Changing Your Pet’s Food; Why We Don’t Do It at HPR, and How to Do It If You Do

At Hubbard PetResort & Spa, it’s standard practice to serve your dog or cat the food and treats that you provide for them. Why is that important?

Animals react to changes in their surroundings and routines, just like people do. Unlike us, however, they eat basically the same diet, day in and day out. Dry kibble is often a main food source, often supplemented with wet canned food.

When we make sudden changes to their diets, it can cause digestive upset, which can lead to loss of appetite, diarrhea, and other symptoms and problems. So putting them in a new environment is stressful enough, without introducing different food from what they’re used to.

That’s important to remember all the time—not just when you’re boarding them with us. Sudden dietary changes can adversely affect your dog or cat. If you decide to change their food, do it gradually.

For example, start by mixing 75 percent of their current dry food with 25 percent of a new formula. For the next few days, gradually decrease the amount of current food and increase the amount of new until the transition is complete. Changes in wet food are not typically as traumatic, but, just as with dry food, it’s best to avoid any sudden changes.

Also, as you change their food, keep an eye on their eating habits and observe their stool to make sure their digestion is fine. And make sure they have a generous supply of water to drink.

Remember, too, that older animals have different nutritional requirements. Like humans, they will face more health issues. A highly nutritious, leaner diet will help them avoid things like diabetes, arthritis or urinary tract issues.

So, when you decide to board your pet, be sure to provide plenty of their regular food and treats. And, if you decide to make a change in their diet, do it gradually. You’ll have a happier, healthier pet as a result.

Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa provides peace-of-mind cat and dog boarding and grooming in Youngstown, Ohio and the surrounding region.

Best Kennels in Youngstown: Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa Sets a High Standard

When dog and cat owners are looking for the best kennels in Youngstown, Ohio, they want to know that their pet will receive personal care and attention in a clean, safe environment.

At Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa, our motto is, "We'll love them like our own," and we provide that level of personal attention and care 24 hours a day, 365 days a week. In fact, it's why we're called a pet resort, because we've established a new standard for dog and cat boarding in the region.

The interior of HPR is kept at a comfortable temperature of 68 to 72 degrees year-round. We use only pet-friendly, biodegradable cleaning products, and we staff our facility 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Our spacious 4' x 6' suites give dogs ample room to move around and stretch while boarding with us, while our roomy cat condos and catio provide plenty of space for our curious feline friends to explore.

There is so much more that separates Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa from other kennels in Youngstown and the surrounding area. We invite you to call with questions or stop by to see our facility and learn for yourself why we're the best choice for your pet's care when you're away.

Learn more about the area's premier pet boarding and grooming facility at the Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa website.

Pet Vaccinations and Why They're Necessary

Dog vaccinations and cat vaccinations are a fact of life at reputable pet boarding facilities; here's why.

Sometimes pet owners are caught off-guard when by a boarding facility explains its policy for dog and cat vaccinations.

After all, they may have had their dog or cat for several years and not had all these vaccinations; why now?

The answer is simple. With all of the hundreds of animals that come in and out of a facility like ours, there is no way we could guarantee that pets carrying serious diseases are not among them, without requiring cat or dog vaccinations prior to their stay with us.

For dogs, we require rabies, distemper and bordatella (kennel cough) vaccinations, as well as a negative stool sample check within the last nine months. For cats we require the rabies and distemper vaccinations.

Rabies, passed through saliva, is a 100 percent fatal disease that affects the central nervous system. Distemper affects the respiratory, nervous and gastrointestinal systems, and is spread via bodily fluids, including saliva. Bordatella is a respiratory condition that can spread quickly among animals, usually through airborne droplets from saliva or other fluids.

Even if you think your pet is absolutely healthy, all it takes is contact with, or proximity to, one infected animal to cause serious health problems. It’s a chance we cannot, and will not, take. Pet vaccinations are essential.

We take extreme precautions to maintain a clean and healthy environment at Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa, including proper ventilation, nightly washing of food and water bowls, regular laundering of linens, and spraying the artificial turf in the potty and play yards. Even with that, however, some diseases could be spread through something as simple as a pet sneezing or coughing inside the boarding area.

