How to Help Ease Separation Anxiety in Your Pet
It’s time to get the kids ready to go back to school after a summer of being home. That also means your pet will have to get used to not having children around. Everyone’s routine will change, and adjustments will be made.

It’s not uncommon for pets to get upset or stressed when routines change, according to the article, “Adjusting your back-to-school routine for happy pets” at Vetster. “With dogs in particular, it’s important to understand the difference between their normal, temporary feelings of being stressed and a medical disorder like separation anxiety,” the article said. If you believe you are dealing with a dog who is panicking while at home alone, it’s time to call your veterinarian.

Distractions for pets can include exercise, mental stimulation (such as safe games or puzzles), food, and atmosphere, the article said. “Consider keeping pets enclosed in a smaller space while you are away, rather than giving them the full run of your house.”

Try to help your pet adjust before your kids start school and you go back to work or you could come home to witness “unwelcome surprises,” according to the article, “Back to school: how to help your pet adjust,” at 24Petwatch.

The 24Petwatch article suggests the following to help prepare your pet.

• Train your pet to be alone by “starting early and building up the time they are left alone gradually by around 15 minutes each time.” Additionally, establish a routine.
• Create a safe place for your pet including a bed, toys, food, and water.

Consider Doggie Day Care at Second Home Pet Resort. Your dogs will be with our great staff and will socialize with other dogs while having fun.

The more you prepare your pet for his new routine, the better it will be for everyone.
The Benefits of Summer Grooming for Your Dog
It may be late summer, but temperatures are still high. That means it’s even hotter for your pet. One way to keep your pet cool and comfortable is with late summer grooming to help manage shedding and maintain your pet’s comfort.

According to the article, “Summer Grooming: Why It’s Important And How To Do It” at Dog Tails by DogWatch, “Proper and regular grooming assists the shedding process, helps prevent fleas and ticks, promotes healthy skin and a healthy coat, and can even help detect potential diseases or conditions.”

Make sure to give your dog regular baths, but overbathing can cause issues, including dry skin. Shorter haired dogs should be OK with being towel dried and longer-haired dogs may need a blow dryer, according to the article. “Brushing your dog in the summer not only helps remove any dead fur and debris but also helps your pup maintain a comfortable body temperature,” the article said.

A good summer groom is also about your dog’s well-being, according to the article, “Summer Dog Grooming Guide: Keeping Your Canine Cool and Comfortable” at BarxParx. Some of the benefits of summer grooming include:

• It helps with shedding management for dogs with double coats.
• A good groom helps promote your dog’s healthy skin.
• “Trimming excess fur, especially around your dog’s ears, belly, and paw pads, can help prevent overheating,” the BarxParx article said.

Remember at Second Home Pet Resort, we have a grooming department that is a cut above the rest. We take great care of your pets, and they get to wait in one of our guest suites after their groom.

Your pet can enjoy a Basic Bath & Brush Package, Full Service Grooming, or A La Carte Services. Just give us a call at (602) 997-6600 to make an appointment.

Beat the Heat: Summer Safety Tips for Your Pet
July means summer is heating up. If you live in Arizona, the scorching heat can often be unbearable. It’s important to keep your pets cool and safe, including hydration strategies, recognizing signs of heat exhaustion, and protecting paws from hot pavement.

Water is important for humans and for our pets, especially during the heat. According to the article, “Hot Weather Safety Tips” at ASPCA, “Give pets plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors as pets can get dehydrated quickly.” Along with water, it’s imperative, especially in Arizona, that your pets can get out of the sun and into the shade, preferably indoors with the A/C in extreme heat conditions.

Along with keeping your dog well hydrated and cool, help protect your dog from the hot pavement. “Don’t let dogs linger on hot asphalt when the temperature is very high,” the article said. Doing so can burn your dog’s paw pads. Try to walk your dog very early in the morning and after the sun goes down.

When it’s hot, keep your dog’s exercise at a minimum. You want to ensure that your dog does not experience heat exhaustion, and you should also recognize the signs and know what to do if it happens. “Heatstroke is the result of a dog’s inability to cool their body down,” according to the article, “Heatstroke in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and Prevention” at petMD.com. “The first sign a dog may be developing heatstroke is typically heat cramps, characterized by muscle spasms. This is often related to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.”

