Growing rates of obesity in pets have led to the emergence of fat farms offering "pawlates" and ''doga", dog versions of pilates and yoga, to help slim down man's best friend.

Most luxury pet hotels and spas in the US will customise a fitness programme for a podgy dog or cat, but only a few facilities have fat camps for large groups.

As well as the pawlates and doga, Morris Animal Inn in New Jersey offers nature hikes, treadmill trots, facials, massages and healthy treats like organic granola, string beans and carrots. It was designed to give dogs a head start on a healthier life, said Debora Montgomery, the New Jersey facility's spokeswoman.

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