The Ranch Pet Resort

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Pet Health and Safety Tips

The Dogs Days of Summer are Almost Over

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Dog trail in the sand

Don’t tell the dogs, but summer is coming to a close. School is back in session, the days are getting shorter, and NFL football is starting back up!

While the current weather trend doesn’t fully agree with summer coming to an end, the upcoming Labor Day Weekend signifies the traditional end to summer.

While we have quite enjoyed the summer frolicking with your dogs in the best ever, one-of-a-kind ONLY water park in the Tri-Valley, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa wants to take this time to get your pup ready for fall!

Freshen Up for Fall!

Is it time for your pupperoo to get a haircut? bath? nail trim? Our dog grooming facilities are very pupular (see what we did there?). We hear it’s the best place in town to get a blueberry doggie facial, deshedding treatment, luxury bath package, teeth brushing, and more!

Book now for the winter pictures since we fill up fast!

Shop Now for Winter Wardrobes

Winters can get mighty cool around here, so shop for the most trendy and fashionable doggie active wear. Murphy’s Paw in Livermore is the go to doggie outlet for all of your necessary and fashionable trends. From leashes and collars to cool outer and inner wear, your dog will be stylin’!

Cindy Kirkland from Pleasanton’s pup is the coolest pup in the neighborhood in this jean jacket!

Winterize Your Dog with a Doggy Check up

We never want our furry besties to feel anything but their best! Consider taking your pup in for its annual check up. Have your favorite vet check your pup from tooth to tail to ensure he gets all A’s in health and wellness! Make sure all shots are up-to-date and microchip your pet to ensure its safe return in the event she wanders off!

Complete a Home Safety Check

With summer coming to a close, it might be time to winterize. Make sure all chemicals from the pool are put safely out of reach, the pool cover is on and there are no holes or tears in case Rambo Pup decides to charge on it; the latches on your gates self-close so Scooby can’t escape; the holes and loose fence board are replaced; and anything that can be put in your dog’s mouth and cause a hazard are picked up and out of sight.

New Dog Id Tags

Has it been awhile since Ms. Lucky Loo had her tags replaced? Sometimes wear and tear get the best of our pets, and our contact information wears off. Consider replacing old dog ID tags with current and correct information. Who doesn’t like a shiny new object around our neck anyway?

Replace Toys and Bedding

Is Finn’s dog bed looking ragged and dirty? Does it have more holes in it than your favorite chewed up pair of slippers? It’s a fine time to shop for a new winter bed. Choose one that fits your dog when it curls up and stretches out so your dog is warm and comfortable. Toss out old comforters and blankets that can easily be chewed and swallowed.

Take it from this blogger whose ornery lab ate the stuffing from an old comforter. The material lodged in the dog’s intestines and had to be surgically removed. You’d think both the blogger and the dog would learn after the first mistake. Nope! We underwent expensive surgery two times!

While we are on the subject of throwing out dangerous items, consider tossing toys that have seen better days. Loose threads, stuffing from “indestructible” toys, and hanging plastic pieces are an expensive emergency vet visit waiting to happen.

Book Regular Doggie Daycare Outings

We all get cabin fever with cold winters, and there is nothing like doggie daycare at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa.

Whether it’s frolicking on the play structure, romping along the artificial turf, or even splashing in the puddles and water fun on warmer days, your dog deserves all the love and attention from our professional staff at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa.

Just like you enjoy your time away from work to hike, bike ride, or build those muscles at the gym, Marmaduke needs his time away from home, too.

Book now!

For more fun-loving ideas to do with your dog around the Tri-Valley or more pet-related information, read our blog!

Do Dogs Experience Anxiety?

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The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa‘s “Rover Reporter” went on a mission to answer the question: Do Dogs Experience Anxiety?

A simple Google search led to the answer that yes, dogs and other pets do experience anxiety, and they show it in ways we may or may not recognize.

Ways Dogs Show Anxiety

According to an article by the American Kennel Club, dogs experience anxiety in several ways. If your dog is showing signs of the following, it may be experiencing anxiety:

  • Excessive panting, drooling, licking, barking, whining, or howling
  • Urinating or defecating in the house (unrelated to potty training or incontinence)
  • Aggressive behaviors
  • Destroying property
  • Digging
  • Pacing about
  • Appearing depressed
  • Demonstrating repetitive or compulsive behaviors
  • Restlessness

Why Do Dogs Get Anxiety?

