The Ranch Pet Resort

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Dog Care

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!

March Bowser Report

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March madness is in full swing at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa. Between the warm, sunny weather and the chilly rains, it’s a madhouse at The Ranch. And by madhouse, we mean these dogs are living it up to their fullest, and we wouldn’t want things any other way!

March Bacon Bubble Party

March began strong with our Bacon Bubble Party One of our most popular events, the Bacon Bubble Party drew in a crowd of canines eager to get their chops on our doggie safe, bacon flavored bubbles. Let the pictures speak for themselves.

Both Bigs and Littles got in on the Bubble Fun! Thank you to everyone who participated in the bubble fun!

March Madness Celebrates Freya’s Birthday

Our doggie daycare guests get treated like family! When there’a a birthday to celebrate, we make sure the guest of honor feels special. Happy March Madness Birthday to our gal pal, Freya! She is a beautiful chocolate lab celebrating one years of puppyhood. Her special wish is playtime, and we made sure her special wish came true!

March Madness with the Dogs of The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

We have to say that our dogs of The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa are some of the goofiest, silliest, tail- waggiest, tongue-hanging-outiest pups of all time. Here for March Madness are some special guests. Whether you are a doggie daycare visitor or a doggie boarder, we think you’re pretty special.

The Nose Knows

This snooper has his nose to the ground and is quick to pick up on any scent-hooman or canine.

The Eyes Have It

We are simply mesmerized by this guy’s eyes…we think he’s got a future in hypnotism because suddenly, we feel very sleepy!

Simply Sophisticated

This Dobie is a natural at posing for the camera! She even got photobombed by a Golden Fan!

Nothing But Legs!

Our Great Dane guest shows off her elegant legs, leaving some of the Corgis and Schnauzers bitter. At The Pet Ranch Resort and Spa, we find beauty in all of our canine guests.

Contact Us for Your Pet’s Next Staycation

Whether you need a few hours off or a few days or even a week, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is Livermore’s Premier Boarding, Doggie Daycare, and Grooming facility. We invite you to take a look around. Please contact us in advance to visit or board your pet.

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!

Holiday Tips for Your Dog or Cat

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Safe dog treats during the holidays

The holidays are here and for many, it’s a time of festivities, laughter, company, food, and libation!

We try to cram in our daily responsibilities along with planning for family and friends, gift buying and wrapping, sending off cards, cooking, cleaning, and holiday parties.

During this busy, crazy season, it’s important to remember that the holidays can be an uneasy time for your beloved canine and feline, who pick up on the stress you are feeling.

To make this holiday season the best for you and your fur babies, here are some holiday tips for your dog and cat.

1. Try to keep a similar schedule as the one you currently have with your dog or cat. When schedules change, dogs and cats can experience stomach issues, have accidents that wouldn’t normally occur, or feel agitated, worried, or anxious.

2. Give your dog or cat a safe place to hide from Aunt Margie with the overdone lipstick who wants to kiss your kitty or Uncle Lu who may not understand that feeding your dog tidbits from the table isn’t healthy for your dog or cat. As much as we love being around family and friends, that doesn’t mean our furry friends do, too.

A kennel provides dogs a natural environment to feel safe and secure. Filled with a favorite blankie, toy, or treat, it’s a haven from all the chaos they feel.

While some cats may feel comfortable curling up on the couch in between Grandpa and Uncle Benny, many cats like the safety of hiding under a bed, a dresser, or in a closet. This safe space allows them to come out on their own time…or not come out at all. But by giving them a safe place for comfort, you avoid the possibility of them being injured by many well-meaning guests, running away, or fear biting.

3. Arrange for responsible pet care in advance if you are traveling. Whether you hire someone to come into your home or need to arrange for dog boarding or cat boarding, plan well in advance. The best pet sitters and dog boarding and cat boarding facilities book up quickly!

4. Avoid feeding your dog or cat food that is not part of their regular diet. While it’s tempting to want to indulge Doggie or Kitty with the festive food that are a huge part of the holiday season, many of the foods we eat during the holiday are poisonous to our pets or can cause digestive issues. For a list of foods to avoid during the holiday, click here.

5. Don’t forget your best and most loyal friend during the holidays. Treat your dog or pet to veterinarian approved treats, toys, a grooming appointment, or a playdate at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa.

Afterall, your pets deserve the very best, even if they do make Santa’s naughty list!

Holiday Dog and Cat Boarding at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

If you are looking to board your dog or cat at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa for the holidays, book now! We fill up fast! There’s a reason we are the number one veterinarian recommended pet care provider!

Check out our Google Reviews!

Taking Care of Doggie to Avoid Canine Influenza (the Flu)

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Flu season is quickly approaching for us humans, and it’s a gentle reminder that we need to take care of Doggie, too, to avoid canine influenza (the flu). Symptoms of the flu range from mild to severe, and we want to make sure your pup is feeling its peppy self as we approach the holiday season.

Try Not to Worry! The Flu is Treatable Under Veterinary Care

Luckily, the flu is treatable under a vet’s care and has a low mortality rate. But one sick dog is too many for us, so we at The Ranch want to make certain you are aware that dogs do get the flu and help you avoid it.

Canine Influenza is Not Seasonal

While Canine Influenza is not seasonal as the flu is for humans, there have been some recent reports of the canine flu in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.

We have not had any cases of the flu in northern California, and we’d like to keep our Ranch pups safe and healthy through education and precautionary measures.

Consult Your Vet for all Your Dog’s Medical Needs

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa always suggests that you consult your veterinarian for any medical needs or issues your dog faces, including Canine Influenza.

A helpful way to keep your pup safe is to ask your vet about the canine influenza vaccine.

Due to the surge in cases in Los Angeles, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa will be requiring all doggie daycare and all dog boarders to be vaccinated with the Canine Influenza shot by November 22, 2021.

Please contact us to update your dog’s shot records so we can continue to have some rip-roarin’ fun!

What are the Symptoms of Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)

While symptoms and seriousness of canine influenza differ among dogs, just as they do with humans, you should be concerned if your dog has any of the following symptoms:

  • Lethargy
  • Runny nose
  • Discharge from the eyes
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Fever
  • Difficulty breathing

You know your pet the best, so if you notice your pet acting differently, not being his or her usual bubbly, cuddly self, it’s in your pup’s best interest to talk to your vet.

How Do Dogs Get the Flu?

Dogs get the flu from contact with sick dogs, contaminated environments or objects, or people who have handled infected dogs. The illness is airborne, spread through coughing, sneezing, or barking. A dog diagnosed with the flu should be taken to the vet, quarantined and given more love, attention, and snuggles as possible. Just as the Dr. ordered.

If you would like to learn more about the Dog Flu, here is a helpful article from the American Kennel Club.

Keeping Your Pups Safe

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa takes the health, safety, and well-being of our pups seriously. We are very proud of the safety measures we put into place, as we consider your dogs an integral part of our family.

It’s important that we keep you informed so we can continue to provide the fun, laughter, love, affection, and attention that your doggies deserve.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need anything!

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.