The Ranch Pet Resort

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Cat Care

Planning for Your Pets in the Event You Can No Longer Care for Your Them

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Our pets are family, and while we all want a lifelong relationship with our fur babies, sometimes circumstances arise that we don’t foresee. It’s important to remember that in the event we are unable to take care of our dogs, cats or other critters at home we love, we have a backup plan.

Prepare for All Circumstances With Back Up Caretakers

No one wants to think about not being our animals’ primary caretakers, but in the event we are incapacitated or unable to care for our animals, it’s important to have back up caretakers.

Choose a member of your family, friend, neighbor, or coworker who you would like to take over your pet’s care in the event you cannot.

Make sure the person you choose is willing to give your pet the lifelong care, love, attention, and medical treatments it needs to live a long, healthy and fulfilling life.

Keep certain considerations in mind when choosing the right caretaker.

Considerations When Choosing a Caretaker For Your Pet

Be precise and meticulous about whom you choose to take care of your pet. Here are some tips to help you make the right match between you and your pet.

  1. Make sure the caretaker is willing to adopt your pet and care for it on a permanent basis. Sometimes people may agree at the moment, not thinking through all the requirements to properly care for your pet for the longterm. Or perhaps circumstances change, making the caretaker unable or unwilling to care for your pet. It’s good to have back up caretakers.
  2. Have the caretaker become friends with your pet and see it on a frequent basis to alleviate the pet/pets’ anxiety, confusion, concern during the transition.
  3. If possible, set money aside for the care of your pet/pets. Medical care, food, toys, and lodging are expensive, and setting aside money to care for your pets will alleviate the burden of caring for your pets.
  4. Keep diligent vet records and store them in a place your caretake can access them. Include any allergies the pet may have.
  5. It’s better to be safe than sorry. No one wants to come to terms with not being able to care for a pet; but for the pet and your well-being, make time to pick a caretaker.
  6. If the caretaker has pets, make sure your pet gets along with the caretaker’s pet. As great as animals are, some animals just don’t fit in with certain other pets.
  7. Try to keep the pet’s routine in place to ease the anxiety the pet will experience. If the pet sleeps in a crate at night, try to keep that same routine.
  8. Allow the pet to grieve along with the caretaker. Pets are very perceptive and pick up on changes just like humans do.
  9. Make sure your caretaker’s values in terms of your pet are similar to yours. In the event of a medical issue, would your caretaker be on board with the decisions you’d make for your own pet?
  10. Educate the caretaker that change takes time; the behavior of the pet may change over time, but if given the opportunity to grow and thrive and feel love again, your pet can make a great addition to the caretaker’s family.

What to do When You Find a Lost Dog or Cat

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It’s no coincidence that more dogs and cats get lost this time of year than any other part of the year.

Holiday parties, Fourth of July Fireworks, BBQ’s, summer pool fun, vacations, and visitors mean more chaos in the household and more chances for scared, anxious, frightened, or excited dogs and cats to run away, run and hide, or just plain venture out when a gate is not closed or locked. According to the American Kennel Club, “…more pets go missing during July 4th weekend than any other time of the year.”

So, what do you do when you find a lost dog or cat?

Tips on Reuniting the Family Dog or Cat with its Owner

When you find a dog or cat that you believe is lost or displaced, it’s important to act in a timely manner. Chances are, the owners are looking for the pet as well, and trying to unite the two will ease the stress and anxiety for both the lost dog or cat and the owners.

Approaching a lost dog or cat should be done with careful precision not to cause injury or harm to you, the lost pet or your pet.

If a dog shows signs of being friendly, carefully approach the dog and look for a tag, collar, or other apparel such as a bandana that might include identification. If you find identification, call the number as soon as possible and text a picture of the dog for further confirmation.

If the dog is without a collar and allows you to either put a leash or collar on it, it’s best to isolate the dog in a confined space if you can. This time alone keeps your pets safe, calms the lost dog, and lessens the chance of either pet contracting diseases or fleas. Include a blanket or bed if you have one and food and water.

If you find a lost cat, carefully attempt to look for identification as well. Displaced or stray cats are extremely difficult to catch, and you should only attempt to do so if you have prior experience and the right clothing and a carrier.

Should the lost cat allow you to pick it up, quarantine it in a small space with a blanket, food, and water.

I Have the Lost Dog or Cat- What Do I Do Now?

If the lost dog or cat does not have an ID tag, call your vet and ask if you can bring the animal in to scan it for a microchip. Most vets will help you scan the animal; many rescue sources may even send a person to your home, thereby eliminating the stress from a trip to the vet.

