7 Reasons Why Day Care is for Dogs

Not sure day care is for dogs? Here are seven reasons why it’s beneficial to your dog…and you too!

Provides socialization

Dog are naturally pack animals. They like to hang out and play with friends. It’s their version of the chatting around the water cooler…or gathering with friends at a favorite “watering hole.” Chances are a walk around the block or a visit to the dog park is never long enough to satisfy their need for socialization with other dogs or people. Group play with lots of different dogs (and people too) builds strong social skills.

Our Daycare Dogs love playing together outside!

Offers fun activities

Where else can your dog play tug-o-war, chase around the yard, work on an art project, get a massage, participate in special events to raise money for pet organizations, enjoy a special treat, or get their photo on Facebook? Definitely not at home while you’re at work, and probably not during the 15 minutes spent with a dog walker.

Avoids boredom

Napping in the comfy chair sounds like a great way to spend the afternoon, but not every afternoon. If your dog is young and energetic, spending a quiet day at home could lead to depression—yes, dogs can experience depression—or worse yet, destruction…

Reduces unwanted behaviors

…yes, destruction of your shoes, furniture, 8-panel wooden doors, or your child’s favorite toy. Boredom has a way of resolving itself. Sure, crating a destructive dog is an option, but daycare is a nicer option. A busy dog is a happy dog.

Reinforces training

If your daycare staff are also recognized as professional trainers, then it’s possible your dog will hear, and be asked to respond to, basic obedience commands. This is not much different than learning a foreign language—if you don’t hear it and don’t use it, then most likely you’ll never become proficient. People like being around well-behaved dogs.

Promotes exercise

Fun. Fitness. Agility.

Mental stimulation and physical exercise will keep your canine couch potato healthy, wealthy and wise! Obesity is a crisis affecting our pets. Nearly 60% of dogs (and cats) are overweight, making obesity the most common nutritional disorder identified across veterinary practices. Playing all day is great for their overall wellness.

Promotes good sleep

If you’re tired after a long day of work, then you’d probably prefer to chill out with your pup or enjoy a leisurely walk. A dog that has spent a quiet day at home will want to play…a lot…with you. A dog that’s had a busy day at daycare is ready for some quiet time and a full night of sweet dreams.

Thinking of enrolling your dog in a daycare program? Call Holiday House Pet Resort (or ask your veterinarian or groomer for daycare programs in your area) at 215-345-6960 to learn more about our Doggie Daycare program and to schedule your evaluation and trial classes.

Holiday House Pet Resort Celebrates 10th Anniversary Milestone

HOLIDAY HOUSE PET RESORT MARKS 10^TH ANNIVERSARY MILESTONE

WITH CELEBRATIONS AND OFFERS FOR PETS, CLIENTS & THE PUBLIC

DOYLESTOWN, Pa., April 1, 2014—Holiday House Pet Resort announces its 10^th anniversary milestone under the ownership of Drs. Ransome and Laura Weis. Since taking ownership from veterinarian Dr. Stuart Fox in 2004, the community has benefited from the creation of new jobs, additional pet services, and promotion of charities and events for animals in need. The facility has evolved from basic lodging and bathing to an all-inclusive pet resort with the addition of lodging activities, daycare, professional training programs, and a full grooming salon.

Clients, pets, and visitors will enjoy special activities and offers planned throughout April to mark the celebration:

• Doggie Doo Bingo event in Daycare on 4/10 will benefit Brookline Labrador Retriever Rescue.

• Pin the Tail on the Dog game that guests and visitors can play daily for the chance to win a free Premium Bath

• How Many Biscuits in the Jar? giving kids the chance to win the treats for their pet and a $25 gift certificate to Raymer’s Homemade Candies in Doylestown.

• Pet Photos with the Easter Puppy on 4/17 & 4/18

• Three anniversary special website offers

Holiday House Pet Resort has been an integral part of the pet community in the Central Bucks area through involvement with various animal organizations, shelters, rescues, foster programs, and charity events, including the recent Hope4Hails charity dog wash to raise money for the Hailey Bekos Family Trust. National coverage of the Barking Bride Dating Series and Doggie Wedding in 2012 helped to raise funds and local awareness of homeless animals ready for adoption.

“Your pet is part of our family too, and because of that, we believe that every pet at Holiday House Pet Resort should receive exceptional, individualized care. We take our role as a leader in the community and industry very seriously by setting high standards of care at our resort,” said Dr. Laura Weis.

The award-winning pet resort remains a unique facility in the area due to its history of veterinary ownership, design, and location on a 50-acre property in the heart of Bucks County. The resort caters to cats and dogs with a private cattery, indoor suites with exclusive outdoor runs, discounted activity packages to fit the needs of every pet, multiple play yards and a veterinary hospital on site.

“Our vision was an all-inclusive resort for pets. We were looking for a traditional Bucks County setting for our veterinary practice and knew this property, with Holiday House as the centerpiece, would allow us to realize our dream. We started Doylestown Veterinary Hospital first with plans for Holiday House to complement our veterinary practice,” added Dr. Weis.

What does the next 10 years hold? The owners have hopes of further expanding the physical facility, adding another daycare center and always offering the best pet care and customer care in the area.

