice water. Cool the pet slowly, not quickly, as that can be more dangerous.

For a Fun Summer Getaway for Your Dog or Cat, Consider The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

If you are looking to get away for the summer, consider sending your dog or cat to The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa. Our dog suits and cat condos are temperature-controlled to keep your pet safe, cool, and happy.

Our state-of-the-art water park offers a fun time for dogs to splash in water and stay cool. Even dogs who didn’t like water have a great time running and splashing in the pool. It’s like summer camp for your dog or cat at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa.

Have a safe and fun summer and remember to keep cool!

How to Protect Yourself and Your Dog from Coyotes

May 23, 2024 by Michelle Bedard

Summer is upon us and it’s not uncommon for many of us to want to take evening strolls or early morning walks with our dogs to avoid the heat of the day.

The East Bay, especially Livermore, offers so many beautiful hiking trails right in our own backyard! Between the warm summer breezes and beautiful views, it’s only natural to want to explore our area. When we explore with our best dog pal, the adventure is even better!

But let’s remember that we are sharing this beautiful area with Mother Nature, and it’s important to protect ourselves and our dogs from coyotes.

Coyotes are native to California and sitings of these animals are becoming more common especially on hiking trails where coyotes can be found hunting for food and protecting their dens.

Most of the time, coyotes will run when they come in contact with a human, but in areas where coyotes are becoming accustomed to humans, it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself and your dog when out and about.

Coyote Safety Precautions

The East Bay Regional Park District offers these coyote safety precaution tips:

Avoid hiking alone. In the case of emergency, you will have someone there to help you.
Be aware of surroundings and keep all senses on high alert.
Keep children within arm’s reach and dogs on leash.
Stay on trails and paths.
Never feed wildlife.

What To Do If You See a Coyote

It’s not uncommon for anyone enjoying Livermore trails to see a coyote. In the event you do, take the following measures:

Do not approach or engage with the coyote.
Maintain your distance.
Watch from afar and keep an eye on the coyote’s location and actions.
Remain calm.
Walk quickly, but do not run, from the area.

What to Do if a Coyote Approaches You

In most instances, a coyote will not approach you; if it does, keep yourself and your dog safe with the following tips:

Make yourself as big a possible and use loud and aggressive tones to scare away the coyote.
Wave your arms in constant motion.
Stare down the coyote. Maintaining eye contact can make coyotes uncomfortable and timid.
Slowly back away, but never turn your back on the coyote.

Sharing Our East Bay Hiking Trails with Wildlife

We are lucky to be able to share East Bay hiking trails with wildlife. Make sure to respect all wildlife while keeping yourself and your pet safe!

In the event of an emergency at a regional park, call 911 or the East Bay Regional Park District Public Safety line at 510- 881-1833 which is available 24/7.

For more information, visit Ebparks.org/safety.