The Ranch Pet Resort

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

Uncategorized

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!

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.

Wrapping Up a Year of Fun at The Ranch

by

2024 has been a fun and productive year at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa. From birthday parties and holidays to twinning and bedtime stories, The Ranch sure gets a kick out of our guests. Here are some of our favorite activities from 2024.

Puppy Bowl 2024

Puppy Bowl is one of the most popular events at The Ranch. Bigs and Littles compete for the coveted title of Puppy Bowl winner with prizes given for MVP and more. Dogs go all out to bring the football past the goal line after a morning of warm ups and “pup” talks.

Here are some of our best players!

Puppy Training

Our certified trainers make training dogs look like a walk in the park. But most owners know that it takes a special kind of person to train a dog. Here is our latest success, Jayce, who is showing off his stellar leash walking skills. Just look at the confidence in this sweet baby’s face!

Seeing Double

When one dog isn’t enough, we twin! Here are some of our adorable twins!

Story Time

The Ranch loves to read bedtime stories to our pups who board with us. We make our dogs feel right at home.

Halloween

Our dogs make Halloween one of the best holidays at The Ranch. Their creative disguises get better year after year. We can’t get over how well they model for the camera! This year, we added bobbing for apples, and that activity went over very well with many willing participants.

Bacon Bubbles

Bacon bubbles! We think this is the dogs’ favorite activity. Mix bubbles and bacon together and you have a rip roaring good time! Add some cute photo souvenirs with some plush bacon and you have an event that sells out every year!

Birthday Celebrations

Our pups at The Ranch become like family to us. As such, we love to celebrate their birthdays! Here are a few recent birthdays of some of our favorite guests.

The Meows Have It

The Ranch isn’t complete without our feline friends who add so much to our family. Take a look at our happy campers!

Caught on Camera

One of the best parts of The Ranch is capturing the day-to-day antics of our guests. Here are a few of our favorite photos!

Happy New Year!

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa wants to wish all of you a very happy, healthy, safe, and prosperous New Year. We can’t wait to see you all next year and hopefully meet some new friends.

Halloween Advice for Your Furry Friends

by

Happy Halloween from The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa! With all of the excitement of trick-or-treaters, costumes, parties, pumpkin carving, and our own Howl-o-Ween Dog Party, we’d like to offer some Halloween advice for your furry friends.

Keep Chocolate Away from Dogs and Cats

Chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats so be careful to keep your pets away from candy or desserts. Should your dog or cat show signs of poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst or urination, restlessness, rapid breathing, seizures, or collapse, it’s urgent you call your vet or the Pet Poison helpline (855) 764-7661 immediately.

Take Precautions During Trick-or-Treating Time

Whether you’re heading around the neighborhood or staying home to pass out candy, it’s important to take precautions to keep your dogs and cats safe. Opened doors mean easy escapes for curious dogs or cats which can lead to them getting lost, hurt, or scared.

Confine Anxious Dogs and Cats

Consider shutting dogs and cats in bedrooms or crates during the hours you expect trick-or-treaters. Even the friendliest of pets may bolt when scared by a child, costume, or decoration. Doorbells, kids screaming with delight, and the hustle and bustle of Halloween activity may be too much for anxious or reactive dogs.

Thunder shirts, CBD treats or other anti-anxiety medication, or warm snuggles under covers may be just what your pet needs to help you both enjoy a fun and festive night.

Make Your Dog Visible

If you plan on taking your socialized dog around the neighborhood, it’s a good idea to have your pet wear a reflective collar, leash or harness. For more safety measures, consider a lit-up collar or harness to make your pet easily seen and safe from cars, other dogs, excited candy go-getters, and other adults who may not be able to see your dog at night.

Double Check ID Tags and Microchips

Double check your dog’s tag to make sure it is up-to-date, secured safely, and attached to a collar or harness in the event your dog runs off. Even the most best-behaved dogs can get spooked by noises, Halloween decorations, cars, Halloween partygoers, or costumes.

This is also a great time to make sure your dog or cat is chipped, and the contact information is current. More pets end up in shelters during holidays than other times, and ensuring your pet can be returned to you will make you both feel better.

Ensure Comfort Over Cuteness for a Costume

Costume-loving pet parents should make sure the costume does not impede the dog’s sight, breathing, or ability to walk. Double check that the costume is comfortable and not too tight or too loose to trip over. Despite a cool evening, a dog may overheat while exercising and wearing a thick but cute costume.

Keep in mind that most pets do not enjoy dressing up and that they are the perfect cuteness without a costume.

Keep Glow Sticks in the Hands of Kids or Adults

Glow sticks are fun accessories that can help kids and adults be seen, but they should be kept away from pets. The chemical tastes badly and can make your dog or cat ill.

Have a Safe and Fun Halloween!

Most of all, we wish you a safe and fun Halloween full of good times, good friends, and great memories for you and your fur babies!

