Leaving Toys at Home

It can be confusing for some people when a boarding facility instructs them to leave their dog’s favorite toy at home. A toy may help your pet feel safer, more secure and more at home while enjoying their stay, but may also be the harmful during the boarding experience.

Your pet may become possessive, or “resource guard,” which may be an issue for staff while caring for your pet. This type of behavior can lead to aggression and roughness between your pet and someone else’s. Toys are also prone to get damaged or lost when sent to a boarding facility with your pet. A damaged fabric toys with a squeaker could also be a choking hazard for your pet.

For the safety of your pet and the staff, it is best to let the trained staff determine which toys are the safest for the boarding environment.

For additional information on pet boarding, click here to visit our website.

An Individual Boarding Experience

Pet boarding is the ideal service for families or individuals who travel a lot and must leave their pets behind. But just because it is convenient for you and your family does not necessarily mean that just any boarding facility will be right for your pet. While many dogs are very social creatures with a pack mentality, there are some dogs that prefer the company of people or who like to be left alone entirely.

A reputable boarding facility provides an individual boarding experience for your pet. If your dog likes to be around other dogs, they can ensure ample playtime in daycare where your dog can make lots of new friends. If your dog is more content to play by themselves, they can have a quieter more private experience. If anxiety is an issue, a trained pet boarding expert can provide the proper care and attention that your dog needs in order to feel safe and secure while you’re away.

There is not a “one size fits all” when it comes to pet boarding, and All American Pet Resorts is happy to provide the very best in dog boarding for your pets while you’re away. Click here to learn more about our dog boarding services.

Holiday Boarding

The winter holidays are best spent celebrating with friends and family. For many of us, that will mean traveling during the holiday season to see the ones we love. While it is nice to be able to take our pets with us when we travel, often times, especially around the holidays, this simply isn’t a realistic option. When this is the case, call All American Pet Resorts in Fort Myers FL. That way you can ensure that your pet will be safe, well cared for, and have a wonderful time playing with other dogs while you’re away. It’s the best way to keep your winter holidays as stress-free as possible, knowing that your dog is in good hands while you’re enjoying the holidays. And don’t forget those visiting friends and relatives that love visiting Florida during the winter for a break from those frigid Northern winters. Our daycare program allows you to accompany your friends to the beach while we exercise your pet. Don’t wait, make your pet care arrangements now.

For boarding and daycare reservations, contact us today!

Take Precautions around the Holidays

With Thanksgiving and Christmas on the horizon, it’s important to remember that many of our holiday treats are toxic to our furry friends. Chocolate is one of the most problematic treats for our dogs, especially during this time of year when it is readily available in many households. Chocolate is extremely toxic to your dog and requires emergency intervention when consumed in large doses. Additionally, holiday plants, such as poinsettias, are poisonous to both dogs and cats.

The best way to keep your pets safe during the holidays is to keep food and plants away from them to the best of your ability. Keep candy, cookies and plants at a high enough height in cabinets where they will not be accessible to your pets. If you do have any questions about specific items that your pet may have gotten into, it is best to contact poison control or local veterinary office right away. For more information on pet care, click here to visit our website.

Doggie Daycare is Changing

Every dog parent knows by now that daycare is extremely beneficial for many dogs who enjoy the company of other animals and people. We see many dogs who have been separated from other animals and people for "acting out," when all they need is to get some energy out during the day.

Dog daycare offers the opportunity for extremely energetic dogs to have a safe outlet where they can expend their extra energy. We encounter many dog daycare success stories from pet owners who never imagined that their pets could learn to get along so nicely with others.

The current un-structure of daycare is strictly an energy release. We at All American Pet Resorts will be announcing a change at the first of the year. We are taking daycare to the next level and introducing... "Enrichment Daycare."

This new structure will enable dogs to be mentally stimulated as well as physically. Stimulation that is both mental and physical is more exhausting than just one or the other; just think of the days you spend at work going from meeting to meeting and how exhausting those days are.

We are in the process of selecting a few daycare clients to Beta test our new program. If you are interested in enrolling your dog in the Beta Enrichment program, give us a quick call (239) 939-3647 (DOGS).

Click here to schedule your dog's next daycare appointment with us here in Fort Myers FL!

Crate Training Your Dog

Many people are skeptical about crate training their dogs for fear that they will consider being confined to such a small space punishment. Despite this common concern, crate training your dog is beneficial for your pet, family, and your home.

