If your vet has said your dog needs to slim down, you may be wondering whether a few days a week of day care would help. Here is what the veterinary sources say, and where day care fits.
What the veterinary sources say
The American Animal Hospital Association says weight loss comes from appropriate calorie restriction, diet selection, exercise and strategies to change the habits of both the pet and the owner. Food comes first. Cornell's Riney Canine Health Center advises weighing your dog at least every two weeks during a weight-loss plan and describes a safe pace as roughly 1 to 2 percent of body weight per week. Your veterinarian sets the target and the calorie amount.
Where day care can help
Exercise is one of the four parts of that plan. A day out of the house gives a dog time on its feet instead of on the couch, and some dogs who are home alone all day are bored and snack-focused. Day care can be a regular part of a routine. How much of a given day is active depends on the dog, its age and its joints, so treat it as one tool, not a treatment. Ask your vet whether your dog's weight or joints call for low-impact activity.
How to set up day care with a diet plan
Bring your dog's food in a bag with the original label and measured amounts in cups, and write the feeding instructions on the pet information form. Food from home is welcome at no charge. Skip the add-ons while your dog is on a plan: the Happy Pup Cup, Lick Mat and Pupsicle are treats so leave them out. Tell the staff your dog is on a weight plan when you drop off.
Day care is $38 a day, or $7 an hour up to the $38 day rate, and a package of 10 days plus 2 free is $380 for one dog. Drop-off and pick-up windows are 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2 to 5 PM. Vaccines are the same as for boarding. See dog day care for details.
Track it at home too
Weigh your dog every two weeks on the same scale, and ask your vet to score body condition on the nine-point scale AAHA uses, where 4 or 5 is ideal. The how to weigh your dog guide covers the at-home method.