Places with amenities to make their stay feel like they are on vacation
Dog-friendly spots in town
Fun spots to take your four-legged friend
The basics of bird care
Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about pet birds
With summer vacation fast approaching, many families may be looking ahead to vacations out of town or out of state. While many pet lovers certainly may wish they could take their pets with them, many times it is not possible. Consequently, those family vacations may or may not include furry loved ones at home.
When it is not possible or practical to include their pets in their out-of-town plans, a range of local places can provide boarding services for pets if individuals or families plan to get away this summer, be it for a weekend, few days, or a couple of weeks.
The City of Brentwood offers several places for pet boarding.
Camp Bow Wow
Camp Bow Wow at 103 Technology Court, Suite F, has been open since 2000, and offers spacious indoor and outdoor play yards along with luxury suites that also include 24/7 web cameras with their own separate ventilation systems.
Overnight boarding is $62 per night, while the luxury suites are $95. A 50 percent
deposit will be collected at the time of making the reservation. Boarding during major holidays and peak times are also subject to an additional $5 per night per dog, and require a three-night minimum stay. There are no additional charges for medication administration or other special requests.
“Pet owners usually board their pups for a weekend or a week-long vacation or trip,” said Bruna Weber, owner of Camp Bow Wow. “They love to access our webcams from anywhere on their phone or computer and watch their campers have fun in the play yards. We also offer discounts for households with two or more dogs.”
Camp Bow Wow also has a few requirements for pet parents wanting to board their dogs. Dogs must be spayed or neutered if they are over seven months old. Vaccinations for rabies, distemper, borde tella, and canine influenza must be up to date, and prospective campers must participate in the “pass the interview” day. Camp Bow Wow provides all-day play with other dogs, allowing dogs to have fun and get plenty of exercise during the day. It was designed by dog behavior experts to ensure
rentwood Veterinary Hospital is an AAHA accredited facility that has been a part of the Brentwood community for forty seven years! We offer state-of-the art diagnostic and therapeutic services to care for your pet’s complete health care needs. We balance this with a staff that cares about you and your pets like you are family. We offer modern diagnostics in the form of in-house laboratory testing, ultrasound, and digital radiography. Once diagnosed, we are able to treat your fur-babies with progressive treatments options and medications.
dogs can play safely in a group setting.
Pet owners can expect hands-on meetand-greet to evaluate a dog’s response to physical touch, one-on-one introduction with other regular campers, and slow introduction into an open-play environment. Campers are expected to stay for a minimum of three hours as part of the interview, but can let pets play all day for free. For details, call (925) 666-9663 or visit https://www.campbowwow.com/brentwood.
“As a helpful tip, we always recommend that pet parents bring their campers for day care a couple of times prior to overnight boarding,” added Weber. “That way, your pup will have plenty of time to get used to the environment and most importantly, understand that mom and dad are always coming back! That usually solves any regular issues with separation anxiety. After the second or third Camp Bow Wow visit, their pup is usually pulling their leash all the way through the parking lot in anticipation and excitement for another visit!”
Pets Frolic Inn
Pets Frolic Inn at 4071 Orwood Road, offers farmstyle kennels as well as a bed and breakfast, a state of the
art doggie daycare, as well as bath and spa services. Their services include a large outdoor play area with artificial grass, with space for dogs to run and play, along with an indoor, climate-controlled for rest time, snack time, and play time in the event of inclement weather. Vaccination requirements for dogs are for rabies every three years, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, parainfluenza (DHLPP) and canine influenza every year, and Bortadella every six months.
Cats are required to be vaccinated for rabies every three years and feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia every year. Beginning June 1, the cost for dogs is $50 a day, while cats and birds are $30 a day, with a 10 percent discount for additional animals to be cared for. Checkout time is noon, and a two-night minimum is required over Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays. The Doggie Day Camp is $35 a day, with 10- and 20-day punch card services at $300 and $500, respectively. For details, call 925-634-4431 or visit http://www.petsfrolicinn.com.