Because dogs are den animals by nature, the crate can serve as a safe space where they can go to relax, to chew on a bone or toy, and to escape when they need some alone time. Having your dog crate trained can also provide an area of the home where they can safely stay while you are out of the house or when you have guests over who do not love dogs as much as you do.

Crate training is easiest when a dog is trained as a puppy, but there is no reason why you can’t crate train an adult dog! While crate training is extremely beneficial when you leave the house for short periods of time, if you need to leave your dog home alone during the day for several hours, you may want to consider dog daycare in Fort Myers FL. Visit our website for more information!

Pet Adoption Tip #2: Consider an Older Pet

Welcome to the second post in our series of tips on pet adoption. Missed the first tip? Click here to read all about doing your research!

Tip #2: Consider an Older Pet

Everyone loves puppies and kittens - and how could you not? They’re adorable! Puppies and kittens tend to go fast in shelters and at rescues because of how sought after they are year round. Often times, adult and senior pets sit in shelters for a long time. If you are someone who is looking for a companion, but work full time or have a busy schedule, an older pet is ideal for you. Adult and senior pets bring in just as much love as puppies, but require far less training and attention than puppies and kittens. If you are a first time dog owner, an adult dog may also be ideal, as they are often already housebroken and know a few basic commands.

Keep an eye on our blog for more adoption tips! If you have recently adopted a dog, we would love to meet them! Visit our website to reserve a spot in daycare at our wonderful pet resort.

Pet Adoption Tip #1: Do Your Research

There are few greater joys in life than adding a furry family member to your household! If you are thinking about getting a new pet, consider adoption! Adopting a pet is a great way to give a home to an animal that might not otherwise have one, and to help animals escape from abusive or neglectful situations.

Many people are skeptical or fearful about adopting, as in most cases, it is unclear what pets have endured in the past that might lead to health or behavioral concerns in the future. In a series of blog posts, we will be sharing our top tips for adopting that will help to successfully transition a new pet into your home!

Tip #1: Do Your Research

There are several things you should look into before adopting a new pet. For starters, be informed about the rescues and shelters in your area. Make sure that you adopt from one that is reputable and that does a thorough health check of pets before adopting them out. Many common diseases seen in pets are zoonotic, which means that they can be passed from animals to humans, as well as other animals already in your home. Look into breeds you feel would fit in well with your family and lifestyle. For example, if you live in apartment, research dog breeds that require less space and activity in order to stay happy and healthy.

Stay tuned for more tips for adopting a new pet! For more information on pet care, click here to visit our website.

Running with Your Dog

Many athletes and gym enthusiasts are psyched about having a furry friend to take on runs! Running with your dog can be a fun activity for both you and your pet, but there are a few important things to keep in mind before you set off on a marathon together. Here are just a few:

Pace Yourself: Remember that even a young, healthy dog will need to work up to your speed and distance if they’ve never run before. Start at a slow place, and gradually increase your speed and distance over time.

Take Cues from Your Dog: Along the same lines as pace, make sure that you are always paying attention to your dog during your run and “listening” to their needs. If your dog is starting to slow down, panting excessively, or lies down during your run, it’s time to take a break and get them some water.

Bring Plenty of Water: Make sure that you’ve got ample water with you - both for you and your dog! Consider investing in a few water bottles that can attach to a belt and a collapsible bowl that you can bring along with you. Another option is to plan your routes so you know you’ll pass several spots where free drinking water will be readily available.

Be Distraction-Free: Many people like to listen to music or a podcast while running, but it’s important that when you’re running with a companion that you don’t wear headphones, and listen carefully to other runners, bikers, and traffic around you to ensure that both you and your pet stay safe during your run.

One last thought, some bicycle riders think that it is a good to exercise their dog while riding. Running a dog beside a bicycle is not a good idea and is NEVER recommended by pet care professionals.

Interested in getting your dog more exercise? Consider dog daycare in Fort Myers FL!

Pavement Problems

We’ve all experienced the feeling of being barefoot on the beach and walking on hot sand during the summer months – and it can be terrible! Just imagine how your dog must feel going on walks on the hot pavement all summer long!

It can be tough to stay off of the cement or pavement during walks, but it is important to try to walk your dog on grass or another cool surface where possible when the temperature exceeds 70 degrees.

If you’re unsure of whether or not the pavement is too hot for you dog’s feet, try this trick: place the palm of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds. If you’re able to comfortably leave your hand there for that long, the ground is cool enough for your dog to walk on. If you find that you have to pick your hand up before the 5 seconds are up, or your hand is burning by the end of it, the pavement it too hot for your dog to be on.

