The number-one health problem seen by most veterinarians is obesity. It's all too easy to overfeed your dog, especially when his big brown eyes are pleading for just a little more. But as in humans, canine obesity is linked to health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint aches and pains. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight will help him live a longer life.

Recognizing Obesity

When you look down at your dog, you should see a defined waistline behind his ribs. If instead you see a solid chunk of flesh, your dog is probably overweight. Most breeds have an acceptable weight range for males and females. Check your breed's standard (at the American Kennel Club's Web site, www.akc.org) to see what's right for your dog. For instance, Labrador retrievers should weigh 55 to 80 pounds, with females on the smaller side. Cavalier King Charles spaniels should weigh 13 to 18 pounds. Bullmastiffs should weigh 100 to 130 pounds. Even if your dog is a mixed breed, you can compare his weight to that suggested for a similar size. Whatever his breed or mix, if your dog is over the suggested weight range, doesn't have a waist, and huffs and puffs at the slightest exertion, it's time for you to start him on a diet and exercise plan.

Canine Weight Loss

Before you do anything, talk to your veterinarian. He can help you devise a weight loss plan appropriate for your dog, taking into account his age, physical condition, and overall health. You can start by simply feeding your dog less. If you've been leaving out a bowl of food all day or giving heaping cupfuls of food, begin measuring portions and feeding meals at set times. Sometimes that's all you need to do. In other cases, you may need to switch your dog to a lower-calorie food.

A dry dog food labeled as “lite” may not contain more than 3,100 kilo-calories per kilogram (kcal/kg), according to AAFCO regulations. Because canned foods are high in water, “lite” canned foods may contain no more than 900 kcal/kg. Manufacturers of reduced-calorie foods that don't meet the “lite” rules can make comparative statements, such as “25 percent fewer calories than our regular food.” Similar rules govern foods labeled as “lean” or “low fat.” These claims are based on maximum allowable fat percentages rather than number of calories.

Along with feeding less or providing a low-calorie diet, introduce more exercise into your dog's life. Start with short walks of five or ten minutes, depending on how out of shape he is. As his stamina improves, you can gradually increase the time and distance.