Brentwood Pet Resort
The Brentwood Pet Resort has been serving the Brentwood area since 1997. Located at 600 Concord Ave., the Brentwood Pet Resort offers doggie “condos” for dogs of every size with playing of soft music, along with a senior area for elderly and timid dogs. Bedding, blankets, toys, and food are also
see Vacation page 3B
Pets bring much joy to the lives they touch. So it should come as no surprise that the 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association found that about 85 million families in the United States own a pet. In Canada, 7.5 million households are home to companion animals, according to the PetBacker blog.
Pets offer companionship and unconditional love. While they are fitting for any family, seniors may find that having a pet is especially beneficial. The organization A Place for Mom, which helps match families with senior living residences, says pets provide a comfort system that produces measurable health results. Caring for pets and being around them can produce
Vacation from page 2B
provided, along with activities such as play time, pool time, and nature walks.
All pets must be clean and free from fleas upon arrival. The price includes $65 per pet per day for a doggie condo, and $75 for a doggie penthouse suite, which includes specialty plush beds with flat-screen TVs that show DOGTV during the day.
Vaccination requirements are DHLPP and rabies every 12 months or three years, Canine Influenza every year, and Bortadella every six months. For more information, call 925-6347378 or visit https://www.brentwoodpetresort.com/
a chemical chain reaction in the brain that may help to lower stress hormones while also increasing production of the feelgood hormone serotonin.
This is not the only health benefit pets may provide. A recent study from the Mayo Clinic, which looked at 1,800 people aged 25 to 64 who had healthy hearts, found that almost half owned a dog. Having a dog was likely to spur hearthealthy behaviors, like exercising with the pet, eating well and having ideal blood sugar levels.
Pets also provide emotional support and companionship that can help seniors – including those who may be divorced or widowed – feel more secure and happy. The National Poll on Healthy Aging found that, among respondents who had pets, 88 percent said their pets helped them enjoy life, and 86 percent said their pets made them feel loved.
Seniors considering getting a pet can explore the many benefits to doing so.
“We keep it simple,” Mike Nilo of Prissy Pampered Pets says about his business.
NIlo and his wife, Sheila, have run their business out of their home since 2017, offering dog boarding, pet-sitting and dog walking services to local pet owners. While they take dogs into their home for boarding, one thing that sets them apart from other pet-care services on the list is their pet-sitting service in which they check on and care for pets without having to take them from the comfort of their own homes. The couple also create custom dog collars and leashes as well as tags that can be engraved.
♦ Reduce pain: A 2012 study published in Pain Magazine found therapy dogs provided significant reduction in pain and emotional distress for chronic pain patients.
♦ Feeling of purpose: Caring for an animal not only stimulates physical activity, but it also can give seniors a reason to get up and go, which equates to a feeling of purpose.
♦ Shifted focus: Having a pet can help seniors focus on something other than physical or mental health problems and preoccupations about loss or aging, according to New Yorkbased psychologist Penny B. Donnenfeld.
♦ Increased physical activity: Pets require care, and that interaction can get seniors moving more than if they didn’t have a pet.
♦ Improved health: Ongoing research from Harvard Medical School has found dog owners have lower blood pressure, healthier cholesterol levels and lower risk of heart disease than those who don’t own a dog.
♦ Stick to routine: Caring for pets helps seniors maintain a routine. Having structure after retirement can be important to ward off risk of depression. Staying on top of feeding, grooming and other pet needs also can help prevent cognitive decline.
For more information email prissyspamperedpets@outlook.com or call 925-586-8335.