Walking your dog on hot pavement can lead to serious burns and sores on his paws, which he can further agitate by licking or biting his paws and pads. Make sure you do everything you can to keep your dog’s feet safe this summer!

For more summer safety tips, click here to visit our website or contact one of our daycare professionals!

Healthy Treats

While many people are aware that some human foods are toxic to dogs, it’s not always clear what you can and cannot feed your dog outside of the prepackaged food and treats you find at the pet store. Here are a few of the healthy snacks you can give to your pet, many of which you likely already have in your fridge or pantry:

• Peanut Butter: Peanut butter is a favorite of many dogs. It’s a great training motivator and can be stuffed into a kong to keep your dog occupied for hours. For even longer enjoyment, stick a peanut butter kong in the freezer for a few hours before giving it to your pup!
• Cooked Chicken: Chicken is great to add to your dog’s normal dog food, and makes for an easy-to-digest food if your pet is experiencing GI problems. A bland diet of boiled chicken and white rice can help to soothe your dog’s GI tract during bouts of diarrhea or vomiting, and they’re sure to love it!
• Blueberries: Blueberries are high in antioxidants and make great little treats for your dog to enjoy. Blueberries can also be frozen to make refreshing bite size snacks for your dog to enjoy during the hot months of summer!

We hope this post has given you some fun snack ideas for your dog. For more information on caring for your pooch, click here to visit our website!

Firework and Thunder Phobia

Summer is a time for fireworks and severe thunderstorms, which, for many dogs and other pets, can be a very stressful. If your dog is fearful of loud noises, here are a few tips to try:

• Reduce Noise and Sight: To the best of your ability, reduce the amount of noise. Close the windows and curtains, shut doors, and keep your dog confined to a safe space towards the middle of your home. Leaving the TV and radio on for your pet helps desensitize pets to loud noises and flashes of light too.
• Get Exercise: Exercising your dog more than normal on the day of a planned fireworks show can help them to be calmer later in the day. If your dog is worn out from a day of playing outside, he is less likely to be reactive to loud noises or bright lights later in the evening.
• Thunder Shirts: Thunder shirts provide compression to your dog, which may help him to feel safe and secure. While designed specifically for thunder, they can be effective for all loud noises and other stressful situations for your dog.

For more tips on keeping your dog safe during a fireworks display, give us a call at (239) 939-3647, and to book your dog’s next boarding stay, click here to visit our website.

Addressing Behavioral Needs During Pet Boarding

Some pet owners may shy away from pet boarding because they’re unsure or wary about how their dog behaves around other dogs. If you’ve had a negative encounter at the dog park or even walking your dog on the street amongst other dogs, do not let that you deter you from boarding your pet.

A reputable pet boarding facility is a great place for trained staff to address your dog’s behavioral needs during playtime with other animals. There, they can separate dogs that are playing too rough together, allow for calming breaks when a dog is overstimulated or displaying inappropriate play behavior, or even provide a fun and entertaining experience for dogs that do better away from other pets. Always keep in mind that the top priority of a boarding facility is to keep your dog and the other guests safe and happy throughout their stay.

Interested in booking a stay for your pet? Contact our friendly team in Fort Myers FL!

Boarding for Multiple Pets

Many pet owners opt for pet sitting while they’re away rather than pet boarding because they have multiple dogs in their home. The truth is, pet boarding is a great option for pets that live together, as they’ll be able to stay and play with one another, as well as many other dogs! Many facilities offer the flexibility of larger suites, where two or more dogs (depending on their size) will be able to sleep together. This will help your dogs to feel more at home and eliminate some of the stress of deviating from their normal routine, as they’ll be sticking by their best buddy the entire time! Additionally, some boarding facilities may even offer reservation discounts when you board more than one pet at a time.

For more information on boarding multiple pets at a time, click here to learn more about our pet resort serving the Fort Myers FL area!

Allergy Season - It Doesn't Just Affect People!

Spring brings beautiful flowers, blooming trees, and many other forms on new life, but for many of us, it can also mean the start of allergy season! What you may not realize is that your pets can also suffer from allergies, and while in many cases your pet’s allergies are mild enough to avoid intervention, there are times when it’s best for a veterinarian to intervene. Be on the lookout for the following allergy symptoms in your dog this spring season:

• Excessive sneezing or nasal discharge
• Red eyes or eye discharge
• Increased itchiness or scratching
• Biting or licking at paws

If you see any of the following signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian to discuss the possibility of allergies. When your dog attends daycare or boarding, ask our staff to be on the lookout for signs of allergies in your pet.

