Fighting that puppy fat! Canine 'obesity epidemic' sparks trend for dog weight-loss spas

By Sadie Whitelocks

PUBLISHED: 09:32 EST, 10 October 2013 | UPDATED: 09:56 EST, 10 October 2013


Over half of America’s dogs are obese according to new findings and now weight loss spas are cropping up to help pudgy pooches get in shape.

The Morris Animal Inn in New Jersey runs doga sessions - yoga for dogs - and has a gym equipped with treadmills, exercise balls and an indoor swimming pool.

Roxana Sheikh told ABC News that her miniature dachshund, Lola - who weighs more than double what she should at 21 pounds - has lost seven pounds since starting at the 'fat camp'.

Fighting that puppy fat: Over half of America's dogs are obese according to findings and now weight loss spas are cropping up across the country to help pudgy pooches shed some pounds

Fighting that puppy fat: Over half of America's dogs are obese according to findings and now weight loss spas are cropping up across the country to help pudgy pooches shed some pounds

'When you see her tail is wagging, her little feet are moving, she's not stressed, she's moving easily. It makes me very, very happy,' the overjoyed owner added.

One of Morris Animal Inn's personal trainers said they put all of their four-legged clients to work 'just like humans'.

 

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And after a long and hard workout, all of the spas stress the importance of relaxation.

Indeed, the Paradise Pet Lodge in Washington has different massages tailored for canines costing up to $75 for 60 minutes to relieve 'excess tension and stiffness'.

Breaking a sweat: A dog is put to work on the treadmill at the Morris Animal Inn in New Jersey

Breaking a sweat: A dog is put to work on the treadmill at the Morris Animal Inn in New Jersey

Doing the doggy paddle: A canine slips into a life jacket before doing some lengths in the pool at the Paradise Pet Lodge in Washington

Doing the doggy paddle: A canine slips into a life jacket before doing some lengths in the pool at the Paradise Pet Lodge in Washington

One pleased customer, Samuel Riggins, writes on the website that his four-legged friend Valentino had 'so much fun' at the facility, that when he got home 'he went to sleep... for the rest of the night and part of the following day!

'He clearly had a very good time, and that makes me happy,' he added.

'When you see her tail is wagging, her little feet are moving, she's moving easily. It makes me very, very happy'

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) estimates that approximately 36.7 million dogs, or 53 percent of dogs in the U.S., are obese.

Experts say these extra pounds can cause some serious damage.

'It can contribute to orthopedic problems, respiratory problems, heart problems,' said Dr. Kristen Frank, a veterinarian at the ASPCA animal hospital told ABC News.

And New York-based vet, Dr. Mark Peterson highlights that overweight dogs are also at high risk of diabetes.

On the road to success: One of Morris Animal Inn's personal trainers said they put all of their four-legged clients to work 'just like humans'

On the road to success: One of Morris Animal Inn's personal trainers said they put all of their four-legged clients to work 'just like humans'

Winning results: Roxana Sheikh told ABC News that her miniature dachshund, Lola - who weighs more than double what she should at 21 pounds - has lost seven pounds since starting at the 'fat camp'

Winning results: Roxana Sheikh told ABC News that her miniature dachshund, Lola - who weighs more than double what she should at 21 pounds - has lost seven pounds since starting at the 'fat camp'

'The best preventive measure a pet owner can make is to keep their dog . . . at a healthy weight,' he warned.

'Diabetes is far easier to prevent than treat, especially when twice daily insulin injections are needed.'

But it's not just exercise that will make a difference and a balanced diet matters too. Experts say, make sure to measure pet food and lay off those fatty snacks.

All of the 'dog fat camps' have recommended diet plans. At the Morris Animal Inn one of the menu items includes a 'yogurt parfait with string beans, rice cake and bacon bits.'

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if people would simply walk their own dogs that would kill 2 birds with 1 stone.

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I have a Pomeranian in a four story house- she gets plenty of exercise following me excitedly around all day, yapping at cows for a good hour, having fights with my feet and jumping on sofas that are twice her height. She's a hectic little monster dog.

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Pretty funny that people will pay for this. I mean some people don't know how to feed their pet and can't even figure out that it is healthy to actually not only walk for yourself but the pet that is in your care.

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Don't feed your pets rubbish! There's no need! Dogs are greedy and will always want more, they look at you with pleading eyes! Say no, exercise them regularly, it will be best for them in the long run, health wise!

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Why not save a fortune and simply take your dog on a long country walk...?!

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When I fostered an overweight dog I just cut her food to a little under the recommended for her breed, Mastiff, and walked her everyday twice a day, slowly increasing the length of the walk every week. You don't need a doggie spa for weight loss, and I work and attend uni full-time.

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Even their pets are fat in america. Whe you are in america you see very obese people walking their very obese dogs. It is completely staggering!

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you saw people walking their dogs here? Amazing.

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If you have the time and money and your dog enjoys it fine. My doggie was overweight so I got reduced diet dog food, cut down on the treats and we go on longer walks. She lost 12 lbs

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Why don't you YANK the leash harder, you crazy woman?

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YANK the leash? What r u talking about? Is that what u do in the U.K. YANK?

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