These vaccinations don’t just ensure the health and safety of your pet. They provide a safer environment for the other animals, their owners, and our staff.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask us in person or by calling us at 330-534-1200.

To Shave or Not to Shave? Your Dog, That Is...

Should owners have their dogs shaved for the summer? According to an article in the Salt Lake Tribune, that's a polarizing topic among groomers and veterinarians.

(Salt Lake Tribune)

The article lists these arguments against:

• Shaving exposes a dog to sunburn, bug bites and skin disease.
• A dog’s fur serves as insulation against heat.
• The fur will grow back fuzzy and may take two years to return to its natural state—if it ever does.

And for:

• Shaving helps a dog keep cool during the summer.
• Shaving reduces the amount of dog hair in the home.
• Shaving reduces the need for other grooming services.

Whatever your choice, we can help keep your four-legged loved one clean, trimmed, and happy this summer! Call us at (330) 534-1200 to make a reservation. If you'd like, you can read the entire Tribune article here.

HPR Teams With Rescue Road Warriors to Help Deliver Dogs to Their New Forever Homes

Hubbard Pet Resort and Spa is proud to be affiliated with Rescue Road Warriors, a network of volunteers who give of their time to transport loving dogs from rescue organizations to their new forever homes.

HPR owner Lesley McBurney began volunteering with RRW in January. "These beautiful animals are so precious when I pick them up from the previous driver," she said. "Sometimes they're a little nervous or tentative, but once you show them kindness and affection, they give it right back. They deserve to be loved and cared for, and that's what this whole process is all about."

The network covers about a dozen Midwestern states, and hundreds of volunteers rotate on different weekends. Most volunteers drive once a month, with some doing it more often. It's a relay that begins in Missouri on a Saturday morning. Drivers pick up the dogs at designated spots and then drop them off an hour or two later at the next rendezvous point. The process continues through Sunday and sometimes into Monday, until the dogs arrive at their destinations on the East Coast -- in states like Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire and New York. Most legs last between an hour and 90 minutes.

"Some of these dogs have been abandoned or mistreated, and it's sad to think of the lives they may have lived to this point," said Lesley. "That's why it's so gratifying to know that they're on their way to homes where they'll be able to love and be loved in return."

Rescue Road Warriors welcomes volunteer dog rescue drivers and appreciates donations to the cause. For more information, call Lesley at HPR: 330-534-1200.

Professional Grooming at the Right Price, Right Here at Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa!

When you think of the best place to board your pet, we're glad you think of Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa.

We want to be your number one choice for the finest pet grooming services, too! Our professional staff is dedicated to providing the best grooming for your dog or cat -- and we'll do it a prices that are more than reasonable.

Full groom prices begin at just $45 for your small dog; full grooms include shampoo, condition, full dry, brush, nails and ears. A more affordable option, starting at just $25, includes a bath, brush, blow dry and nail clip.

We have an entire list of a la carte services, as well. And remember, when you book your groom with us, your pet will enjoy one of our suites (space permitting) while they wait for you to pick them up later that day!

For a complete list of our grooming fees, visit our website: Hubbard Pet Resort - Grooming.

Come see what a difference a professional grooming does for your pet! Call us at 330-534-1200 for more information.

Winter Storm Reminder: Take Care of Your Pet's Needs, Too!

With the first major snowstorm of the season blanketing Northeast Ohio, it's good to review things to watch for to make sure our pets are healthy and safe during the winter months.

If you’re like most people and have a dog or cat that lives indoor with you, it’s important to limit their outdoor time in extremely cold conditions.

If you occasionally allow your cat to go outside, it’s not advisable to do so in freezing temperatures. Their tendency to explore, even close to home, may be overcome by their need to seek warmth. This can lead them to dryer vents on homes, or worse, to climb into a nearby vehicle’s engine compartment—and such locations can lead to tragedy. Keep your cat indoors until the weather warms up again.

If you own an indoor dog, you’ll naturally let it go outside for potty times and some exercise. However, whether it’s on a leash or able to roam free in a fenced or invisible-fenced area, your dog can be overcome by freezing temperatures more rapidly than you may think. If their coat becomes damp from snow or ice, hypothermia can set in.

