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Pet Care

November is National Senior Pet Month

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November is National Senior Pet Month, a month devoted to honoring senior pets, focusing on their needs, and raising awareness for senior animals who need homes.

According to Dr. Heidi Lobprise of Senior Pet Advocates, pets are living longer due to the advancements in veterinary care, foods, and medicines. As pets age, their needs change, so the month of November has been dedicated to drawing attention to our beloved senior pets.

At What Age is a Pet Considered a Senior?

The age a pet becomes a senior varies according to their size and breed. However, the average age of a senior dog is determined to be around 7 years while a cat is considered a senior at 11 years of age (source).

By this age, pets are calmer and more settled into a routine. The days of chewing apart furniture, shoes, toys, clothes, plants, and anything they can get into their mouths is over, and senior pets are more satisfied being on a comfortable bed alongside their owners and partner pals.

Medical Needs for Senior Pets

As pets age, their needs change and senior pets require additional care including, but not limited to, “…more frequent examinations, diagnostics, and nutritional and behavioral counseling.”

Senior pets are more prone to developing certain diseases and conditions as they age. These include:

  • Arthritis: A frequent cause of chronic pain in older pets, arthritis occurs when a joint becomes unstable, leading to abnormal bone movement.
  • Cancer: A leading cause of death in senior pets, cancer involves an overgrowth of cells that can overwhelm the immune system.
  • Dental disease: This painful condition often goes unnoticed in senior pets due to its gradual progression.
  • Kidney disease: Common in older dogs, this condition can result in incontinence and changes in body odor.
  • Heart disease: Especially prevalent in small senior dogs, untreated heart disease can lead to congestive heart failure.
  • Cognitive dysfunction: Similar to Alzheimer’s or dementia in humans, this condition affects mental function in older dogs.
  • Diabetes: A common issue in older pets, diabetes occurs when the body can no longer properly process glucose.
  • Cataracts: A frequent condition in older pets, cataracts cause the eye’s lens to become cloudy, creating a whitish appearance over the eye. Cataracts can result from trauma or infection and may lead to blindness if untreated.
  • Glaucoma: A common issue in senior dogs, especially in certain breeds. There are two types: primary glaucoma, caused by poor drainage of eye fluid, and secondary glaucoma, which occurs from physical injury to the eye.
  • Corneal Ulcers: A genetic condition that typically affects middle-aged or older dogs. If untreated, corneal ulcers can lead to vision loss.

It’s crucial to monitor any changes in your pet’s behavior or signs of health issues and consult a veterinarian promptly. Many conditions can be treated or managed, helping to enhance the quality of life for senior pets.

Adopt a Senior Pet

Our shelters are full of senior pets looking for homes. If you could fill your heart and home with a senior pet, you would be giving a displaced dog or cat a second or third chance at life.

Senior pets don’t need as much time and attention as younger pets, are more settled and some say, more appreciative. Their personalities are already developed, some are already trained, and all you have to provide is food, shelter, water, love, and companionship. It’s a win-win for all!

If you are looking to adopt a senior, check your local rescue organizations and shelters. Bring home a Senior Dog and do your part during National Senior Pet Month.

Why Does My Cat Rub Against Me?

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Cat Expresses Affection Through Leg Rubbing, Marking Territory And Showing Trust. This Behavior Signifies Comfort, Creating A Bond Between Feline And Human. Cartoon Vector Illustration

When The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa has the pleasure of boarding our clients’ cats, we often fall in love! Soft purrs, gentle nose bumps, tiny meows, the occasional reach out with the paw, and soft, full body rubs us often melt our hearts.

More often than not, our visiting cats rub against us, which led us to share with the simple answer to the question, Why Does My Cat Rub Against Me?

Top Reasons Your Cat Rubs Against You

Cats are pretty clear about their intentions, and their needs are few. When a cat rubs its body against you, it is trying to communicate with you. Here are the Top Reasons Your Cat Rubs Against You:

Communication Through Physical Touch

Cats use body language as their primary means of communication. When a cat rubs against you, which is also called bunting or head butting it is showing affection towards you.