ABOUT HOLIDAY HOUSE PET RESORT & DOYLESTOWN VETERINARY HOSPITAL

Located on a quiet country lane in Bucks County, Pa., Holiday House Pet Resort offers overnight lodging for dogs and cats, daycare, activity packages, training and grooming services. The facility is owned by Drs. Laura and Randy Weis, who also operate the Doylestown Veterinary Hospital, a full-service veterinary hospital with accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) located on the same property.

Holiday House has been distinguished among the “Best of Bucks” since 2010 and a Bucks Happening List winner for Boarding and Grooming in 2013 and 2014. For more information about Holiday House Pet Resort, visit www.holidayhousepetresort.com or call 215-345-6960. 

Activities for a Healthy and Happy Pet

The long winter’s nap is over. Your dog or cat might look comfy and content sleeping in a sunny spot but a daily dose of physical activity is necessary. Exercise and play keep your pet’s mind sharp and body fit. The benefits of being active include help with:

·         Digestive health

·         Restful sleep

·         Being limber and agile

·         Building confidence and trust

·         Mental stimulation

·         Weight control

·         Positive behaviors

Getting appropriate levels of exercise and play is challenging for pets because it’s challenging for us to devote the time for ourselves, let alone our pets. The good news is that spending a few active moments together benefits you and your pet. Now that spring has arrived, here are some ideas to get you moving and playing—inside or outside—with your dog or cat.

·         Daily (leash) walks around the neighborhood or the park

·         Nature walks or hiking trails 

·         Pull toys work the muscles

·         Fetch or Chase added to a potty break is easy

·         Hide-N-Seek makes your dog work for treats

·         Swimming or splashing in a kiddie pool makes hot, humid days more fun

·         Social play with other dogs at a daycare program or dog park provides free play

·         Sports and training such as agility training, Frisbee contests or herding programs works the body and mind

·         Cat toys keep kitty jumping and running

There’s no reason your pet’s fun and exercise should stop while staying at a lodging facility.  Research from the pet industry has clearly demonstrated that the more activity and human interaction pets receive, the happier and healthier they are when away from home. 
Finding a lodging facility that offers a variety of activities during your pet’s stay will ensure you and your pet have a positive experience.

At Holiday House PetResort, our guests can enjoy a variety of fun activities that provide exercise, socialization, one-on-one time with the staff, pampering in the spa, and relaxation.

·         Playtime - ball throwing, rope tugging, Frisbee chasing, and other fun activities

·         Nature Walk – a brisk walk exploring 50 acres of woods, streams, and fields

·         Business Walk - quick potty break on the grass

·         Personal Attention Time - for the dog or cat who loves hugs, kisses, petting, and lots of snuggling

·         Tuck In - snuggling, cuddling, a goodnight treat, and the option for a bedtime story at the end of the day

·         I’m Having Fun at Holiday House! Photo – photo of your pet emailed to you while you’re away

·         Gourmet Treats - special seasonal tasty tidbits, from beef stew to organic frozen yogurt

·         Cozy Bed – upgraded bedding with extra thick fleece and high-molded sides for a secure feeling

Holiday House Pet Resort believes in the importance of every pet having a unique and stress-free experience. Customizable discounted activity packages—perfect for every pet—make it easy to choose the right amount of activities and attention for your pet. Maintaining your pet’s level of activity while lodging at our resort provides a positive experience. Call 215-345-6960 for a tour of the luxury resort and to speak with a reservation specialist about which activity package is right for your pet.

Preparing Your Pet for a Lodging Experience

It’s an exciting day—you are ready for vacation and it’s time to drop your dog or cat off for lodging. Even though you are looking forward to your trip, the moment you have to leave your pet in the care of others can be stressful. 

Planning will make the check-in process easy for you and the resort experience fun for your pet. 

·         Vaccinations – When you make the lodging reservation, ask the staff which vaccinations are necessary and suggested for your pet’s stay. Contact your veterinarian to make sure your dog or cat is up-to-date on vaccinations, and make an appointment if necessary.

·         Activities – Be sure to choose an activity package for your pet when you make the reservation. Staying active is important for health and happiness. We have designed activity packages to meet the needs of your pet.

·         Medications – If your pet is on medication, be sure to provide enough medication for the entire stay. Package and label according to the directions.

·         Food – Holiday House Pet Resort serves veterinarian-approved food but will serve your pet’s regular diet if you provide the food. Be sure to measure, package and label plenty of food for the stay. It’s also a good idea to supply extra food, especially if your pet is involved in lots of activities. 

·         Contact information – Provide an up-to-date list of contacts and emergency numbers. 

·         Remain calm – This is the most important tip for ensuring a smooth check-in. Pets can sense when we are upset or stressed and will mirror our energy. The best thing you can do is remain calm and confident so your dog or cat will have a positive experience.

·         Going home – A smooth transition when returning home is also important. Opting for a grooming package before check-out is a nice way to end the lodging experience. If you are lodging a puppy or young dog, then return to basic housebreaking to reinforce good behavior now that he is back home. It’s also recommended not to feed your pet a big meal after coming home. Pets who are kept busy and happy at lodging—much like a child at camp—will be sleepy, so provide small amounts of water and food for several hours until their energy returns.

Lodging is your pet’s vacation from the regular routine. When you are organized and calm during the check-in process, you and your pet will feel less stressed and be ready for a good time. Our entire staff is committed to making your pet’s stay at our luxury resort the best it can be.