In particular, keep an eye on the pads of their feet. Snow and ice can become packed between their pads, and cause severe discomfort even after they’ve come back inside.

If you have a dog or cat that typically stays outside, or perhaps in a garage, take precautions to make them more comfortable in the winter. Make sure their houses are lined with cardboard or a piece of carpet to add extra warmth, and turn the opening away from the wind. In a garage,  try to seal up any air leaks that may cause an unnecessary draft, and make sure there is something—cardboard, an old blanket, or carpet scraps—that they can snuggle up on other than the concrete floor.

Again, take precautions to keep them away from your car’s engine. Clean up any antifreeze spills, which are hazardous, and from time to time check your pet’s coat for ice-melting salt or chemicals, which they’ll try to lick from their fur.

Winter can be a wonderful and invigorating time of year, but it can be perilous, too. Take precautions to make sure you and your pet remain happy and healthy until the first signs of spring!

Here's a Grooming Tip If You Put a Sweater On Your Dog This Winter

We are at that time of year for warm clothes and boots for ourselves -- and our four-legged friends!

But here's a tip: If you put a sweater or coat on your dog, it is important that you only do so when they are going outside. If your dog needs to wear a sweater in the house, please remember to remove it periodically to brush their fur and loosen any mats or static that has formed.  

We have already seen dogs come for grooms who have been wearing their Santa sweaters for a week, and they are so matted (it's like a very thick felt pad!) that we have had to shave them down completely. It's just impossible to comb that out when the mats are so thick and cover such a large part of their bodies. 

If your dog needs a good bath and brush out in-between haircuts, call us at 330-534-1200 and we will help you keep them maintained and mat free.

During Rainy Weather, Don't Forget to Exercise Your Pet!

With all the rain we've been having in the region due to the recent storms, it's understandable that we would focus on things like maintaining electrical service, guarding against high winds, and other things essential to our safety.

But don't forget about the well-being of your pet -- and that includes keeping them active to help them deal with stress. Animals experience stress during severe weather conditions, too, and exercise is an important part of keeping your pet active, happy and healthy.

Sometimes that suffers during inclement weather, especially if you're a dog owner and you're in the habit of taking your pet on a daily walk. But there are lots of things you can do indoors. Here's a helpful article from Cesar Millan's website (he's the "Dog Whisperer" from TV) that offers a few suggestions:

 

Dog Exercise: How to Exercise Your Dog Indoors

And, in the interest of equal time, here's an article about exercise for your cat:

Exercising with Your Cat: A How-to Guide

These tips will come in handy when winter weather strikes in a few weeks, too.

At Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa, we make sure your four-legged loved ones get plenty of love and exercise every day. Dogs get potty trips and play time throughout the day, and cats get to enjoy our "catio," an indoor wonder of things to do and explore. 

Be sure to keep your pet active this autumn and winter. When you bring them to HPR, we'll do the same!

Artificial Turf Installed at Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa!

We're excited to share the news that artificial turf is being installed in our dog yards at Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa!

The artificial surface is more durable and enjoyable for the animals. It drains for proper sanitation, meaning that we can spray it clean on a daily basis. Artificial turf also eliminates problems with mud or having pools of water develop in wet conditions -- and, during winter snowstorms, we can just shovel it clear!

The first yard with turf was completed over the weekend, and the other two are scheduled to be finished this week. We hope you share in our excitement over this new improvement to our facility.

Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa offers pet boarding, day care, and grooming. Our ultraclean facility is climate controlled for your pet's comfort, and there is someone on site 24/7. If you'd like to take a tour, just give us a call to set something up during our normal business hours. For more information, or to make a reservation, give us a call at 330-534-1200.

New REDUCED Off-Season Rates at Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa!

We've got some exciting news: New, reduced off-season rates* are in effect at Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa, now through March!

We've lowered our rates for overnight boarding for dogs and cats; boarding rates for dogs are reduced to just $22 (normally $25 in-season), and for cats it's just $16 (normally $19). Reduced rates are in effect for daycare, too.