If the pet is microchipped, contact the owners immediately and make arrangements to return the pet. Then congratulate yourself for successfully rehoming a lost dog or cat.

Advertise a Lost Dog or Cat

Social media is an excellent place to advertise a lost dog or cat. The Nextdoor app is also a great platform to use to share news of the lost dog or cat. Include several pictures of the dog or cat and a summary of what the dog or cat looks like.

Include the gender and color of the dog or cat and keep in mind that time away from home, the weather, mud puddles, and more can alter the color of the animal. Take notice of any unusual markings or behaviors that might distinguish the lost dog or cat from any other.

Also include the area you found the lost dog or cat, keeping in mind, lost animals can travel miles away. Of course, include a way to contact you-display several phone numbers, an email, a social media account, an address, or all of the above.

Put up fliers around the neighborhood with pictures, descriptions, and contact information.

Look on Sites that Advertise Lost Dogs and Cats

Be proactive in your search and contact your local animal shelters with a description of the lost dog or cat. Visit as many as you can if you have time and look through their book for postings that match the dog or cat you found.

Look for websites that post lost pets and be diligent in checking constantly. Sometimes an owner is unaware of their pet being lost due to being on vacation or traveling.

Contact rescue sites and nearby vets and pet stores in case the owner has been there looking for their pets.

Be sure to share with everyone you know that you have found a lost dog or cat and ask them to share this information as well.

Today’s technology makes the world a smaller space to reunite lost dogs or cats and shortens the time it takes to reconnect loved ones with their pets.

Keep Your Dogs and Cats Safe this Summer

If you are worried that company, your travels, or your busy lifestyle might be too much for your dog or cat, consider boarding them with The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa in Livermore’s beautiful wine country.

Whether you are interested in daycare or boarding your dog or cat, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is a safe and enjoyable place for your dog to rest and relax. Contact us to make a reservation!

Tips to Help Your Dog or Cat Feel Comfortable If You are Returning to Work Outside the Home

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Last year, rescue organizations and breeders saw a surge in dog and cat adoptions. Isolation and loneliness led many people to adopt a pet, filling a need for both humans and pets.

Last year’s newly adopted pets were used to their humans being home to comfort them, spend time with them, feed, play, and exercise them. Now that people are returning to work outside the home, some dogs and cats are experiencing anxiety and stress.

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa would like to offer these tips to relieve the stress and anxiety your dog or cat might feel after you go back to work.

Signs Your Dog or Cat is in Distress

Pets get used to a routine and when that routine changes, they can feel unsettled.  Much like humans, adapting to a new routine and change in the household takes time and patience.

If you find that your dog or cat is restless, anxious, not eating, chewing itself, licking excessively, shedding more than usual, being abnormally clingy, chewing items, barking, or showing destructive behavior they once did not, your pet might be feeling the impact of you going back to work.

Help Your Dog or Cat Adjust to Being Home Alone

If you know your routine is going to change, leaving your dog or cat home alone, you can try these tips to help your pet adjust.

1. Slowly adjust to your new routine. If you know you will be going back to work, practice a slight change in the routine to ease your pet into the changes.

2. Reassure your pet so it knows you will be back.

3. Leave a radio or TV on for background noise.

4. Make sure your pet is left with a familiar pillow, towel, blanket, stuffed animal, or piece of your clothing.

5. Fill your home with toys and activities to keep the pet busy. Cardboard boxes make for great fun and a safe shelter for the anxious cat; filling dog toys with treats that take time and effort to remove can relieve anxiety, pass the time, and distract your dog as you walk out the door.

6. Have someone check on your pet while you are at work.

7. Use a video monitoring system to “call” your dog or cat or check on them while you are away.

8. Upon arriving back at home, spend quality time with your pet, playing, walking, petting, and talking to your pet to reassure it.

9. Be patient and understand we all need time to adjust to change.

10. Sign your dog or cat up for pet boarding or doggie daycare at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa. The interaction is great for your pet, relieves loneliness, and can make you both feel better about the change.

Count on The Ranch Pet Resort for Your Pets’ Needs

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is a family-owned business. We pride ourselves on the love and care we provide your pets in our very modern, very comfortable, brand new facility!

From hugs, kisses, bedtime stories, water park and more, your dog or cat is treated as a VIP.

We understand leaving your pet behind can be difficult for both of you. Interested in learning more about our pet sitting services? Contact us for a consultation and visit! Ask about our specials for new customers!

Check out our Facebook Highlight Reel of Your Dog at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

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If you are in need of some laughs and giggles, may we suggest you make it part of your daily or weekly routine to check out the Facebook highlight reel of your dog at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa?