Consider rubbing as cat speak for “I love you,” “I’m happy and content,” and “I care about you.” It’s their way of communicating how secure they feel and reinforcing their bond with you.

Marking Territory

Cats rub against you to mark their territory. Cats have scent glands located around their head, cheeks, and base of the tail. When they rub against you, they’re depositing their scent as a form of marking.

This behavior is rooted in their instinct to mark their territory and claim their space. It also serves to make their environment smell more familiar and comfortable.

Seeking Attention

If your cat rubs against you, it might be asking for something—whether it’s food, playtime, or a petting session. As time goes on, you will be able to determine what need your cat has when it rubs against you. But understanding all of these cues can help you better respond to your feline friend’s needs and strengthen your bond.

Social Bonding

When cats rub against each other, it’s often a sign of social bonding. The same behavior directed towards you is a sign of affection and trust. Your cat sees you as a close companion, much like they would another cat they get along with.

Comfort and Security

For many cats, rubbing against their favorite human or object is a way of seeking comfort and reinforcing their sense of security. It’s especially common in senior cats who may be more focused on maintaining their comfort and safety.

Health Concern

If you notice changes in how or how often your cat is rubbing, or if they seem unusually persistent, it could be a sign of discomfort or a health issue. If the behavior changes significantly, it’s always a good idea to check with your vet to ensure everything is okay.

Enjoy the time your cat is spending with you! These special moments make for a firm bond and socially prepared cat. A cat who shows love by rubbing is a happy and content cat!

Happy Mother’s Day from the Cats of The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

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Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 13, 2024, and the Cats of The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa want to wish you all a very happy Mother’s Day!

In the spirit of the Mother’s Day holiday, the cats of The Ranch wanted to share some fun and interesting Motherly Information about their species.

Motherly Facts About Cats

Cat mothers like to consider themselves high in the running for Mom Species of the year. With kitten season upon us, the Ranch cats thought you might enjoying learning the following information about them:

  • Mother cats are called Queens and really, are we surprised? These dainty paw licking creatures certainly deserve the title.
  • Kittens in one litter can come from different fathers. A cat in heat can be fertile for a week and can mate with more than one cat during this time. This gives sense to the saying, “A sister from another mister.” This act of nature is one reason kittens from the same litter can look so very different.
  • Kittens can be born days apart. Since Momma Cat can mate at different days during her fertile season, it makes sense that kittens will develop at different times and be born days apart.
  • Queens can deliver between 1-9 kittens each time they give birth.
  • An unspayed cat can have as many as 100 kittens in a lifetime (source) which is why it is so important to spay and neuter your cats.
  • Queens purr during birth. This noise is their way of relaxing during labor. But given the choice, we are most certain Queens would prefer an epidural.
  • Kittens are born with placenta covering them which the mom eats after delivery.
  • Kittens have belly buttons since each kitten has its placenta attached to it. How cute is a kitten belly button?
  • Cats can have between 4 and 10 nipples, including males, but the average number is six.
  • Mother cats have a distinct noise to call their kittens. This noise is call a chirrup, and kittens can distinguish their mom from other moms based upon this noise.
  • Queens hide their babies in nests to keep them safe from predators. You may find your cat has had its kittens in a closet, under your bed, or nesting in your bedding. Feral or stray cats hide their kittens anywhere away from predators and away from where they pee or poop. Common places include under porches, in bushes, and even in peoples’ garages.
  • Kittens who are found alone are often not abandoned. Mother Queen may be out hunting. If you come across a nest of kittens, the best advice is to leave them alone. Chances are, Mom will come back. If she doesn’t return in 4-6 hours, it may be time to intervene.
  • Around 8 weeks, Momma Queen is done raising her kittens and happy to get back to the life she once lived without her babies! (source)

Help Prevent Unwanted Pregnancies for Your Cat, Spay and Neuter Your Pets!

Why Does My Dog Do That?

