The obesity epidemic that has made headlines in recent years seems to have reached our pets as well. Many pets in the United States are overweight today, primarily because they are
being fed more calories than they need and do not get enough exercise. If your dog or cat is overweight, he should be examined for thyroid disorders, heart disease, and orthopedic
problems. Obese cats are at much greater risk for diabetes, hepatic lipidosis, and arthritis.

Is My Pet Overweight?
There are three basic ways to tell if your dog or cat is overweight. First, check his profile. Looking at your pet from the side, check for a clearly defined 'tuck' in his abdominal area.
Next, check from above by standing over your dog or cat while he is on all fours. He should have a clear hourglass figure. Finally, check his ribs by placing your thumbs on his backbone
and running your fingers along his rib cage.
You should be able to feel his ribs easily without pressing.
It can be difficult to determine for sure whether your pet has a weight problem, so it's best to talk to your veterinarian if you are concerned. Working with your veterinarian is the
best way to formulate a healthy diet for your pet, determine his ideal weight, and devise an appropriate weight loss plan if necessary.

Dog Obesity
Once you and your veterinarian have selected an appropriate food, write down your dog's weight. Keep a record of everything he eats over the course of a day, including snacks. Your veterinarian will recommend how much to feed your pet based on the food chosen.
Keep in mind that following the feeding instructions on the food packaging can lead to overfeeding. It is best to seek your veterinarian's advice on exactly how much to feed. Don't deviate from this schedule or give in to begging. 'A little bit' is a lot for a dog, especially when it's given every day.
The other big factor in canine weight loss is exercise. Just as in people, an exercise regimen is key to helping your pet reach-and maintain-his ideal weight. Even a daily 10-minute walk
will help.
After 2 weeks, weigh your dog again. If he has lost even a little weight, you're doing well. If no weight loss is evident, consult with your veterinarian regarding how much to decrease the amount of food being offered.

Obese Cats
There are actually more overweight and obese cats in the United States than there are cats at their ideal weight. Unlike humans, cats prefer protein over carbohydrates. That's why
they are such natural mousers-mice are mostly protein. To meet his nutritional needs, your cat needs a high-protein diet.
As with dogs, weigh your cat at the outset so you can easily gauge his progress. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the type of food that should be provided. To convert
your cat to his new diet, the new food should be mixed with the food you're currently providing, slowly altering the ratio over the course of a month until your cat is eating only the new food. After 4 weeks on the new diet, weigh your cat. If there isn't any weight loss, reduce the amount of food offered. Repeat this process every 3 or 4 weeks. Weight loss should not be rapid: A 15-pound cat should lose no more than half a pound in a month.

Words of Wisdom
Before putting any cat or dog on a diet, schedule an exam with your veterinarian. Once the plan is complete and your pet is at his optimum weight, the food you provide will be enough to keep him at the appropriate size. The result will be a healthier pet with more energy and fewer health risks.

GOOD ADVICE
Many pet owners mistakenly believe that their beloved cat or dog must eat whenever they do. This simply isn't true. Pets will eat when they're hungry. If you provide good food and
lots of water, most pets will regulate their own diets. Never feed your pet from the table-this encourages begging and creates the false impression that the dog is not getting enough to eat.