1. Obesity develops when energy intake exceeds energy requirements. The excess energy is then stored as fat. Once a pet is obese, he may remain obese even after excessive caloric intake stops. The majority of cases of obesity are related to simple overfeeding coupled with lack of exercise.
2. Certain groups of dogs appear more prone to obesity than others. Specific breeds (Labrador retrievers and pugs, for example) and older dogs are particularly prone.
3. Is your dog a hog? As a subjective assessment of body condition, you should be able to feel the backbone and palpate the ribs in an animal of healthy weight. If you cannot feel your pet’s ribs without pressing, there is too much fat.
4. Also, you should see a noticeable “waist” between the back of the rib cage and the hips when looking at your pet from above. Viewed from the side, there should be a “tuck” in the tummy—the abdomen should go up from the bottom of the rib cage to inside the thighs. Dogs who fail these simple tests may be overweight.5, 6, & 7. We recommend that you consult your pet’s vet before starting on a weight loss program, which should include these major areas:

1. Correct Diet
   Overweight animals consume more calories than they require. Work with your veterinarian to determine your pet’s caloric requirements, select a suitable food and calculate how much to feed. The diet should contain a normal level of a moderately fermentable fiber and the type of fat that prevents the skin and coat from deteriorating during weight loss. Diets that dilute calories with high fiber lead to increased stool volumes, frequent urges to defecate and variable decreases in nutrient digestibility.
2. Exercise
   Increasing physical activity can be a valuable contributor to both weight loss and maintenance. Regular exercise burns more calories, reduces appetite, changes body composition and will increase your pet’s resting metabolic rate.
3. Owner Behavior Modification
   A successful weight management program requires permanent changes in the behaviors that have allowed the pet to become overweight. Perhaps you are giving your pet too many treats, for example, or not giving him enough opportunities to exercise.
4. Are you committed to your pet’s weight loss? Here are some important things you can do:
   - Remove the pet from the room when the family eats.
   - Feed your pet several small meals throughout the day.
   - Feed all meals and treats in the pet’s bowl only.
   - Reduce snacks or treats.
   - Provide non-food related attention.

Pictures speak louder than words. Look at our campers’ smiles while scrolling through our slide show and you’ll see what your dog(s) could only dream of doing during a fun-filled, supervised day at camp! And to add to the day’s experience, we include transportation to and from camp on our fun Doggie Bus™ servicing beautiful Miami, FL.

In order to ensure each camper’s safety, all campers must be spayed/neutered, up-to-date on shots/titers and very social with all breeds. All size breeds and ages (4 months and up) are welcome as long as they enjoy the company of all size and breed of dogs. After evaluating each potential camper on a weekend appointment with their humans, we sign them up for an initial mandatory four day attendance. These first four days are designed to train campers to follow all camp rules. Once that training is done, they are welcome to attend camp any day Tuesday through Friday – there is no further mandatory attendance! Our service is strictly daily; we do not offer any boarding at this time.

If you would like further information on our dog day camp service, please call us at 305-858-1101 – we’ll look forward to hearing from you!

Benefits of Dog Day Care

Exercise, socialization and better health are just a few of the benefits of Dog Day Care.

Exercise Is the Biggest Benefit

Dog Whisperer Cesar Milan says, “A tired dog is a happy dog,” and while some trainers disagree with his methods, all trainers agree with this truism. When dogs don’t get enough exercise, they find their own ways to entertain themselves. They may destroy shoes, eat remote controls, ruin the couch or even let themselves out to find something to do. Giving your dog enough exercise makes him happy, content and well-mannered, and it can save your home from utter chaos and destruction.

Dogs Are Social Creatures

Dogs are pack animals. They like to interact with other people and dogs. Dog day care gives your dog a chance to have fun with his canine pals while you’re off doing important business. Let your doggy win friends and influence people with his growing social skills thanks to day care. Well-socialized dogs are more likely to get along with other dogs and people, and you can feel comfortable taking them out because you know they’ll behave. The socialization aspect of day care may seem intangible, but it yields very real benefits when you take your dog out in public.

Eliminate Messes when You Have Long Days

Even the best-trained dog has accidents when you ask him to wait too long before going outside. As your dog ages, it may become difficult for him to wait for you to get home for his potty break, and asking your dog to wait too long can actually contribute to incontinence as he gets older. If you can’t get home during the day to give your dog a potty break, doggie day care may be a good alternative. As a rule, you shouldn’t ask your dog to wait more than eight hours for a break, so if you know you’ll have a 10- or 12-hour day coming up, arrange for him to spend the day in day care.

Dog Day Care Costs Can Add up

While the benefits of day care are high, the costs can add up quickly.  If you’re taking your dog to day care five days a week, you could wind up paying hundreds of dollars per month on day care. For maximum benefits versus cost savings, make day care an occasional treat. Send your dog to day care once or twice per week.  Dog day care is a great supplement to your canine’s social calendar.

Our Doggie Bus™ services West Kendall, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, South Miami, Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay and some areas in between. However, we have many campers that live further away and meet us at various bus stops. Call us to see if we are able to pick your camper(s) up!