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At Dancing Dogs, we are dedicated to help your dog live a happier, healthier life. Sometimes that
requires extra help in training. Sometimes it requires exercise and a strict diet. We are proud to offer our "Spa Program" to those pets needing to shed a few pounds through diet and exercise.
Our regular exercise program incorporates : - Hikes
and walks through our 8 wooded acres
- Low impact agility training for a great cardio
workout
- Treadmill training, so you can continue your workouts at home
- Plenty of playtime with other dogs for some good clean fun!
Combined
with a high quaility dog food, Our weight loss program will help to shed excess pounds and more importantly, tone and trim
your dog.
Additional reading
Weight loss and fitness programs should be performed
gradually. With your veterinarian's approval most dogs can loose 1-2 % of their body weight a week. Rapid weight
loss in dogs (like in people) is not encouraged. For the best
results dogs should stay 4-6 weeks to begin their weight loss progam. Shorter or longer stays may be scheduled as appropriate
for your dog. Please contact us to discuss the opportunity to improve your dog's health.
Athena: Athena is a 10 year old Doberman pinscher, who should weigh between 60 and 65 lbs. She arrived
weighing 86 pounds; placing her 20 -25 pounds overweight. She is at increased risk for heart attacks, arthritis, and
has low stamina and energy. We placed Athena on a high quality dog food and limited her treats to fresh vegetables (green
beans and carrots). Athena began walking twice a day through the woods with our other dogs, and has gradually
worked up to 3 and 4 walks a day as her stamina increases. Now she can run and play with the other dogs without early
exhaustion. Her tail wags constantly, she is so happy to go on walks again and again! After 6 weeks Athena has lost 13 pounds, and more importantly, is beginning to develop muscle tone and
greater energy and stamina. Her owners miss her terribly, so she will return home for 1 month with her new diet and
exercise regime, and return to the "Spa" in September to attempt to reach her goal weight. She leaves us at 73 pounds...
Side note: Athena had a lick sore on her right hind leg that has plagued
her for the last 2 years. When she was bored, she would lick at her leg, placing her at risk of infection from this
unsightly sore. After 5 weeks at the spa her leg has nearly healed over. She is too busy to lick! When she
rests at night she sleeps so deeply she snores! She has no time to worry about this old wound! Athena returned in August
to complete her weight loss program. While on a strict diet at home, Athena continued to lose weight, and here she completed
the weight loss and began to tone muscle. She is getting up and down much easier with less weight on her joints and
stress on her frame. The lick sore on her leg remains healed. She is happy to go outside to chase the dogs playing
ball, or just to walk in the woods. Her tails wags constantly and she yips and squeals when we get ready for the mornign
walks. On September 11 Athena returned home weighting 65 lbs! She has lost an amazing 21 lbs since the beginning
of her weight loss program! Her owners will monitor her weight (and her snacks!!!) carefully to help her keep off the
weight, and will be bringing her back for short stays to help her keep up her endurance and continue on her road to good health.
We hope to see Athena happy and healthy for many years to come!
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