Thursday, July 3, 2014 THE NEW MEXICAN
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Fat camps trim pudgy pets By Sue Manning
The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES t’s not just a people problem: Growing rates of obesity in pets have led to the emergence of fat farms offering “pawlates,” “doga” and “Barko Polo,” doggie versions of Pilates, yoga and Marco Polo to help slim down man’s best friend. In the U.S., 53 percent of dogs are overweight or obese, up from 45 percent four years ago. In cats, the figure is almost 58 percent, said Dr. Ernie Ward, a veterinarian and founder of the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention in Calabash, N.C. Overweight pets can suffer diabetes, joint problems, heart disease and decreased life expectancy, just like obese people, he said. Most luxury pet hotels and spas nationwide will customize a fitness program for a pudgy dog or cat, but only a few facilities have fat camps for large groups. For golden retriever Ceili, it was easy to fatten up when living with a boy who pushed tasty morsels over the edge of his high chair. The extra weight led Eileen Bowers of Bedminster, N.J., to sign up the more than 100-pound pooch for a five-day fitness camp last month at Morris Animal Inn. Besides the “pawlates,” the camp was filled with swimming, nature hikes, treadmill trots, facials, massages and healthy treats like organic granola, string beans and carrots. It was designed to give Ceili and 40 other dogs a head start on a healthier life, said Debora Montgomery, the New Jersey facility’s spokeswoman. Wonder how you get a dog to do a downward dog? You wouldn’t even recognize that yoga pose in the canine version. “Doga” and “pawlates” are a lot alike — both are about stretching while building strength, balance and flexibility. In “doga,” stretches are close to the ground, while “pawlates” uses higher balance equipment like large exercise balls, Montgomery said.
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Staff worker Kelli Quinones walks golden retriever Ceili on a treadmill June 19 at the Morris Animal Inn in Morristown, N.J. Female goldens are supposed to weigh 55 to 70 pounds, but overweight Ceili weighs 126 pounds. The facility says she is very active but when they do stair climbing drills, she has to take a pause. PHOTOS BY MEL EVANS/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
ON THE WEB u For more information, visit www.petobesityprevention.org.
And the “Barko Polo” pool game varies from its human inspiration: A staffer will shout “barko” and whichever dogpaddling pooch yelps first gets a toy. In all activities, “the dogs work for their meals. We praise and make the sessions fun and interactive,” Montgomery said. After the cardio come the doggie facials: a cleansing massage that wipes away organic food crumbs and exercise-induced slobber. Bowers started sending her dog to the Morris facility months ago when Ceili hit 126 pounds. Usually, female golden retrievers weigh between 55 and 70 pounds, Montgomery said. Ceili got down to 118 but went to camp to lose more. “We want her to be around
Ceili swims during exercise in a pool.
for a long time,” Bowers said, adding that her 2-year-old son is more interested in running than throwing food these days. Those extra treats are a culprit in canine obesity rates, besides a lack of exercise, Ward
said. Over 80 percent of owners give dogs two or more snacks a day. He compared the rising problem to the same trend in kids. “Children and cats and dogs don’t feed themselves,” Ward said. “We treat our pets like children.” The facilities help pet owners too busy for long walks or unable to afford a swimming pool or treadmill. Morris Animal Inn charges $59 a day or $249 for five days with all the amenities. It has offered two or three camps a year since 2009. But as programs have cropped up to meet demand, so have slick imitators that compromise safety for quick cash. Before sending a pet to a fat farm or boarding facility, do some research to ensure they are legitimate, Ward warned. “Safety is more important when you are dealing with an overweight pet because they are more prone to injury and distress than a leaner, fitter pet,” he said.
How to keep your pet safe on July 4 help the baseline stress that they were suffering.” Bright lights and loud noises The medication is good for might mean a festive Indepen- about six hours, she said. dence Day, but for pets, it’s a These tips may help too: reason to run and hide. u Keep animals away from Noise anxiety causes many fireworks. Leave them at home pets to do whatever they can and inside if you’re headed to a to get away — hiding for cover fireworks display. or even jumping through u Stay indoors with your screened doors and windows. pet, but if you plan to leave, Shelter workers and vetmake a safe place available for erinarians agree that when it your animal, such as an open comes to pets, playing it safe is closet or crate. Leave the telethe best bet. vision or music on to diffuse Judith Meriwether, lead vet- outside noise. “White noise” erinarian at the Santa Fe anilike fans or soothing sounds mal shelter’s Clare Eddy Thaw such as classical music helps Animal Hospital, said the day to drown out startling noises. after Independence Day is typ- Meriwether suggests setting ically a busy time at veterinary up a “safe zone” for anxious hospitals and shelters. animals at all times, so that the Dogs who are scared are animal doesn’t associate the more likely to try to get away, actions with the anticipated Meriwether said, which means noise. they are at risk of being hit by “If they always have a safe vehicles or becoming lost if place, and they use that ongothey escape from the confines ing, then that’s great,” she said. of their home. Other signs “What we try to tell people is of anxiety related to holiday to not just play music to simevents include increased vocal- ply shield the sound, because ization, panting, pacing, agitathen it’s just another trigger, tion and being destructive. or another associated stressful Meriwether urges people incident for them..” who know their animals can be u Offer a toy or treat to keep anxious to visit their veterinar- your pet occupied. ian and have them prescribe u Make sure your pet is anti-anxiety medication. The wearing a collar with up-tomedication, usually a Valium date information on the tags. derivative, is good for shortMicrochip your pet. term incidents. If your pet does disappear during Fourth of July festivities “We recommend giving the animal the medication usually or at any other time, inform your friends and neighbors and about 20 to 30 minutes before canvass the area. the actual signs of festivities Post fliers with a photo of start,” she said. “It used to be your pet and call the shelter that we would prescribe a at 983-4309, ext. 606, or check sedative, but it didn’t treat the primary anxiety — it just made the shelter’s lost pet website at www.sfhumanesociety.org. them disoriented and didn’t
