Pawsitively Fit Camp Week is Doggone Fun

Exercise is essential to overall fitness--for pets and humans!

Holiday House Pet Resort & Doylestown Veterinary Hospital are dedicated to the health and happiness of your pet. We are proud to continue a fitness tradition with our 3^rd Annual Pawsitively Fit Camp Week in Doggie Daycare June 9-13, 2014.

The event is part of our Daycare program for June, but if you're not a Daycare client you are still encouraged to participate from home. From couch potato to active dogs and cats, have fun with different activities at a pace that's comfortable to your pet. Check out our blog series to learn more about nutrition and exercise.

When starting an exercise program for your pet, Dr. Laura Weis, co-owner of Doylestown Veterinary Hospital, suggests having your dog or cat examined by a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues or physical limitations. She added that starting any plan should be a gentle process, especially if your dog or cat is overweight.

• Take your dog for a walk on a leash for at least 15 minutes a day--and you'll enjoy the benefits too! For indoor cats, providing enough physical activity throughout the day is more challenging.
• Adopting a playmate for your cat is one option; otherwise, offer your cat a range of toys to chase, boxes to explore or towers to climb.

Each day during our Pawsitively Fit Camp Week there will be weight checks and special camp activities including:

• Nature walks
• Pools
• Agility and obstacle courses
• Frisbee Free for All
• Tunnel Play
• Tennis Ball Bonanza
• Yoga & Massage

These activities are easy to do at home or meet friends at your local dog park to make it group play. Follow us on Facebook for fun photos and links to blog posts dedicated to this event. We welcome your Comments and if you're local to Holiday House Pet Resort and Doylestown Veterinary Hospital, call 215-345-6960 to arrange a tour or schedule appointment for a Daycare Evaluation or Consultation and Exam.

7 Reasons Why Day Care is for Dogs

Not sure day care is for dogs? Here are seven reasons why it’s beneficial to your dog…and you too!

Provides socialization

Dog are naturally pack animals. They like to hang out and play with friends. It’s their version of the chatting around the water cooler…or gathering with friends at a favorite “watering hole.” Chances are a walk around the block or a visit to the dog park is never long enough to satisfy their need for socialization with other dogs or people. Group play with lots of different dogs (and people too) builds strong social skills.

Our Daycare Dogs love playing together outside!

Offers fun activities

Where else can your dog play tug-o-war, chase around the yard, work on an art project, get a massage, participate in special events to raise money for pet organizations, enjoy a special treat, or get their photo on Facebook? Definitely not at home while you’re at work, and probably not during the 15 minutes spent with a dog walker.

Avoids boredom

Napping in the comfy chair sounds like a great way to spend the afternoon, but not every afternoon. If your dog is young and energetic, spending a quiet day at home could lead to depression—yes, dogs can experience depression—or worse yet, destruction…

Reduces unwanted behaviors

…yes, destruction of your shoes, furniture, 8-panel wooden doors, or your child’s favorite toy. Boredom has a way of resolving itself. Sure, crating a destructive dog is an option, but daycare is a nicer option. A busy dog is a happy dog.

Reinforces training

If your daycare staff are also recognized as professional trainers, then it’s possible your dog will hear, and be asked to respond to, basic obedience commands. This is not much different than learning a foreign language—if you don’t hear it and don’t use it, then most likely you’ll never become proficient. People like being around well-behaved dogs.

Promotes exercise

Fun. Fitness. Agility.

Mental stimulation and physical exercise will keep your canine couch potato healthy, wealthy and wise! Obesity is a crisis affecting our pets. Nearly 60% of dogs (and cats) are overweight, making obesity the most common nutritional disorder identified across veterinary practices. Playing all day is great for their overall wellness.

Promotes good sleep

If you’re tired after a long day of work, then you’d probably prefer to chill out with your pup or enjoy a leisurely walk. A dog that has spent a quiet day at home will want to play…a lot…with you. A dog that’s had a busy day at daycare is ready for some quiet time and a full night of sweet dreams.

Thinking of enrolling your dog in a daycare program? Call Holiday House Pet Resort (or ask your veterinarian or groomer for daycare programs in your area) at 215-345-6960 to learn more about our Doggie Daycare program and to schedule your evaluation and trial classes.