Daycare can be a great opportunity for your dog to expend energy without the need to be outside during allergy season! For more information, click here to visit our website.

Taking Time Away from Your Pets

Many people struggle with the guilt of sending their dog to daycare or boarding when it isn’t absolutely necessary for their dog to be away from home, but spending some time away from your dog is healthy for both you and your pet.

Although dogs thrive on routine, changing things up every now and again is good for their mental and physical health, especially when it means a fun day at daycare! Daycare allows them the opportunity to run around with other dogs and socialize with other people as well. Unless you have time during the day to exercise your pet for hours at a time, dog daycare is a great option that will serve your pet and you! While your pet is away, it’s a great opportunity to catch up on things around the house, run errands, and take care of any personal business without the worry of your dog being home alone.

While at daycare, we can also bathe your dog, trim his nails, give them a treat, and abide by any training or obedience work that you’ve been doing at home or with a trainer. Dog daycare is a great option for your pet, even if just for a few hours!

For more information on dog daycare in Fort Myers FL, click here to visit our website.

Daycare and Boarding for Senior Dogs

When you think of pet daycare, most people imagine hyper puppies and young dogs running around and playing frantically for hours. While daycare can be beneficial for this type of dog, it also has great benefits for older dogs looking for a more relaxed experience.

While your pet may not have the energy to keep up with a pack of puppies at this point in their life, that doesn’t mean that they won’t enjoy being in the company of other dogs and people. Being home alone all day can be tough on senior dogs, and many geriatric pets require special care throughout the day, whether that be through prescribed medication, physical therapy, or even just some extra attention.

Our pet resort provides a safe and quiet place for your senior pet through daycare and boarding, with the option to let them participate in a special geriatric playgroup on days that they’d like to spend some time with other dogs.

Visit our website for more information on daycare and boarding for your senior dog!

Keep Your Pet Resort in the Loop

Pet boarding is a great option for many dogs, even those that require special attention or have very specific needs. Most pet resorts and boarding facilities will have a consultation with you before boarding your pet for the first time, where you can go over any medication or medications that your pets may need during their stay. If your pet has any medical problems that staff should be aware of, such as seizures, arthritis, or allergies, make sure that you bring this to their attention sooner rather than later. Our pet care staff has been trained in pet safety and first aid, and will be able to help your pet in the presence of a medical issue. If we unable to assist, we will contact you to consult about taking your pet to the emergency pet hospital for further treatment.

For more information about personalized pet boarding, visit our website today!

What Daycare & Boarding is Like for Your Dog

A lot of people wonder what happens once they drop off their dog for daycare or boarding. It’s normal to be curious, especially if you spend a lot of time with your dog at home and are familiar with their normal routine!

The truth is most boarding facilities will try to keep your dog’s day as normal as possible. Dogs thrive on routine and consistency, so the best thing that a pet resort can do is keep your dog on track, while adding a lot of fun and love into their day!

Once you drop off your dog for daycare or boarding, they will go right to their “home away from home” suite. Once safely settled in, they will have time to adjust to the environment and high level of activity. When his playgroup begins, he will be led safely through the facility to the play yard, where they will see many friends and rejoice in the activity of being a dog!

To ensure their safety, daycare attendants are present to monitor playtime and step in whenever they notice a dog needing a break or several dogs needing to be separated from each other. These playgroups are broken up by age, energy level and size to ensure that all dogs will be having fun in a safe environment.

When it comes time for resting, bedtime or meals, your pet will be served in their suite in order to ensure that they get their own space to enjoy their food and slumber. We offer webcams for pet owner convenience. Remember to ask the staff what time your pet will be playing so that you can enjoy your pet’s antics as much as they do!

For more information on pet boarding, or to learn more about All American Pet Resort Fort Myers’s policies and procedures, give us a call or inquire through our website.

Dog Boarding for You and Your Pet

When you find yourself in need of dog boarding, whether you’re traveling, remodeling your home or hosting a guest who is allergic to or uncomfortable with dogs, it can feel like a very selfish decision.