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While dogs are said to be man and woman’s best friend, unless you’re a cat person, these canines have some interesting behaviors that may make you question, “Why does my dog do that?”

In a series that The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa began last month to answer some of your most asked questions, this month’s blog will focus on why dogs react they way they do on a leash, why they lick you, why they eat grass, and why they sleep in the positions they do.

Keep in mind that our canine friends still carry the history of their ancestors in their genes and that while we may have domesticated them, they come from a long line of ancestors whose behaviors stay with them.

Through the good and the bad, dogs act in a way that makes sense to them, even if we find their behaviors funny, frustrating, or confusing!

Why Does My Dog React on a Leash?

Leash reactivity is a common behavior where dogs will either growl, snarl, bark, pull on the leash, lunge, spin around, or otherwise “act out” when they encounter a situation, dog, or person that makes them feel scared, frustrated, or territorial. It’s a more severe reaction than a dog without leash reactivity would have and occurs in dogs who have been under socialized or not exposed to people, places, things, or other animals in a positive way (source).

The perceived “threat” creates a fight or flight response in the dog. Since the leash prevents the dog from running away, they respond by using their body language as cues to warn the perceived threat they are uncomfortable.

Leash reactivity can be tamed over time and with patience and understanding. For more information on leash reactivity and how to help your dog overcome leash reactivity, please click here.

Why Does My Dog Lick Me?

The slobbery licks your dog covers you with is a learned behavior. A puppy licks its mom to get milk and licks its siblings to groom and interact with them. Dogs lick to explore their environment, show affection, play with you, get your attention, or ask a dominant dog in its pack for permission to eat communal food.

The more you are covered in slobbery, wet kisses, the more positive affirmation you are giving your dog. While some may associate licking with a “gross display of germs,” a dog associates licking with positive behavior that he is naturally ingrained to perform (source).

Why Does My Dog Curl Up in a Ball When it Sleeps?

If your dog moves in circles or digs its bed before it curls up to sleep, you can thank its ancestors. In the wild, dogs dig nests to curl up in. Curling up keeps the dogs warm and prevents their vital organs from being exposed to predators.

So the next time you see your dog digging in its bed or circling before it lies down, you have a better understanding of this behavior. If your dog stretches out or sleeps upside down, it’s either hot or feels very safe and secure (source).

For more tail wagging information about your dog, Refer to our blog.

Why Does My Dog Do That? Examining Odd Behaviors in our Beloved Dogs

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The other day, our dog, Ryder, stealthily picked up the cat’s empty food bowl and brought it upstairs to his favorite human. This is the same dog who picks up full bowls of dog food and moves them away from our other dogs to eat by himself, always leaving a trail of kibble.

It doesn’t take Google to figure out why our dog brought up the cat’s dish. It was 6 o’clock, and he was hungry. The cat’s food dish is easier to pick up then his dog bowl which is sunken into an above ground feeder to make it easier for a larger dogs to eat.

But dogs can sometimes exhibit odd behavior that leaves us wondering, Why does my dog do that?

In a new series of blogs, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is going to examine the behaviors we often find odd in our dogs and our cats!

Addressing the Elephant in the Room-Why Does My Dog Hump Other Dogs?

Dogs hump other dogs for a variety of reasons that aren’t always sexual in nature. In fact, both male and female dogs hump; both spayed and neutered dogs hump. But why?

If a male senses a female is in heat, then he will mount her due to his testosterone. But there a variety of reasons a dog humps another dog or even humans and these include:

  • Attention
  • Excitability
  • Anxiety
  • Dominance
  • Sign of play

Dogs often seek the attention of the ones they care about the most, and humping can be a behavior a dog exhibits to greet its human or to show how excited it is. Legs are an easy target to hump, as is a back if a person is sitting down.

While annoying and embarrassing, humping a person is a normal behavior for a dog. To decrease this behavior, redirect your dog with a toy or a behavior that is more appropriate such as playing fetch, doing a food puzzle, or chewing on a treat.

Some dogs hump because they are anxious or nervous and the stress is exhibited by humping. Redirect your dog by calming it and having it sit next to you while you pet it and reassure it.

