New Year’s at the Dog Spa

Midnight at the Oasis

A Siren song if ever I heard one…no, not the subtitle, this:

“…luxury spa and pet resort…to jumpstart a healthier year for canine companions.”  Zen for 2010!

The ad reads like any in Town and Country or Travel and Leisure( if that’s even still in print), with an unmistakable air of exclusivity.

“…designed to keep dogs active, stimulated and stress-free with treadmill trots, swim sessions in the indoor pool, “Doga” and “Pawlates,” pampering massages, homemade treats, and more.

Program offerings will be individually tailored to meet the particular needs of each dog, with some sessions overseen by
a personal trainer and others offered in a group setting. …Reservations must be made in advance”

But of course! Well, I read it as all in fun and some smart marketing based on people’s guilt.  A well-heeled pet parent’s remorse for not taking better care that Gigi did not lose her youthful waist makes an easy target, especially given that one in four dogs is overweight according to a National Academy of Sciences study.  What is surprising is that some take this idea as seriously as they do their own health resolutions.  Hmm, can you hear the train wreck coming?

For many people, it’s all or nothing for at least a week or two, even three, or until an injury occurs, whichever comes first. Then after time off to heal or just recoup after starting off too vigorously, it’s tougher to get into an exercise routine.  For some, the whole idea runs out of steam at this point.

While it may be tempting to “hit the ground running”, as that lovely bit of marketing quoted above implies, it’s just not productive in the long run.  The fact that we hit the reset button every year at this time should give us a clue: Slow and steady wins. 

It’s especially important for dogs that they not be thown into a new exercise regimen that will overwhelm a plumpish couch puppy.  Dogs that are not working dogs are generally not made for long periods of repetitive or demanding exercise, and stamina becomes an issue around the age of 7–except for maybe Jack Russell’s who bounce off walls until they are seniors, or so it seems! 

Don’t be lured into the  idea of letting your water dog splash around in the pool until you check with your Vet–even if you won’t do the same for yourself.  Your dog may have undiscovered  medical complications.  You don’t want to learn about that when it’s too late. 

Climate and the dog’s conformation are important factors in planning a program.  Bulldogs, pugs, and other dogs with respiratory problems due to the shape of their faces should stick to regular walks–nothing fancy–cut down cookies, offer apples, carrots and greenbeans instead. If you want some expert help, Veterinary Teaching Hospitals plan diets to suit your dog’s breed and age.

Enjoy your Doga or Pawlates with your pooch, just take it slow and don’t let your fun get derailed by going too fast and doing too much.  Zen for 2010:)