The number one New Year’s resolution is to lose weight. This correlates well with the fact that obesity has reached epidemic proportions not only in the human race, but with our pets as well.

The secondary diseases in pets -- osteoarthritis, diabetes, and cardiac disease -- are much more prevalent because of our desire to please our pets by overfeeding them.   For our total indoor cats and sedentary apartment dwelling dogs, obesity can be difficult to prevent.

If you can’t readily feel your dog’s ribs or see a visible waistline from the side, he might already be overweight.   If your cat’s rib cage seems padded and he has a large fat pad in his groin area, he might be obese.   Your veterinarian can help you define how many pounds overweight your pet may be and help you set up a diet plan.  

Since we can’t alter genetics --   also a big determinant of your pet’s weight -- the best way to prevent obesity is to exercise and eat right.   (No news there!)   For your dog, this means planned play periods, walks, dog-park time, or play periods with buddies.   I have even taught dogs to walk on a treadmill!

For your kitty, this means playing with feather toys on strings. My cat actually fetches and retrieves crumpled up balls of paper!   He loves the crinkly noise.

The other part of this formula for weight control is the intake of calories. If your pet is putting on weight and you are already exercising him, then you need to reduce his intake of calories. To do this, look at the fat content and the total volume of food intake per 24 hours.

Are you also supplementing with fattening treats?   Some basics: Reduce the portions, be sure to divide feedings into two or three times per day, use low calorie foods and treats, break your dog biscuits in half to spread them out their consumption, use carrots or green beans in lieu of fattening biscuits, and cook your own low calorie biscuits (a recipe at www.dog-vet.com/recipes).

Research shows that leaner pets live longer, healthier lives.   Since most of us will outlive our beloved pets, don’t we want them around as long as possible?