Antioch Veterinary Hospital
In Antioch, the Antioch Veterinary Hospital provides boarding services for dogs and cats. The hospital has two locations: 5151 Deer Valley Road and 1432 West 10th Street. The hospital offers separate boarding areas for both dogs and cats, veterinary supervision for pets with ongoing health issues, along with an outdoor play area for dogs, a cat room with a large kitty condo allowing cats to play, climb, and stretch, pheromone diffusers to help animals relax, as well as animal-friendly
music playing at a low volume. For details, call 925-757-2800 or visit https://antiochvet.com/. The pet boarding market was valued at $19.5 billion in 2021, with dogs accounting for $11.1 billion, and is projected to reach $35.8 billion in 2031 with a compound annual growth rate of 6.4 percent, according to Allied Market Research. It said the growth can be attributed to growing trends in pet ownership as well as in pet humanization and the need and importance of play sessions and exercise, while also reducing behavioral problems such as excessive licking, barking, chewing, digging, and other anxiety-related behaviors.
More people in the U.S. apparently want to have birds as pets.
In a National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) in 2022, eight percent of all households now have pet birds, with half of new bird owners saying that their decision to have a pet bird was influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Brian Speer, a doctor of Veterinary Medicine of the Medical Center for Birds in Oakley, says that there are over 9,100 species of birds, and that care of a pet bird depends on the type of species.
“There are some species-specific details that of course vary amongst species and individuals, and there are basic principles that are more universal for helping to secure their optimal welfare,” said Speer. “As an example, backyard chickens require less time investment as compared to a medium to large parrot species that is being kept as a pet or companion. A welltrained and cared-for dog can also take considerable time investment, just as that large parrot can.”
According to statistics gleaned by Forbes.com, roughly 6.1 million U.S. households own birds, and amount of money spent on pets. In addition to being beautiful and attractive animals, birds are intelligent, trainable, live a long life, don’t require a large space, and are considered less expensive than other pets. According
to Speer, the most common pet bird nationally is the cockatiel, followed by the gray parrot.
The third-most common bird they see in their office is a backyard chicken, followed by the Budgerigar (the parakeet), he said.
“We typically see 150 to 200 different species here each year,” said Speer. “Of the companion birds that we most often work with, good effective enrichment, proper nutrition and other key aspects of husbandry are significantly important. Again, these basics are important for many of the animals we keep and care for; there are just different details. As an example, parrot species really do require healthy social interactions, foraging skills that are continually reinforced and augmented, as well as healthy species-specific nutrition.”
Linda Lasky, a registered veterinary technician for 30 years, says that caring for a bird is different than caring for a dog or a cat.
“As for popular birds, smaller birds are parakeets, lovebirds, cockatiels, and finches,” said Lasky. “African gray parrots are popular. And then you get into the larger birds like cockatoos. As one gets into the larger birds, you definitely need to realize that they can live quite a while – some of them up to 100 years – so it’s a huge commitment if you choose to get one of those. The larger birds are quite a handful to take care of, and I wouldn’t
recommend that as a first bird. And if you choose to get one of the large birds, you have to pretty much put them in your will or have somebody committed to taking over the care if anything happens to you.”
Lasky further discussed some of the mistakes she has seen with pet bird owners, as well as advice for bird owners. “Probably the biggest mistake I see people make is they will just give a bag of seeds to them and not really look into what the bird would eat if they were in the wild in their natural diet,” said Lasky. “Often the seeds are very high in fat, and the birds get problems from eating high fat, which, as you can imagine, is not good for them.”
Bird owners also should avoid poor-quality nutrition, such as seed-only diets for parrot species and cracked corn for chickens, as well as not feeding birds human food unless an owner has checked with the veterinarian to see if it’s something that birds can eat. For example, avocados, chocolate, fruit seeds, onions, garlic, and salt are poisonous to birds. Additionally, fumes emitted from pans made from Teflon can be toxic for birds if they are left on the stove to burn.
Another important aspect is their environment as well as its maintenance. Cages should be big enough so that birds can get enough exercise, as well as to periodically let them out of their cage to allow them to socialize and interact with people, while also being cautious to not have a window or door open.