Much like humans, dog experience anxiety under certain conditions or circumstances. Some anxiety behaviors can be recurring, and others can be constant.

Dogs are very adept at “reading” or understanding situations and people. If your dog senses that you are stressed, it can react to your feelings.

If a dog is in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar situation, such as going to the vet, traveling, or moving, it can also exhibit anxiety.

Sometimes sounds, noises, unfamiliar surroundings, objects, surfaces, other animals, or strangers can cause a dog to feel anxious.

Likewise, dogs who are separated from their owners, even for a brief period of time, can experience anxiety.

Anxiety is also common in older dogs whose cognitive functions are starting to decline.

How to Help an Anxious Dog

Every dog reacts differently to anxiety, and it’s important to monitor your dog’s reactions and health to determine if your dog has anxiety and if you need to seek treatment for anxiety.

The first action you might take is to visit your vet. Describe your dog’s behaviors and under what conditions your dog appears anxious.

Medical treatments, behavior training, socialization, crate training, exercising your dog, providing a nourishing diet, and removing your dog from stressful situations are just some of the ways you can ease the anxiety your dog is experiencing.

Anxiety Can be Normal in Dogs

If your dog is experiencing anxiety, it can be a perfectly normal and acceptable behavior.

This “Rover Reporter” noticed increasing anxiety in her older dog a few years ago. Separation anxiety, howling, restlessness, and excessive panting (when all weather extremes were normal) were the first signs that something was not quite right with my beloved pooch.

Medication didn’t seem to work on him, so we adapted to working from home, assuring him each time we left “we would be right back,” cuddling him, allowing him to sleep with us, changing his diet, and allowing him to be where we were.

He has since mellowed, except when we have company, at which point he wants to be where the action is, or he will cry and howl if separated.

Most importantly, we have come to accept our pooch has changing needs, not much different than ours, and with patience, education, understanding, and love, he has settled down a bit, and that makes us all less anxious.

Summer Tips to Keep Your Pets Happy, Healthy, and Safe

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The happiness, health, and safety of your pets is a priority at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa.

Anyone who has been to our facility for grooming, doggie daycare, or pet boarding understands how much we love your pets as well as our own.

As the summer approaches, we thought it would be a doggone good idea to provide you with Summer Tips to Keep Your Pets Happy, Healthy, and Safe.

Never Leave Your Pet Unattended in a Car

No matter how quick you think your errand is going to be and how much you and your pet love going for drives in the car, never leave your pet unattended in a car.

The temperature outside is no indication of the temperature that quickly rises in a car. The temperature inside of a car can quickly rise to 120 degrees even if windows are cracked.

While we know how much fun it is for both our pets and us to spend time together, when it’s hot outside, please leave your pets at home!

Time Your Walks for Cooler Weather

Take walks in the early am or evening when it is cooler. Dog paw pads are sensitive to hot asphalt and can burn.

Also, dogs who exercise in the hot sun can suffer from heat stroke, which can be debilitating and deadly.

Older dogs, those that are overweight, and breeds with flat noses are particularly susceptible to heat stroke. Dogs with heart and lung issues should be monitored carefully.

Possible signs of heat stroke in dogs include:

  • Excessive panting
  • Drooling
  • Abnormal breathing
  • Vomiting
  • Collapsing or weakness on feet
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Seizure
  • Bright red gums

If your dog is acting abnormally, especially in the heat, please contact your veterinarian or closest emergency hospital immediately.

Keeping Your Pet Safe in Hot Weather

With temperatures outside rising during the summer, it’s imperative that your pet has adequate conditions to keep them cool.

Basic necessities such as shade, cool water, escape from the elements, and air conditioning will keep your pets safe, happy, comfortable, and thriving.

If you need to leave your dog outside for any length of time in hot weather, give it fresh, cold water, and a way to escape from the sun.

Add fans or turn on the air conditioner when inside the home.

Long-haired animals are especially susceptible to heat even in the 70’s, so it’s very important to take precautions to keep their temperature down.

Dogs pant to cool themselves, as they are unable to perspire as humans do.