Tracks Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society: MoozeMusica, a 4-year-old mixed breed female, is a little overweight at 68 pounds. She’ll need to continue her diet in her new home. She’s a sweet girl with a wonderful outlook on life. Her adoption fee is waived thanks to the generosity of a sponsor. Sweet, gentle Nebula has a condition that causes her to use her litter box frequently. This rare condition is being treated with medication. Lucky for her, a generous sponsor has agreed to take care of her adoption fee and provide a medical stipend for her for the rest of her life. Come see why Nebula has charmed everyone she meets. These and other animals are available for adoption from the shelter at 100 Caja del Rio Road. The shelter’s adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Please join the shelter’s mobile adoption team every Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Back Roads Pizza on Second Street for Pitchers, Pies and Pits. The team also will be at PetSmart from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. The shelter is closed Friday in celebration of Independence Day. Visit www.sfhumanesociety.org or call 983-4309, ext. 610. Española Valley Humane Society: Loba, a laid-back kitten who enjoys attention, also is content to just hang out. She’s 8 weeks old. Emily is a gentle dog who needs a loving owner to encourage her out of her shell. This 5-month-old is ready for puppy classes. These and other animals are available for adoption at the
In brief
Emily
Mooze-Musica
Loba
Charisse
Nebula
Christanna
shelter, 108 Hamm Parkway. The shelter is open from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 4:45 p.m. Sunday. Call 753-8662 or visit www. espanolashelter.org. Felines & Friends: Charisse is still a bit shy but has come a long way in foster care. This beautiful girl with a short coat and brown tabby markings will thrive with individual attention. Christanna is somewhat shy and nervous but enjoys being petted as long as it’s gentle. She gets along well with other felines, but would be best suited in a home without children. Cats of all ages are available for adoption from Felines & Friends and can be visited at Petco throughout the week during regular store hours. Adoption advisers are available 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Petco on Cerrillos Road. Become a Felines & Friends volunteer. Visit www.petfinder.com/ shelters/NM38.html or call 316-CAT1.
for adoption are listed at www. rabbit.org/newmexico. To get preapproved for an adoption, download the application and email it to bill@rabbit.org.
Sanctuary hosts August art show Spay/neuter An animal sanctuary that services offered takes care of older dogs,
horses and poultry will host an August art show. Animals & Nature is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at Kindred Spirit Animal Sanctuary. The show is an opportunity to visit with animals in hospice and elder care and meet artists who are donating their work to support the sanctuary, organizers said. The show will feature a variety of art, including painting, photography jewelry, sculpture, carvings and folk art. The sanctuary is on N.M. 14 near Lone Butte General Store. For more information, visit www.kindredspiritsnm.org or call 471-5366.
Adoption event features rabbits
The New Mexican
A-9
The New Mexico House Rabbit Society is hosting an adoption event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 20 at Albuquerque’s west-side PetCo. Several litterbox-trained rabbits will be available at the store, 3601 Airport Road. All of the rabbits available
The Santa Fe animal shelter offers several programs to help cover the cost of spay and nueeuring, said Mary Martin, the shelter’s executive director. Some programs: u All pit bulls and pit mixes are eligible for a $10 spay/neuter through a separate grant from PetSmart Charities. This special is based on available funds. u Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes are eligible for free spaying/neutering on Tuesdays through the Spay Santa Fe program funded by an anonymous donor. u All-breed dogs are eligible for free spay/neuter on Thursdays through the Spay Santa Fe program funded by an anonymous donor. u Cats are eligible for free or low-cost spay/neuter surgeries through several programs, including the Zimmer Feline Foundation. All surgeries require appointments. For more information or to make an appointment, call 474-6422. The New Mexican
FOR SMALL DOGS:
Call 505-983-8671 1005 S. St. Francis Drive
FOR BIG DOGS:
Call 505-474-2921
PET PIC TV TIME
1229 Calle de Comercio
Jacki Davidson and Bonnie Gross say their cat Louie loves the Animal Planet channel.
SHArE yOur pET SHOT Got a pet photograph you’d like to see in The New Mexican? Email your pictures to bbarker@sfnew mexican.com. All submitted photos should be at least 4 inches wide at 220 dpi. Submissions will be printed once a week as space is available. No money will be paid for published photographs. Images must be original and submitted by the copyright owner. Please include a descriptive caption. The New Mexican reserves the right to reject any photo without notice or stated reason.
Located at Little Wags Grooming by appointment
983-2122