We've also introduced a reduced-rate price list for our grooming services. You can check out all of our off-season rates at our website, www.hubbardpetresort.com.

Remember, where your pet is concerned, at Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa we'll treat them like our own! Soft bedding is provided for all our guests. Dogs get regular potty trips throughout the day, plus play time -- and they can even have a TV on in their suite for company! Cats enjoy the comforts of a private cat condo, and at least two hours of recreation every day in our "catio."

There's never been a better time to treat your pet to a one-of-a-kind stay at their "home away from home." Call us at 330-534-1200 to book your reservation or to make a grooming appointment. If you'd like a tour of the facility, just call or stop in -- we'll be happy to show you around.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

* Off-season prices are not in effect during the holidays. Please confirm pricing when you call to make your reservation or appointment.

Keep Your Pet's Nails Trimmed for Optimum Health and Comfort

It's important to keep your pet's nails trimmed for optimum health. Long nails can break or split, leading to discomfort and even infection. With cats, keeping their nails trimmed can spare your furniture, plants...and maybe even you!

With dogs, long nails can lead to a variety of problems. The pads on dogs' paws are designed to fit snugly together so they can walk comfortably. Long nails cause the pads to spread, exposing soft tissue that is then vulnerable to cuts, abrasions, and infection. Also, dogs will adjust their gait if their nails are too long, walking further back on the pad. That can cause permanent damage by stretching the ligament on the back of the dog's leg.

If you know how to clip your pet's nails, and have the right equipment, be sure to do it often enough to keep things trim and tidy. If you're not sure, it's best to use a professional groomer who will do the job right.

We offer complete grooming services at Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa, including nail trims. Call us at 330-534-1200 to set up an appointment for your pet, or simply schedule a grooming or trim the next time you have your pet stay with us.

There Are Many Times When Boarding Your Pet Is The Answer

Obviously, vacations or business travel are two common reasons for boarding your four-legged children. But here are several more reasons why it’s best not to put your dog in the basement, or your cat in the bathroom—but to bring them to the pet resort instead, whether you’re going to be gone for 12 hours, or 12 days.

• Your children are having a sleepover party with their friends. Your pet may be used to your children, but when you add five or 10 more kids to the mix, they can become very territorial—even in their own home.

• You’re having a party where several guests will be present. Board them for a day, to avoid having them escape through an open door, or getting fed something they really shouldn’t be eating.

• Your relatives, who are not “dog” or “cat” people, are visiting. Sometimes, removing your pet creates peace of mind for you and your guests.

• You are having work done inside or outside your house. Strange noises and workmen around the house can be stressful for your pet!

• You are bringing baby home from the hospital. You may want a break from your pet while you figure things out and get used to the new arrival.

• You need to fumigate your home, do a lawn treatment, have your carpets cleaned, re-seal your driveway, install a fence, paint your home…you get the idea. All of these procedures can leave harmful chemicals or odors long after we humans stop smelling them.

• Your pet needs to recover after surgery. With 24/7 care, we can watch over them more closely than if you work during the day, and administer any medications as needed.

• You need to recover after surgery, when activities such as walking or lifting or bending to take care of your pet has been advised against while you heal.

• You or a loved one needs to go into the hospital or to a therapy center for anywhere from a few days to an extended period of time.

• Out of town guests are visiting and like to travel with their pet, but for whatever reason their pet cannot stay in your home.

These are just examples of the many times it’s a good idea to bring a pet to the resort. Call us at 330-670-8500. We are open and answer the phones Monday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 3 to 7 p.m., and Sundays 4 to 8 p.m. We’ll be happy to be of service!

Welcome to Our Blog! Visit Often to Stay Up to Date on HPR

Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa is bigger and better than ever!

Under new ownership and management since April, we've also expanded with 27 new dog suites on the second floor of our facility.

We want you to think of us as your pet's "home away from home." The physical and emotional well-being of your four-legged child is our only concern while they are in our care. We will call them by name, offer cuddles and hugs often, and return a happy, well-adjusted pet to your embrace at the end of their stay.

The resort is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for the safety and security of our guests.

For more information, visit our website at www.hubbardpetresort.com. We hope you'll visit us soon!