So, consider what your needs are to make yourself comfortable and offer the same to your pet, especially as the Tri-Valley is set to experience a heat wave.

Be Careful Around Swimming Pools       

If you have a water dog, you will probably not be able to keep him out of the water. But some dogs can’t swim or tire easily and can actually drown.

Make sure your pet is supervised during any water activity.

Have a Safe and Happy Summer

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa wants to wish you and your family a safe, happy, and healthy summer.

We hope our summer tips will provide you the best protection to keep your pets around for a long time.

The Benefits of Sleeping with Your Human From Your Dog or Cat’s Point of View

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Studies suggest that sleeping with your pet has health benefits for you, but have you ever considered the benefits dogs and cats receive while sleeping with their humans?

As soft, comfy, fluffy, and adorable that pet bed is that you bought for your dog or cat, chances are, your pet would prefer to sleep with you!

Studies Show Dogs and Cats Benefit from Sleeping with Their Owners

Good pet owners are in tune with their pets’ needs of human comfort, interaction, love, and affection.

When it comes to bedtime, many pets would prefer to sleep with their humans and the reasons make sense to the pet lovers at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa.

According to Dr. Dana Varble, the chief veterinary officer for the North American Veterinary Community, “In general, it is a very good thing for animals to sleep with their people. Pets who share their human’s bed tend to have a higher trust level and a tighter bond with the humans that are in their lives. It’s a big display of trust on their part.” (source: CNN.com)

Medical Benefits for Dogs and Cats who Sleep with their Humans

Another reason for pets to sleep with their owners is medical. Oxytocin and dopamine, hormones that produce feel-good feelings in animals as well as people, are increased in pets who are closely bonded with their humans.

If your dog has anxiety or suffers from stress, a medical condition, or old age, it may be helpful for them to fall asleep next to someone they trust and love. The close physical contact relaxes the anxiety they feel and eases the stress they feel.

To Sleep or Not to Sleep with Your Dog or Cat?

The choice whether to sleep with your dog or cat is ultimately up to you…or is it? As many times as dog or cat owners try to sleep with their dog or cat next to them in beds or cat trees, boxes, crates, comfy pillows, blankets with fish on them…well, you get the idea…it’s sometimes a failed effort.

Many dogs and cats naturally crawl on the bed or, in some cases, under the covers, to sleep with their owners.

The temptation to sneak onto the bed while humans sleep is more than many of our dogs and cats can resist. After all, the crook of a knee, the soft neck of our best human, or even the face of our best cat-loving person is just too much for our pups and kittens to pass up.

If Your Dog or Cat Sleeps with You, Consider Yourself Loved

As many of our dog or cat loving clients realize, their best furry friends do not want to be without their loved ones, especially at night.

So, if you wake up to soft puppy breath, the snoring of an aging four-legged canine, or the soft paw or even claw of a finicky feline, consider yourself blessed.

You have been among the numerous pets who have chosen their person to drift off to slumber with. May sweet dreams of fish swimming up stream, balls in the open field, and the sound of crashing beach waves fill your mind, heart, and soul during the night.

Choose The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa to Ease Your Pet While You Travel

The staff at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa has a special place in our heart for your dog or cat when you travel.

We take extra measures to make sure your pets fall asleep feeling loved and cared for when you are not there to tuck them into bed.

Our popular story time is a hit among the guests who board with us. Dogs who are read to drift asleep in the lap of our staff and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to begin the day. We even talk in different voices, show pictures, and read the story over and over!

If you are interested in having The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa bring story time to your pet during their stay with us, please let us know! It is our wish to make sure your pet is loved during its stay with us!

Sweet dreams to all!

Make your reservations here!

April Bowser Report Tip: Put Sunscreen on Your Dog 🐾

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April showers are bringing a lot of activity to The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa. With the weather we are having, we don’t know whether to put sunscreen on or our doggie raincoats and boots!

You may have heard that dogs can actually get sunburned, especially ones with light skin or white fur, so it’s important to keep us safe from damaging our skin.

How to Safely Apply Sunscreen to Your Dog

For all of you sunscreen wearing dogs, remember to have your hoomans apply sunscreen to the most important parts of our bodies: nose, around our lips, tips of the ears, bellies, and groins.