“It’s good to get a couple birds together so they have company,” Lasky advised. “Sometimes, people will put mirrors on the edge of the cage so they will feel like there’s another bird by them, but obviously getting a second bird is probably the best idea. If you already have one bird and you want to get another bird to keep it company, keep them in separate cages for a while just in case the new bird has some type of an infectious disease in a different room away from the first bird in quarantine.
Before you introduce them, put the cages closer together, and after probably a couple weeks to a month, check with a veterinarian that works with birds as to how long they should be quarantined.”
Experts said bird owners or those interested in owning a bird should be advised that although the large corporate stores such as Petsmart and PetCo may have a number of products available, bird owners are encouraged to consider seeking out a bird-specific retailer that is more focused on this taxonomic group. Also according to Speer, a good resource of information for bird owners is to read the second edition of Birds for Dummies in January 2021.
“I would trust the information from a veterinary hospital that specializes in birds before I would trust a person,” said Lasky. “People that work at pet stores obviously care for animals, but they may not be educated as
well as a veterinarian or veterinary staff about healthcare and ways to avoid problems in the future with birds. They obviously mean well, but you don’t really know the background that each individual person has in all the different species of animals at a pet store.”
Overall, in addition to a bird’s diet and environment, experts want you to help augment the health, happiness and welfare of birds. For supplies and care for birds, owners are recommended to establish a relationship with a veterinarian who specializes in birds who often have care sheets on proper care for birds.
Owners are also advised to avoid or carefully critique easily available misinformation on the internet, which Speer warns is not only medically and biologically incorrect, but some recommendations are unethical and can actually cause significant health problems.
“The more focused your source of information you choose comes from, the greater the depth and breadth of what you should expect to hear can be,” said Speer.
Here is a link to the Medical Center for Birds: https:// www.medicalcenterforbirds.com/
Additional information is here:. https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/the-ultimate-guide-for-beginner-petbird-owners/ and https://www.myrightbird.com
“I would trust the information from a veterinary hospital that specializes in birds before I would trust a person”
– Linda Lasky, registered veterinary technician
Sometimes it is challenging to realize a pet dog is losing its vision. That’s because, unlike humans, dogs do not rely on sight as readily as other senses, like hearing and smell. A pup who is slowly going blind might be able to navigate quite well, as the other senses enable the dog to adapt to changes in eyesight, advises the American Kennel Club.
Pet parents who are concerned their dogs may be losing their vision can learn the risk factors for vision loss and keep an eye out for potential signs that such loss is present.
Certain breeds are at higher risk for health issues that can lead to vision loss. For example, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in Cocker Spaniels, says HandicappedPets.com. Both Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are genetically predisposed to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which can cause blindness. Due to recessive genes, Siberian huskies can be susceptible to eye issues, including corneal dystrophy. Boston terriers may develop cherry eye, a condition caused by a prolapsed eyelid.
Pet owners should speak with their veterinarians to learn if their dogs have a genetic predisposition to eye diseases and conditions that may lead to blindness.
Dogs who have had a cataract, which is a clouding of the eye that stops light from reaching the retina, may slowly lose their vision. Diabetes also can cause full
or partial blindness. Glaucoma, PRA and sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) all can lead to blindness in one or both eyes. If dogs have been diagnosed with these issues, it’s best to work with a vet to carefully monitor and/or treat them, if possible.
Vision deterioration can produce certain signs, including:
♦ Cloudy appearance of the eye or eyes.
♦ Improper pupil response to light and darkness.
♦ Difficulty focusing on items or people’s faces. Some dogs may have to come much closer to recognize a person’s features.
♦ The dog seems dazed and confused, or gets surprised by someone suddenly when entering a room.
♦ Hesitancy running or moving around, or changes in mobility. The dog may no longer want to go up and down stairs.
♦ Difficulty finding the food bowl, as well as weight loss from not eating.
♦ Behavioral changes, such as acting more anxious, sullen or even scared.