The Secret to Understanding Cat Behavior

by

Felines, the mysterious creatures that lure many of us to love them by their distinctive “meows,” head batting, or body rubs against us, are often misunderstood. So what is the secret to understanding cat behavior? Our professionals in charge of our cat boarding programs at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa shared some insight with us.

Cats Really Do Like Their Owners

In the competitive war of dogs vs cats, cats are often criticized for being finicky and not liking their owners where dogs are stereotyped for liking everyone!

But studies show that cats really do love their owners, just as much as dogs love theirs. Cats tend to gravitate toward the voice of their owners, often seeking them out simply through the sounds their humans make (source).

Cat owners don’t need proof their fur babies like them and resist the notion that they are only used as a source for food. Ask any cat owner to share stories with you about their cat running toward them to greet them, snuggling up with them on a cold winter’s day, or jumping on their computer during a writing session to demand attention.

“Only dog people believe the notion that cats are merely calculating fur balls who manipulate humans for the sake of a fresh plate of pate’,” jokes Sammie, who works with our cats on a daily basis.

“Cats show affection in a more elegant manner,” states Michael Gamache, owner of The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa. “They are descendants of wild cats from Africa which were solitary cats. This is a stark contradiction from dogs who prefer to show their love and affection by bounding in wildly, jumping all over their owners and covering them with kisses.”

Cats Demonstrate their Anger by Purposely Vomiting in High-Traffic Areas

Cat owners commonly discuss the occurrence of cat vomit often left in high-traffic areas. Be it fur balls, blades of grass, or undigested food, cats tend to puke and leave it for their humans to find it.

But why do cats vomit? Dog owners swear the vomit is a means to show their disdain for their humans, the dog they share the home with, their dislike of the new food, or just to irritate anyone in their path.

Truth be told, cats often vomit because they are upset. “Behavioral disorders are influenced by the immune system, and the immune system is influenced by the gut,” says Dr. Carlo Siracusa of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. So while our cats can show how cantankerous they are, their vomitous misgivings are often due to feeling upset, depressed, misunderstood, abandoned, scared, nervous or any number of feelings.

“Pay particular attention to the frequency of the mess,” adds Michael. “We don’t want to dismiss a medical condition, but we also like to rule out behavioral reasons for our felines leaving a mess of saliva filled grass or food.”

Cats Retain Memories and Dream

Cat owners never doubted the intelligence of their felines. Dr. Siracusa does confer that cats retain memories and dream. This may explain why a cat is hesitant to be in a situation or place that he or she has had a bad experience, such as a carrier or the vet or the groomer. At the same time, they will also be open to reliving positive experiences such as special nap time with their preferred people or friends.

Watching a cat sleep often results in seeing their paws move back and forth in a running motion, viewing their mouths twitch much like they do when “talking” to birds, or suddenly jolting awake.

“Going over the day’s events and storing things in their memory banks,” is the source of dreams cites Karen Hiestand, clinical veterinarian of the University of Sussex. “There’s no reason to think their brains would work so differently to ours in that respect.”

Choose The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa for Your Cat Boarding Needs

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is known for our state-of-the-art cat boarding facilities. Our four-level cat accommodations come with all the comforts of home and plenty of space to perch, play, and relax.

Our fresh, bright cat room is separated from our canine guests for an atmosphere of peace and calmness kitties prefer.

Contact us today for all of your cat boarding needs!

Howl-o-Ween is Coming to The Ranch!

by

Dog owners, it’s that “wicked and ghoulish” time of year known as Howl-o-Ween! Our beloved daycare dogs transform from sweet, playful, bouncy, lovable and huggable fur babies to ghouls, ghosts, super heroes, athletes, monsters, and more!

Mark your calendars for Howl-o-Ween 2024. This fun event is a staff and owner favorite for daycare dogs who compete for the best Howl-o-Ween costume. Your fur baby will be captured in costume with a specially designed, spooktacular backdrop- just perfect for the occasion.

Big dogs, little dogs, dogs with hair, and dogs with flair pose playfully in some of the best costumes ever conceived. All of this is only available at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa!

Stay tuned for more details, as our staff is hard at work coming up with an even better party than last year. Competition is stiff, so we recommend you start planning your dog’s costume sooner rather than later!

Check our blog and social media sites for past year’s fun and excitement!

The Bubble Party was a Popping Good Time!

We want to thank all of the dogs who participated in our Bubble Party. Based on the images snapped and all of the snapping that went on as bacon bubbles were blown for our guests, everyone had a yummy good time!

The Ranch prides ourselves in creating events that make it fun for our dogs to be away from their families. We want our guests to feel at home while in our care, and the Bacon Bubble Party is always a big hit.

Honestly, we aren’t sure who had more fun-the staff or the dogs! With bubbles overflowing and dogs chasing them, we had a lot of laughs and wore out a lot of pups!

Here are just a few images of the great time. More images and fun can be seen on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Contact The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa for all of Your Dog Boarding, Grooming, and Daycare Needs

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa would be honored to be your go-to place for all of your dog and cat boarding, grooming, and daycare needs. Please contact us for more information or to reserve your stay!