As tempting as it may be, avoid licking the sunscreen off! Have your mom or dad test a small area of your body to make sure you are not allergic to the sunscreen.

Apply a small amount of sunscreen and allow the lotion to soak in. If you don’t have any reaction, it’s time to put the rest of the lotion on your body and then you are good to go in the sun!

If you do have a reaction, have your mom or dad wash off the sunscreen immediately. If you start acting oddly or developing hives, call your vet right away!

Summer Wear for Dogs Who Care!

If the thought of greasy lotion doesn’t sit well with you divas and divos, consider setting a trend with the latest in doggie summer wear.

Doggies bodysuits, shirts, hats, or eyewear are sometimes necessary to protect our bodies and our eyes from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. Booties can also be used to protect paws and pads from the hot cement. Dogs can burn their pads and paws, and careful attention should be paid to not walk on asphalt during the hottest parts of the day.

Summer Swimming Safety

Summer is a great time for us dogs to swim or play in water! Some lucky dogs get to go in pools or on boats! If you are one of these lucky dogs, it’s smart to have your person purchase a life vest for you. Have them size you and tighten the vest so it’s not too tight but not too loose that it may fall off.

Some dogs, especially water dogs like labs and retrievers, will swim until they are exhausted. Let’s protect them from drowning by putting on a doggie life vest!

Boating dogs should wear one as well just like their humans do in the event they fall overboard by accident! Or, in the case of a lab we know, JUMP in.

If you are a swimming breed, or a breed who loves to swim, be sure and have your hooman re-apply sunscreen as it washes off.

Summer Reservations at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

It’s not too early to sign up for doggie daycare or doggie boarding at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa. We have so much fun playing in the water park, the ONLY water park in the area. Our staffers offer us love, attention, praise, publicity (check us out on Facebook and Instagram!), and lots of summertime activities.

Contact The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa today for your summer reservation!

Consider Adopting a Pet During the Holidays? Here are Some Tips for Success!

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Cat and dog under a christmas tree. Pets under plaid

Adding a new dog or cat to your family is an exciting time for sure! Who wouldn’t want to wake up to a fluffy new kitten or a roly poly puppy?

But even when a new pet is given with the greatest of intentions by the most well-meaning people, the sad truth of the matter is that many puppies and kittens who were lovingly gifted on Christmas get returned to the shelter.

The idea of surprising loved ones with a new pet is great! Until the reality sets in and the new pet becomes a chore to take care of. Or until the new puppy eats Aunt Lucy’s favorite slippers; or gets sick after eating something it shouldn’t; or has accidents because people forget how much work it is to potty train a puppy; or bites someone out of sheer fear of all these hands and faces wanting to get right up and close to the new pet.

If you are considering adopting a pet for the holidays, here are some tips for success!

  • Make certain the person/people you are gifting the pet to want a pet
  • Take seriously the responsibilities of a new pet-remember to consider its needs of food and water, exercise, medical care, training, toys, bedding, collars/leashes, treats
  • Make sure you can care for any medical needs beyond annual vaccinations
  • Give the pet ample time to settle into the family and give it time and space away from festivities. Animals get scared and need a safe place to hide, rest, and acclimate.
  • Consider a gift certificate in place of a pet so the recipient can choose his or her own pet
  • Understand a pet is for life-not just the holidays
  • Prepare in advance for the new pet by decluttering and keeping food and poisonous plants away. Click here for a link to foods to avoid during the holidays. Click here for a list of toxic plants that can cause death or illness to pets.
  • Enjoy this special time! Take pictures and videos and come join us at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa for doggie daycare, doggie boarding, cat boarding, or dog grooming.

Adoption Fees Waived at Valley Humane Society in Pleasanton

If you are considering a new addition to the family this holiday season, consider adopting a pet from the Valley Humane Society. Adoption fees are being waived for the month of December which allows you even more money to spoil your new pet!

For more information on adopting a pet from Valley Humane Society, check out this article in The Pleasanton Patch.

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa Wishes all of You a Very Happy Holiday Season!

From our hooman and pet families to yours, we wish you a very happy holiday season full of laughter, good food, friendship, health, peace, joy, and memories!

Whether you are staying home or traveling, we want to wish you and yours the very safest and merriest of holidays!