Vision loss can occur in dogs, particularly aging canines. Pet owners can be attuned to signs of diminishing vision and take steps to help their furry friends.
One such step is considering a visit to Lone Tree Animal Care at 600 Concord Ave., Brentwood, for an evaluation. Their phone number is 925-450-3800. Or Brentwood Family Pet Care at 4421-A Balfour Road in, Brentwood. Their phone number is 925-240-7387, or Brentwood Veterinary Hospital at 4519 O’Hara Ave. in Brentwood. Their phone number is 925-634-1177.
For Oakley residents, the Oakley Veterinary Medical Center is at 4526 Main St., Oakley. Their phone number is 925- 625-3722.
– Courtesy of Metro Creative
East County residents love their pets, and there are plenty of local places to go with your four-legged friends. From dog parks to breweries to outdoor dining, here is a list of some of the most pet-friendly spots in the Delta.
King Park, at 1379 Bauer Way in Brentwood, features two dog play areas, one for small dogs and one for large. Both areas feature play apparatus made specifically for canine companions and feature benches for humans to relax and watch their pets. Water fountains for pets and owners are available, as are “Mutt Mitts” to assist in keeping the facility free of pet waste.
Dakota Park at 480 Ridgewood Court in Brentwood, is a 4.7-acre park with a half-mile walking trail connecting to other trail systems in Brentwood. This park also has two dog park areas divided for “smaller” and “larger” dogs, with benches and shade structures for pet owners. Outside of the dog play areas, the park features a turf area with picnic tables and barbecues.
Four Legs Brewing, a craft beer spot
located at 2010 Elkins Way, Suite 120, in Brentwood, calls itself both “dog friendly” and “family friendly.”
Opened in 2021 by Michelle and Erik Bacher, it’s meant to be a “home away from home” for those who love beer and dogs. Four Legs Brewing regularly features food trucks and offers a range of brews from IPAs to Pilsners. For more information, visit www. fourlegsbrewing.com.
Diablo Cherries, a small cherry orchard at 3150 Sellers Ave. in Brentwood, allows visitors to bring their dogs while their owners
pick cherries. Co-owner Emily Benz said one of the advantages of being a small farm is flexibility in the rule book.
“We are 100% u-pick, so we don’t have to follow some of the same practices that the commercial orchards do,” said Benz. “As long as the dogs are leashed and well behaved, they can come in the orchard. We have observed that people want to bring their pets with them more and more, and we are happy to welcome them.”
Benz noted thus far, all guests have been respectful and conscientious, clean-
4071 Orwood Road 634-4431 • www.petsfrolicinn.com
Pets Frolic Inn... A Place for Pets! All kinds of pets - dogs, cats, birds, and more! We hope you will take a good look around and discover that we are so much more than a boarding kennel. Our farm-style kennel offers a wide range of services. Our bed & breakfast has spacious accommodations for your pets. We also have a state-of-the-art doggie daycare, and bath and spa services to pamper your pets. Don’t forget our Hitch-a-Ride Pet Pickup Service!
ing up after their pets and creating a fun, welcoming atmosphere with their dogs. For more information, visit www.diablocherries. com.
The Discovery Bay Community Center, 1601 Discovery Bay Blvd., features a recently renovated dog park with areas for both small and large dogs.
“Our dog park is extremely popular with our residents and used every day we are open,” said the town’s assistant general manager Allan Cantando. “The town regularly maintains the park, so our residents can have a nice and aesthetically pleasing place to enjoy their time with their pets. I can see the park from my office, and it is obvious the owners are having a great time playing fetch with their dogs or simply letting them run free in a secure environment.”
Koda Dog Park at 100 Oxford Drive in Oakley, opened in 2018, and is named for the Oakley Police Department’s first canine officer. The park was a goal of the city for many years before coming to fruition and features separate play areas for big and small dogs. There is also a special agility training area for dogs at the northeast quadrant of the park, and a shade structure over the adjacent picnic benches and barbecue pits.
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