Dogs have a pack order, and a more assertive dog might turn to humping to show its status in the pack. This behavior isn’t normally the first behavior a dog exerts to gain status, but it clearly indicates to another dog who is the alpha dog and leader of the pack.

Dogs hump when they are playing. This is a common behavior often seen between a dog and a cat who are companions. When a dog humps a cat, it can be a sign of affection or a reaction to a conflict between the two.

When Does Humping Become a Problem in a Dog?

The humping behavior in a dog is usually not a problem and can be redirected with the tips we mentioned above.

In the event your dog humps obsessively, this may be a sign of a more serious behavior problem. Talk to your vet or a behaviorist who can help you determine why your dog humps and what action to take.

For more information or resources regarding humping, please refer to this article.

Choosing the Right Dog for You!

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66% of U.S. households own a dog (Forbes 2023). With so many dog breeds available, how can you choose the right dog for you?

Research Different Breeds

The first piece of advice The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa would give you regarding bringing a dog into your household is to make sure you research the breeds you are considering. Different dogs have different needs; make sure you are able to meet their needs and they can meet yours.

Consider such traits as activity level, size, height, weight, grooming needs, need for attention, affection, attachment, or a job, intelligence, physical traits such as hair or fur, long snout or short stout with wrinkles, bulging eyes, erect or floppy ears, prey dog or low prey drive, child friendly; loyal or more independent; or vocal or more quiet just to give some suggestions.

You can get advice online, by asking people who own the dog you want, getting information from a reputable breeder or rescue, speaking with your vet, visiting dog shows, your local dog shelter, or pet adoption fairs.

Consider Space When Choosing the Right Dog for You

Some dogs need a lot of room to run and roam and would fare better with a large yard, while others have low exercise needs and could do better in an apartment, condo, or townhome.

Large dogs take up a lot of space in the home, so make sure you are comfortable sharing your home with a big bestie. Big dogs need big beds whether they sleep on the floor or in bed with you!

Smaller dogs can be content in smaller dog beds and definitely take up less room under your covers.

Crates work really well for dogs, as they are used to sleeping in dens in the wild. But make sure the crate is large enough for the dog to fully stand up and turn around.

Dogs love to ride in cars, so if you’re planning on adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog or Mastiff, a car’s back seat or rear area would work best! Little dogs often have their own car seat beds and take up little space. In either case, it is a good idea to seatbelt your dog.

Calculate Expense- Dogs are Not Cheap

Whether you are getting a dog from a breeder, rescuing from the shelter, or getting a dog from a friend, all dogs cost money. There is typically a fee for the dog. If a dog doesn’t already come with a full series of shots, he will need his vaccines.

To avoid unwanted pregnancy and reduce the risk of cancer in dogs, spaying or neutering your dog is a good idea. Check with your local veterinarian as costs do differ based on weight and other considerations.

Dogs need food all the time! Whether your dog prefers dry, wet, or homemade, you need to budget for food.

Toys, collars, leashes, training paraphernalia and classes, puppy pads, nutrients, vitamins, calming treats, bedding, treats, dog bowls, poop bags, medicines, pet insurance, boarding, and pet sitting, are not cheap! Be prepared to spend a lot of money before you even get your dog.

Emergencies might occur. This is an unexpected expense that can cost you a lot of money, so factor that in when you are calculating your expenses.

Don’t Forget Pet Care

Pet care does not just mean routine maintenance of vaccinations. Some dogs need frequent grooming, brushing, or bathing to keep them healthy and comfortable.

Some dogs have medical issues that require a monthly prescription or routine administration that adds to their care.

Routing dog maintenance is important, so don’t forget to take your pet to your favorite veterinarian.

Consider The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa for Your Dog’s Needs!

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is excited for anyone who is choosing a dog. As dog lover’s ourselves, we know how much joy and happiness a dog can bring to a person.

If your new dog needs behavior lessons, doggie daycare, grooming, or boarding, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa would be happy to assist you!