Truthfully, dog boarding can be a great, convenient option for you and your family, but it is also a great choice for your pet. Pet boarding allows for your dog to socialize with other people and animals, which helps them to become more confident and they are able to more easily adapt to new and unfamiliar situations. They’ll get the opportunity to get a lot of energy out in a space that is professionally monitored to ensure the safety of your dog and others. Additionally, since we offer Bath, Brush, Nails & Ears (or BBNE for short!), you’ll be able to get your dog bathed and groomed before you pick them up, which can be a huge relief after returning from a trip or vacation!

Pet boarding is a great opportunity for both you and your pet! If you are in need of dog boarding in the Fort Myers FL area, give us a call today or reserve your stay through our website!

How to Prepare for Dog Boarding

Boarding your dog for the first time can be a bit stressful for both you and your pet. Choosing the right boarding facility and making sure that it is a fun and safe environment is a difficult decision to make, and it’s hard to know exactly how your pet will react once he or she gets there. However, there are a few easy steps that can be taken beforehand to make the transition to the pet resort of your choice an easy one for you and your pooch!

• Try Daycare First: If you aren't sure how your dog will react to boarding, taking them to daycare first is a great trial run. It gives them time to acclimate to the facility, the staff and the other dogs. Plus, it helps them understand that you'll be back to pick them up after their stay.
• Call Your Vet: Any reputable boarding facility is going to have vaccination requirements, so make sure you know which ones are you required. Call your vet to confirm that your dog is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations, and, if necessary, to request that they send a copy of that information directly to the boarding facility. 
• Schedule a Meet & Greet: Schedule a one-on-one appointment at the boarding facility first - this will help both you and your pet be at east, while also giving the staff a chance to understand the unique needs of your pet.
• Leave Calmly: This one is simple but can be tricky for many pet owners! When dropping your pet off for boarding, don’t make a big deal about saying goodbye to them. Animals are intuitive and can sense heightened emotions, so if you’re upset, they are more likely to become fearful or confused. Tell your dog a quick goodbye and leave calmly. This is also important to keep in mind when picking your dog up from boarding!

Once you’re prepared, dog boarding can be a great experience for both you and your pet! If you are in need of a reliable dog boarding facility in the Fort Myers FL area, visit our website today!

Why Is My Dog Stressed Out?

Many pet owners may at some point deal with their pets becoming stressed out or showing signs of anxiety in certain situations - or even all of the time! It may come out of nowhere, or it might be a problem that you have been dealing with since bringing your pet home. For some, a stressed pet can lead to a stressed owner, especially if you’re unable to uncover the source.

For the best understanding of what could be causing your pet’s anxiety, we recommend speaking with your veterinarian and also an animal behaviorist.

Here are a few of the most common pet stressors:

• Separation Anxiety: Many pets do not enjoy being left alone in the home and being away from their family. If you find that your pet is stressed when you return home after being out of the house for a while, or that your pet is displaying destructive behavior while you’re away, this could be the reason.
• Thunder: Loud noises can be extremely bothersome to many animals, especially since they have very sensitive hearing. There are a lot of solutions that can help to relieve some of the nervousness that pets experience during storms - ask your veterinarian for advice on the best course of action for you.
• Children in the Home: Though your dog may love your children, it’s possible that they also cause them a high level of stress. Children can be loud and move in ways that are threatening to dogs. They also can tend to play too rough, and they won’t necessarily be able to recognize the signs that they’re making their dog unhappy. Make sure that your pet is getting some time away from your young children, and that you explain to your kids the best way to be respectful of your dog’s personal space and health.

If you’re concerned that your dog may be experiencing stress or anxiety, make an appointment to speak with your veterinarian today.

Dealing with Aggression in Your Dog

Dealing with aggression in your dog can be difficult. Most animals exhibit aggressive behaviors when they are scared or feel threatened, although some may just be aggressive by nature or trained by previous owners or handlers to act aggressively. It can be scary to deal with, especially as a new pet owner.

Fortunately, if your pet is exhibiting aggressive behaviors, there are lots of different methods that can be used to encourage more positive forms of behaving and expressing their fear or discomfort in certain situations.

The first step should always be to speak with your veterinarian, who can offer you the right resources and confirm that no behaviors can be attributed to any physical or mental ailments. They should also be able to point you in the right direction of a professional trainer or animal behaviorist who will be able to work with you and your pet.

If you’re unsure of how your pet is behaving around other people, ask the staff at you boarding facility or your dog walker if they’ve noticed any aggressive tendencies in your dog to ensure that any concerns are being properly addressed before they get out of hand.