Is your dog looking a little too "well rounded"? Is your cat more than just "pleasantly plump"? Just as with people, obesity can cause serious health problems in your pet. Flabby Labs and Tubby Tabbies are at a higher risk for arthritis and joint problems, heart disease, respiratory conditions and more. Not to mention it makes it more difficult for them to run, play and enjoy life!

So how do you tell ?

First, look at them from above. On both dogs and cats, you should be able to see a "waist" between the ribcage and the hips. Now look from the side. Dogs should have a "tuck up" in their lower abdomen. See the pictures on the right - the top dog appears to be in good condition, the bottom dog is too heavy.

The bottom of a cat's body will usually be a straighter line, and some have have "fat pads" in the lower abdomen, however there shouldn't be so much fat there as to impede the cat's ability to run and jump. In proper condition, all cats - even those having stockier "cobby" body types - are graceful and athletic!

Hands on - the Rib Test

Lightly rest your hands, fingertips together, over your dog's ribcage on either side of his body and move your hands back and forth (head to tail and back) a couple times - you should be able to feel ribs under a THIN layer of padding, without having to "dig" to feel them. And no, that isn't "just muscle" - there is no muscle on this part of the body! Doing the same test on their back at the base of the tail, you should be able to distinguish their pelvis - it shouldn't protrude sharply but you should be able to feel it without probing for it.

Not sure if you're feeling "enough" padding or "too much"? Try this:

Make fist with one hand. Now take the palm of your other hand and gently rub back and forth on the back your fist near your wrist (sideways, from pinky to index finger) as you did with your fingertips on your dog's ribs. You won't be able to distinguish any bones there unless you press harder - if your dog's "rib test" felt like that, he's probably too fat. Now rub your knuckles or just behind them - if you can feel your pet's ribs that easily, he's too thin. Finally, rub across the first joints of your fingers - notice how you can feel the finger bones softly but distinctly? This is "just right".

"But My Vet Says He's Fine..."

Fact is, some vets are hesitant to comment on a pet's weight for fear of offending the owner and losing a client, and will only mention it if there's been a drastic change in a short period of time or if it is already affecting your pet's health. However if you bring up the topic yourself, your vet should be happy to work with you to achieve and maintain a proper weight for your pet.

If you believe your pet is either over or underweight, you should first consult with your vet to rule out an underlying medical condition. Unexplained weight loss is especially a cause for concern. Obesity in dogs is sometimes caused by an underactive thyroid gland - a condition which can be easily diagnosed and controlled with inexpensive daily medication. Definitely something to look into if your dog gets a normal amount of exercise and doesn't eat very much but is still overweight.

Getting in shape

If your dog is otherwise healthy and has just been overindulging a bit or being a couch potato, here are some ways you can help him lose that excess weight:

The Green Bean Diet

Gradually replace part of your dog's diet with canned pumpkin (plain pumpkin, NOT pumpkin pie mix!!) or canned or frozen green beans. This adds fiber to the diet and makes him feel full while reducing calories. Eventually work up to the point where you have replaced 1/4 of your dog's food with twice that amount of the veggies. Make the change slowly, so your dog's GI tract doesn't rebel against the new foods!

If you have a cat (or a dog who can't/won't eat veggies) try one of the commercial reduced calorie foods.

No more junk food

Have you been feeding table scraps or fattening treats? Well ... stop it! Cut back on that doggie junk-food, or at least substitute healthier, reduced-calorie treats. Baby carrots are a healthy snack and most dogs love them.

Stop "Free Feeding"

Like many of us, most dogs will nibble all day, consuming more calories than they need given the chance. Instead of leaving a big bowl of food out all the time, give him a measured amount once or twice a day and allow him a reasonable period of time - 15 minutes or so - to finish it. Then pick up the bowl and throw uneaten food away.

The first couple times your dog may not eat much while he has the chance and will be hungry later. Don't worry, just stick to the new routine and he'll adjust quickly. Eating meals all at once is natural and healthy for dogs. How much should you feed? Start with the amount recommended on the package, but be aware that these portion sizes are often a bit too "generous" for all but the most active of dogs.

Get him moving

Time to get that couch potato off the sofa and out for some healthy exercise! Start slowly with daily walks - beginning with short ones, if he's really out of shape. If you have a cat, invest in climbable cat furniture or get a "fishing pole" or wand type cat toy and set aside a few minutes to play with her every day.

A few easy steps, and in a short time, your best friend will once again be a lean, mean tennis-ball chasing machine!