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Dog Care

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.

Hey, Mom and Dad! Check out these Local, Livermore Activities While I’m in Doggie Daycare!

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Look, Mom and Dad, I really want to go to Doggie Daycare at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa! So I’ve compiled a list of fun local, Livermore activities to keep you busy while I’m in Doggie Daycare!

I know you’ll miss me, but with all the activities The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa plans for us, all the great adults playing with us, and all the groovy friends I have waiting for me, it’s only fair that you get to have fun, too!

So, grab some friends or go by yourselves and check out these fun local, Livermore activities.

Wine Taste in Livermore

Glass Of Wine With Grapes And Barrel On A Sunny Background. Italy Tuscany Region

You don’t have to be as smart and refined as a poodle to know that Livermore has some of the best wine tasting in the Bay Area!

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is in the heart of wine country, so when you drop me off to play with my pack buddies, you can smell, swirl, sip, or spit that juice made from grapes all you want! Just don’t give us any grapes because they are toxic to dogs.

Golf in Livermore

I’ve heard people yell, “Fore!” when they swing at this little, tiny ball with what looks like a stick. I’m not sure what “Fore” means, but when that word is said, a bunch of people run and cover their heads. What a funny game you play!

I’d love to chase that ball on those rolling green hills and dig in the sand! Maybe one day you can take me with you so that when you hit the ball in the water, I can retrieve it!

Speaking of retrievers, have you seen some of them at The Ranch? They love to play in the water park that is unique to The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa.

So why don’t you check out the Golf courses in Livermore? I hear some of them are the best in the country!

Hike in Livermore

Oh, boy, do I love a good hike! But I’m ok with you dropping me at doggie daycare so you can hike without me sniffing out snakes or other dogs or needing to stop at every bush, twig, plant, and blade of grass to sniff who dared come before me on the trails.

Livermore has some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the area. Check them out! You can even run, jog, or ride your bike!

Shop in Livermore

Talk about premium shopping in Livermore! The San Francisco Premium Outlets have so many chic, trendy, name brand stores with discount prices! I’m almost as excited about you shopping as I am about meeting my friends on the play structures at the dog park at doggie daycare!

Stay awhile and eat at the many eateries when you tire from shopping. Just don’t forget to pick up something for me! Afterall, I am your best friend!

Hoomans, Treat Your Dog to a Fun Time at The Ranch Pet Resort’s Doggie Daycare!

For a fun-filled day, morning, or afternoon while you wine taste, golf, hike, shop, dine, or play with your own best friends, sign your pooch up for doggie daycare at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa!

Vet approved and loved by hoomans and pooches, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa in Livermore offers a safe, fun, monitored playground for all of man’s best friends. Don’t wait! Make your reservation today!

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!