According to petMD.com, signs of heatstroke in dogs include:

• Excessive panting
• Fast heart rate
• Red gums
• Dehydration
• High temperature of 104 F and higher
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you suspect your dog is experiencing heatstroke, call your veterinarian right away.

Make a Splash This Summer at Second Home Pet Resort – with a Quick Intermission!
When summer heat hits Arizona, there’s no better way for your dog to stay cool and have a blast than at Second Home Pet Resort’s Splash & Play Water Park! It’s the ultimate summer treat for pups who love to get their paws wet.

At Second Home, we’re passionate about providing a safe, comfortable, and fun environment for your pets. As an all-suite, mountainside resort with over an acre of play yards, we offer only the best amenities—and our water park is one of the most exciting features we offer for water-loving dogs.

⚠️But, just a heads up: The Splash & Play Water Park will be under construction for repairs and remodeling starting July 17 and will be temporarily closed for 1–2 weeks. We’re making it even better, so your pups can enjoy an upgraded splash experience!

In the meantime, don’t miss the chance to book a session before we close—and be ready to dive back in once we reopen!
Come see what all the barking is about. Your dog’s new favorite summer hangout is just a reservation away.

The Best Staycation for Your Pet is at Second Home
Once again, it’s time for that long-awaited vacation. While one far away from home to someplace abroad or to an exotic place sounds wonderful, sometimes it’s not practical due to work schedules, responsibilities at home, or because it’s not affordable.

Enter the staycation. “Many travelers are now turning to ‘staycations,’ or vacations where you stay at home or nearby, to rest and recharge,” according to the article “9 Reasons a Staycation Just Might Be the New Vacation” at AAA.com. “A shorter trip closer to home — or even a staycation in your own backyard — offers many of the same mental and physical benefits as a traditional vacation, but with less stress and a lower price tag.”

While you’re planning your local staycation, let your pet enjoy a staycation at Second Home Pet Resort. Arizona’s only all-suite mountainside resort is the perfect place for your pet to enjoy a wonderful staycation day or an overnight stay.

While you’re out for a staycation day, bring your dog into Second Home for her own staycation. Try a swim and spa day, perfect for the canine who loves the water. After you and your dog are greeted by our attentive staff, your dog will be whisked off for some fun swimming and splashing during a water park play session. Your dog will be fully supervised while engaged in fun splash and play activities.

Then your dog will be off for the spa portion of the staycation. This is where the pampering happens. Your dog can have a full-service groom, including bath, blow dry, nail trimming/filing, ear cleaning/hair removal, and a full body trim.

By the end of the day’s staycation, your dog will have had tons of fun and will look and smell great. She will probably be ready for a nap.

Best Travel Tips for Long Car Rides with Your Dog
Not all long car rides are created equal, especially if you are planning to travel with your dog. There are many things to take into consideration.

If your dog is new to car rides, start by taking some short trips before the long haul. “Get your pet geared up by taking them on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car,” according to the article, “Travel Safety Tips” at ASPCA.org. Be prepared if you are heading across state lines and bring your dog’s rabies vaccination record. Call your vet to find out if your pet will need a health certificate.

It’s also important to ensure your pet is safe in the car. The safest way for your pet to travel is in a crate. “It should be large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in,” the ASPCA article said. “Secure the crate so it will not slide or shift in the event of an abrupt stop.”

According to the article, “The Ultimate Guide to Taking a Road Trip With Your Dog” at Vetstreet.com, essential items to bring include:

• Food, medication, and supplements. Take about an extra week’s worth in case of delays.
• Ensure your dog is microchipped and that he’s wearing an ID tag with your contact information.
• First aid kit for your dog
• Lots of water
• Food and water bowls
• Dog bed
• Poop bags
• Towels
• Leash

Never leave your dog (or cat) alone in the car. “Temperatures inside vehicles can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes, even with the windows cracked open,” the Vetstreet article said.

Take lots of breaks along the way and keep your dog on a leash. Follow the guidelines and you and your dog can have an amazing and fun journey.