Our professional doggy daycare managers keep the video reels going throughout the day to capture your bestie at play! You may be surprised to see how your pooch acts when you aren’t around!

When work, the kids, life, or school gets you down, there is no bigger way to put a smile on your face than to see the dogs in action at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa.

Favorite Highlights from the Dogs at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

Summer is just days away! The dogs at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa are feeling some early summer fun! With the warm weather and our uber-spectacular, super-splash-zone water park for dogs, our dogs are having a crazy good time.

Frenchie Wipe Out

Check out this screen shot of Little Frenchie gone wild! Then zip over to our Facebook page to see the video in “reel” time. His form is incredible, but his recovery earns Frenchie a Purrfect 10!

It’s Monday. Is that Mufasa Overlooking the Land?

The Facebook message speaks of new friends having a blast! We think the Border Collie on the top of the play structure makes for a perfect Mufasa overlooking his den, no? Someone has to be in charge of the pack! Click here to see the “reel” version of what’s going on in the play area!

Guess What Happens Next?

The scene: a bunch of dogs gather around on a warm day with water features. Guess what happens next? Do the pack of dogs:

A) Call it a day and lie down?

B) Run laps?

C) Start howling for treats?

Click the Facebook link to find out!

Keeping Your Dogs and Cats Safe and Healthy This Summer

The Pet Ranch Resort and Spa wants to remind you to keep your dogs and cats safe and healthy this summer. In our May Bowser Report, we posted an infographic reminding you of ways to make sure your dogs and cats are safe and healthy in the summer weather.

Summer may also be a good time to check and see if your dogs or cats suffer from some of the most common pet ailments.

According to Vetsource, “Dogs and cats have many of the same health problems as humans — but they may not show symptoms in the same ways we do. Our pets have an instinctual response to hide their vulnerabilities. It’s up to us to pay attention, learn the symptoms, and help them get the best treatment.”

Some of the most common ailments in dogs and cats include:

  • Fleas
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Ear infections
  • Allergies
  • Worms
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Hot spots/skin irritations

Check with your vet to make sure your pet is healthy and happy! Don’t forget about their mental health as well! Keeping your pet fit, active, and interacting with friends is part of their social development.

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is happy to offer doggie daycare and boarding for your dog or cat. Contact us today to find out more or make a reservation!

Yappy Howl-i-days from The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

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The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa wants to wish you and your furry family members a Yappy Howl-i-day Season.

2020 has been quite an adventurous year for The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa! We opened up our brand new luxury pet boarding, dog daycare and full-service grooming facility, complete with a doggie water park that has become one of the more popular features among our canine friends.

Our staff has enjoyed watching our canine guests romp, play, tussle, chase each other, and run up, down, and in between our agility blocks and water fountains!

If you need a taste of “aww, this is too cute!” to fill your holiday heart, please visit our Facebook page, like, and follow us! We promise to fill your heart and soul with holiday merriment!

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is the Happiest Place on Earth for Dogs and Cats

Next to Disneyland, we truly feel The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is one of the happiest places on earth. Nestled among the gorgeous wine country that Livermore is famous for, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa offers state-of-the-art equipment to make your dog or cat feel right at home.

Our staff offers plenty of exercise, love, affection, and extra hugs and kisses for those pups and cats that prefer human interaction over their own species.

Our spacious kennels provide the ultimate in comfort with radiant floor heating and raised beds and can accommodate your pet family.

Spa services feature full-service haircuts, soothing baths, deshedding treatments, luxury nail trims and paintings, and so much more. Dogs are pampered and well-cared for under the supervision of experienced groomers.

Contact us to learn more or book your reservation! We have special offers for first-time pet visitors!

Special Holidays and Events at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa. Did you Miss Out?

At The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa, we want to spoil your pups by spreading cheer every month.

Who doesn’t love bacon bubbles? Our pooches just loved the bacon flavored bubble event in September! Every day for a week, our dogs enjoyed the flavor and fun of bacon bubbles!

In October, we featured a Howl-o-ween Costume Contest. Even the shiest pups were stars in front of the camera!

Our November activity was a crowd favorite! The dogs were treated to a tasty turkey, mashed potato, vegetable mash in a tasty cone! They created memorable Paw Turkeys for their owners to take home!

December featured our Holiday Photo and Caroling Event. All dogs who signed up for doggy daycare had their pictures taken and owners were sent home with a memorable holiday photo.

Looking Paw-ward to More Fun at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

May 2021 fill your family with health, peace, tranquility, and fortune. We appreciate you trusting us to take care of your doggie and kitty family members and look forward to what the New Year brings to all of us!

Happy Holidays from The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa!