Paradise Ranch Newsletter

Take The Titer Test
Most pets today are being given too many vaccinations too often. Many caretakers are unaware of the known risks inherent in vaccines. Taking blood for an annual titer test, to check a dog or cat's level of immune defenses, should replace the habit of vaccinating our pet's annually whether or not they need it.

Studies upon studies have been performed that show the very real dangers in over- vaccinating and the risks involved every time a pet gets a shot. But the word is not getting out. Dogs and cats continue to be over-vaccinated, resulting in compromised immune systems, serious diseases and (more often than you might imagine) death.

Understanding titer tests.The term "titer" refers to the strength or concentration of a substance in a solution. When testing vaccine titers in our pet, a veterinarian takes a blood sample from a dog or a cat and has the blood tested for the presence and strength of the pet's immunological response to a viral disease. If the pet demonstrates satisfactory levels of vaccine titers, the pet is considered sufficiently immune to the disease, or possessing good "immunologic memory," and not in need of further vaccination against the disease at that time.

Check with your veterinarian about how he can now draw blood from your pet when you first arrive for his annual health exam,and be able to tell you whether or not he needs any vaccines. Titer tests do not distinguish between the immunity generated by vaccination and that generated by natural exposure to disease agents. A dog or cat may have developed immunity to a viral disease by receiving a vaccine against the disease, by being exposed to the disease in the natural environment and conquering it, sometimes without having demonstrated any symptoms of exposure to the disease, or by a combination of the two. Therefore, titer tests really measure both the "priming of the pump" that comes from vaccines, and the immunity resulting from natural exposure to disease during a dog's lifetime. Although the magnitude of immunity protection received by vaccination only is usually lower than by vaccination plus exposure, it doesn't matter how your dog or cat developed its strong immunity to specific viral diseases, as long as the immunity is present.

By "titering" annually, an owner can assess whether her dog's immune response has fallen below adequate levels. In that event, an appropriate vaccine booster can be administered.

Day Camp Package Promotion

Spring Day Care Package

Buy Ten ,Get One Free Save $85.00.

Anytime is a great time to bring your pet in for a wonderful fun filled afternoon of Day Care. Just imagine if you were a dog sitting home alone on a beautiful spring afternoon and your owner came in and whispered, "How about a day at Paradise Ranch"? Feel good knowing during the day we have plenty of love (and dirt) to give your pet while your out enjoying your day.

So whether you need to get some spring cleaning finished or just getting ready for that yearly vacation, this is the perfect place to leave them for a day of excitement or just relaxing in one of the yards.
If your pet has a little extra weight on them, coming to day camps may help shed the pounds. Getting regular aerobic and cardiovascular workouts in a fun environment is a great way to help your pet get or stay in shape. So come to Paradise Ranch for Day Care and put a little spring in your dog's step.

Testimonial: Gracie always loves coming to Paradise Ranch and we know she is going to have a good time whether it is Day Camp or boarding. She can hardly wait to get out of the car once we pull into the driveway!!

Thank you to everyone at Paradise Ranch for taking such good care of Gracie.

Christine D

Training: Leaving Your Dog Alone

LEAVING YOUR DOG ALONE...Did you know that you need to train your dog to be alone in the house?
Many dog owners don't know what age you can reasonably expect to leave your dog alone in the house, without having any problems. The answer to this question really depends on you and your dog, but generally speaking-- If you've adopted your dog as a puppy, rescued him or her and you've followed all of the instructions we have taught you at Paradise Ranch... then you will be able to start leaving your dog alone in the house.

One owner asks"How can I stop my dog from destroying my house while I'm at work?I have had him since October and he's almost five months old. HEEEELP!!

What the owner needs to do is understand that her dog is still a baby. Even though he may look like a full grown dog at this age--he's not. And just like a baby would need to be put in a play pen or a crib when unsupervised-- so does your dog. Choose a location or crate that has been made "puppy proof" to leave him in while you are away or not able to supervise him, i.e. a room with tile or linoleum floors, and nothing hazardous he could be hurt by

(Of course, your dog needs to be let out of the crate or area for regular potty breaks, exercise and play. Or better yet bring him to Paradise Ranch for day camps. He will come home nice and tired!)

The crate also has an added benefit of giving your dog a "safe zone." Everybody (even humans) needs a safe zone. That's why we live in houses and apartments with locks on our doors. Because we need a place where we can be safe. The crate does this for the domesticated dog, by playing on your dog's ingrained "den instinct."

There are basically two types of dog crates. One is the plastic airline-type crate and the other is the wire crates If you go to the petedge.com site or any pet products web site (i.e.,Drs.Foster and Smith), you can see examples of both those types plus some others.

We recommend the plastic, airline crates.

Once your dog is older and has demonstrated to you that he's old enough to handle the responsibility of being alone in the house (by leaving him for short periods of time that gradually get longer and longer-- and by correcting unwanted behavior when he attempts it while you are home) you'll soon have a pet that can be left in the house, unsupervised ,without causing any problems.

Healthy Food Choice: California Natural

California Natural Sold On Site

Paradise Ranch's First Choice In A Healthy Pet Food.

For California Natural Pet Food, it's what's missing that matters. With our natural dog food, cat food, puppy food and dog treats, you'll never find fillers, by-products or artificial preservatives that can cause allergic reactions or stomach issues in your pets. Just wholesome, unrefined pet food ingredients that are as pure and natural as the way Mother Nature intended. California Natural Dog Food, Cat Food & Dog Treats If your dog or cat is troubled by rashes, itchy skin or dermatosis, the cause may not be something they touched, but rather something they ate.

Many pet foods today use ingredients and supplements, such as by-products, artificial flavors and fillers, which those pets with sensitive systems may not be able to tolerate. California Natural Pet Food is different. Ingredients in each of our dog or cat foods are limited to high-quality protein, fat and carbohydrate sources to reduce any chance of intolerance and stomach upset. Thanks to California Natural, your dog or cat receives all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and strong, without enduring allergic reactions that can make its life miserable. It's this simplicity that makes, Fluffy, Fido - and you - extra happy.
Ask Office For Prices And Details.

Coming Soon To Paradise: Bordetella Vaccine

WHAT IS CANINE COUGH AKA KENNEL COUGH?

We at Paradise Ranch are in training with our trusted vet to be able to offer the Bordetella vaccine. It will be administered on the premises and is required before boarding or Day Camps. We are hoping to be able to offer this to our clients by the end of this month.

Like the common cold in humans, the organisms that cause canine cough are airborne. Possible sources of infection include anywhere dogs congregate. The stress of temperature change or damp conditions is believed by some to contribute to CC. Add parainfluenza (or other viruses) with Bordetella (or other respiratory bacteria) and your dog has a hacking cough. Just as humans are prone to upper respiratory infections (common colds) when in certain conditions, it boils down to basic immunity. Have your ever been on a plane or in a room with a lot of people when someone sneezes? You may go home perfectly healthy, but your friend or relative will get a cold. It's no one's fault--it just happens.
There is the painlessly applied nasal vaccine which builds protection at the site of potential infection, starting within 48 hours.(Even though it is "painless" some dogs are resentful and will struggle.)

CC can have up to a 10-day incubation period. The treatment may vary from veterinarian to veterinarian, but normally the dogs need to be examined before an antibiotic and cough suppressant will be prescribed. The Bordetella vaccine is a preventative immunization much like we receive prior to our "flu season." The chances are better that we won't get the flu if we get the vaccine. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." (Or in the case of Bordetella, a squeeze in the nose is cheaper in the long run than an office call after the dog is coughing and keeping you awake at night.) There are different types of canine cough--viral and bacterial. The second P in the DHLPP combination shot covers "Parainfluenza" and is also helpful. Often CC starts as a viral infection (such as Parainfluenza) followed by a secondary bacterial invader (such as Bordetella).

We feel this can surely help when you're running out the door to catch a flight just to find out your dog is past due. If your dog is due for this vaccine please ask the office for more details at the time of your boarding reservation.

Guest Of The Month

GO! GO! Oliver !!
When Oliver came to stay with us here in Paradise, he immediately pranced his way into the hearts of every person here. Oliver is a 6 mos old very well adjusted miniature poodle. Oliver was brought to Paradise Ranch for our puppy manners, and obedience training programs. When his training programs were over, his mom called asking if he could stay longer as she was out of the country. We couldn't be happier, having this little red fluff ball stay longer to play with.

Oliver is really the "dog around the yard". He feels very much at home here in Paradise. He is an expert with the new arriving guests, helping them feel welcome. If he is not running after his best friend, he is persuading another guest, that playing with him is better than any nap. His enthusiasm for life is very contagious and has them soon convinced they should play, play, play. He bends his little body like a Croissant and says to them, "Just Look at me I am so cute! Come On!"

If at any point, during the day, you see a blur of red fur running across the yard, while you are on the webcam, you can be assured its him, as he is a never ending bundle of energy. By the end of the day, he is finally happy to come inside and rest snuggling up to one of our K9 techs gladly giving soft kisses. We will be sad to see him leave but will look forward to his next visit.

Employee Of The Month

We are proud to present Jasmine N. as our April Employee of the Month. Jasmine has been a loyal member of our Overnight Caretakers since October 2005 . She has a natural way with the dogs and goes above and beyond to learn all of the dog's preferences so she can ensure that guests settle in and have a good night's sleep. Jasmine also possesses excellent communication skills and provides the office with detailed notes on any behavior issues that arise during the overnight shift. Her attendance and punctuality are impeccable and she is always willing to come in at a moment's notice if needed. We are proud to honor Jasmine with well-deserved recognition. Congratulations, thanks for a job well done!

Paradise Laugh!

Do you think its time to call my hairdresser?

How to Make Puppy Pie
Take one puppy, roll and play until lightly pampered, then add the following ingredients..... 1 cup patience.... 1 cup understanding.... 1 pinch correction.... 1 cup hard work.... 2 cups praise and 1 1/2 cups fun... Blend well. Heat with warmth of your heart until raised or until puppy has doubled in size. Mix with owner until consistency is such that owner and puppy are one. Enjoy!