Pet Health and Safety Tips

Do Animals Dream? What Do They Dream About?

June 28, 2023 by Michelle Bedard

Happy Dreams after a day at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

The other night my dog, Lola, was sleeping on my bed and she started whimpering. Her feet started moving in a running motion and her eyes, while shut, twitched.

I patted her gently to reassure her she was safe, and I was there to protect her. Her frantic motions and whimpering stopped without her waking up, at least to my knowledge.

Last night, my cat, Turkey (yes, we have a cat named Turkey), was sound asleep on my chest. Suddenly and without any warning to me, he jumped up, opened his eyes, and looked around. He immediately settled back to sleep with no further jumping motions.

These actions, and years of watching my many animals and fosters make motions when they sleep, made me question if animals dream like humans do, and if they do, what do they dream about?

Mammals Do Dream During REM

According to an article in Psychology Today, mammals do dream during periods of REM sleep, our deepest sleep cycle. REM, Rapid Eye Movement, allows for vivid dreams and occurs during the end of the sleep cycle (source).

If your dog or cat is experiencing twitching sensations, it is in REM sleep and dreaming about a sensation it experienced during wakefulness.

So, the dog moving its legs in a running or swimming motion is very likely chasing the ball you threw it, re-enacting the swim it took, or possibly running from something frightening.

In my case, my dogs’ whimpers may have been from a trauma she suffered before we adopted her just a few months ago.

Turkey jumped in fear of something, and for Turkey, that something could be his own shadow, as he really is a scaredy cat.

Animals Dream Based on Their Sensory Factor

Daniel Graham, Ph.D. explains that animals dream based on what senses they use most often. Cats, Dr. Graham said, explore the world visually, so their dreams would be based upon actions, events, people, or animals they see.

Mice, on the other hand, experience the world via smell. So, their dreams are about food, flowers, garbage, other mice, or whatever fascinating item they smelled that day.

Imagine dreaming in smells over sights. That dream experience could be wonderful if you visited a bakery, flower shop, or bread store; if you visited the junkyard or changed your baby’s dirty diaper, you may not want to go to sleep that night.

Should You Wake a Dog or Cat if it is Having a Bad Dream?

Perhaps the phrase, “let sleeping dogs lie” should be rephrased to “let dogs experiencing what looks like a nightmare lie.”

When your dog or cat is experiencing what appears to be a nightmare-legs twitching, eyes blinking rapidly, body shaking, voice whimpering, it’s best not to wake your dog or cat.

The dog or cat may awaken in a dream state (similar to when we wake not knowing where we are or what day it is) and cause injury to you, thinking you are part of its dream (source).

If your dog or cat is having a bad dream, gently call its name until it comes out of the dream state.

No Bad Dreams at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is such a fun, active, and safe place that we can’t imaging your dog or cat going to sleep afraid or experiencing nightmares.

During our boarding sessions, dogs get story time with our friendly and compassionate staff, and then they get tucked into our soft beds!

Cats get purr time when they are boarded, with staff making sure all bedding is soft and clean and nightmare free! Our cats are houses away from the dogs, making their stay quiet, peaceful, and serene.

Book Your Stay at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is the premier dream destination for your dog or cat. We would love to have your dog or cat stay with us. Simply click here to make your reservation!

Help Your Dog or Cat Get Relief from Seasonal Allergies

April 25, 2023 by Michelle Bedard

If your dog or cat is prone to allergies, there is a good chance this time of year is especially difficult for them. Spring and summer are not only difficult times for humans who suffer from allergies, but they have an effect on dogs and cats as well.

Pets are Prone to Allergies, Too

Just like humans, dogs and cats react to allergens when their immune system reacts to a foreign body such as pollen, dander, dust mites, mold spores, chemical skin irritants, stuffing from dog beds, proteins from foods, saliva from fleas, and more.

Allergies are common among dogs and cats of all breeds, frequently occurring after the pet reaches six months of age. Some allergies are thought to be genetic, such as atopic dermatitis or bee pollen.

Signs of Allergies in Your Dog or Cat

If you believe your dog or cat has an allergy, look for one or a combination of these signs:

Red, itchy, or inflamed skin or paws
Hives
Swelling
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Excessive licking of paws or anal glands
Itchy or running eyes with or without discharge
Scooting on their bums
Ear infections
Excessive shedding
Respiratory issues such as wheezing, coughing, or having difficulty breathing

Relief for Allergies in Your Dog or Cat

English cocker spaniel dog taking a shower with shampoo, soap and water in a bathtub

The best relief for allergies for your dog or cat is to visit your local veterinarian. The veterinarian will examine your pet and can test it for allergens to be able to treat it more effectively.

Some helpful ways to treat your pet are:

Wiping down your pets’ paws or fur after being outside to eliminate the pollen coming inside
Anti-inflammatory drugs (please check with your vet as some drugs may contain chemicals that are harmful or fatal to your dog or cat)
Bathing your dog or cat in an oatmeal-based dog or cat shampoo
Changing your dog or cat’s diet
Flea and tick prevention
Fatty acid supplements
Avoid the irritants

What to Do if Your Dog or Cat has a Severe Allergic Reaction

In the event of a severe allergic reaction, your dog or cat could go into shock. “A dog that goes into anaphylactic shock, for instance, will have a drop in blood pressure followed by shock, which is very different from a skin condition.”

The dog or cat must be treated by a veterinarian immediately. Sometimes it is possible to figure out the allergy, other times it is not.

In any case, the best way to prevent your dog or cat from the effects of severe allergies is to pay attention to how your pet acts and treat the symptoms.

A call to your vet is one of the best places to get the attention and treatment your dog or cat deserves and needs.

The Dogs Days of Summer are Almost Over

August 31, 2022 by Michelle Bedard

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?

July 20, 2022 by Michelle Bedard

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

June 22, 2022 by Michelle Bedard

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

May 13, 2022 by Michelle Bedard

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!