Half of our pets are out of shape

“The Biggest Loser” is a hit television show. Weight-loss programs, diet foods and sport drinks abound. Gyms and fitness facilities are filled with people exercising to stay healthy.

We strive to take care of ourselves, but when was the last time you objectively looked at your dog or cat to see if he or she was carrying around too much weight?

A 2012 survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found that 52.5 percent of dogs and 58.3 percent of cats in the United States are overweight or obese. Obesity for pets is defined as a mature body weight that exceeds an ideal weight by 15 percent or more.

“I think it's getting to be more of an epidemic, sad to say,” said Dr. Patti Klein Manke of the Woodstock Veterinary Clinic. “I see it every day.”

Problems related to pet obesityBeing overweight puts a dog or cat at risk for some serious health issues. Whatever the size or the breed #8212; Chihuahua to Great Dane or Egyptian mau to Maine coon #8212; all dogs and cats can be affected by obesity. Overeating, lack of exercise, genetics and medical issues (like hypothyroidism) can add pounds to your pet.Arthritis is intensified in an overweight pet. The extra weight places excess stress on joints, causing the progression of joint degeneration and more pain. Lameness is a common problem. Pain can lead to less mobility for the pet, which can lead to greater obesity.#8220;We see arthritis especially in the shoulders and elbows, as more weight is carried on the front than on the back,#8221; said Dr. Gloria Esbensen of Arlington Cat Clinic.While cats are more likely to become Type 2 diabetics (male cats especially), dogs can also become diabetic. Extra weight makes this disease more difficult to control. Breathing is compromised in a pet who caries around extra weight. A pet needing surgery (even for something as routine as regular teeth cleaning) is at a greater risk from the anesthesia, which suppresses respiration. And the heart can become enlarged from the strain placed on it by extra weight. Often, a pet's self-grooming and hygiene is hampered by excessive weight. The animal's range of motion is compromised by the extra weight. A dull, matted coat is only one concern.#8220;Really fat female dogs or cats can get urine scald,#8221; Esbensen said. #8220;This is caused by rolls of fat and too much skin that get in the way when the pet urinates, leaving the area raw and painful.#8221;Obesity can result in a fatty liver, especially in cats. This can lead to a pet not eating and getting jaundiced. The liver becomes infiltrated with fat and then fails #8212; a life-threatening disaster. Obviously with any of these problems, your pet faces a reduced life span. What's an owner to do?The best place to begin is with your veterinarian. He or she can help you determine the ideal weight for your pet. One way to do this is with the Body Condition System, which focuses on the shape of the pet and its weight. Generally, ideal weight means you can't see a dog's or cat's ribs, but you can easily feel them. Viewed from the side, their stomach tucks in behind the rib cage. With an overweight pet, you can't feel their ribs, or you can only feel them with significant pressure. Their stomach is rounded when seen from the side. #8220;There are so many variations among dog breeds,#8221; Klein Manke said. #8220;Cats are even more difficult to judge, with their different frames and body structure.#8221;Regularly weighing your pet is a good idea. Smaller dogs and cats can learn to stand on the same scale you use. Recording their weight on a weekly basis makes you are aware of any upward trends, as well as weight losses. Or ask your vet if you can bring your pet in on a regular basis to be weighed. The information will be put on their records for easy reference. DietAs much as we like to give our pets treats or food from the table, this is not the best for them. Your vet is the one who can give you specific choices in diet foods available. Your vet is the one who can devise a healthy diet for your pet and guide you. Always clarify with your vet that there are no health issues before you begin a new diet. Many pet-food manufacturers have become proactive in the fight against obesity; Hills and Purina are among them. They make a variety of canned and dry weight loss and maintenance foods for dogs and cats, as well as metabolic treats. These are foods that are not available #8220;over-the-counter;#8221; your vet is the only place to buy them.It is important to measure the food accurately when you feed your pet. Use a measuring cup; don't depend on #8220;a handful#8221; being accurate. Animal talesLeon, the resident cat at Arlington Cat Clinic, doesn't mind getting treats from clients. He's happy to be a #8220;vacuum cleaner#8221; to pick up any stray pieces of cat food that are on the floor or that he can steal. Controlling his weight has been problematic, so he is going to start on the new metabolic diet from Hills.#8220;The new diet uses measurements of his head, chest, leg length and circumference and body length,#8221; Esbensen said. #8220;They were entered into the computer and showed that his ideal weight is 12 pounds. He weighs 15 pounds now.#8221;Meanwhile, Miss Rose Tyler, a 3-year old female lab mix with arthritis, is a #8220;success story#8221; with Hill's Science Diet Canine Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution. According to owner Leslie Lachus of Algonquin, Rosie seemed to be putting on weight as a 2 year old. Lachus tried to decrease Rosie's food intake and exercise her more, but she continued to put on weight. Based on body measurements by Klein Manke, Rosie should have weighed about 55 pounds.#8220;She was an eye-opening 81 pounds,#8221; Lachus said. #8220;It was a wake-up call.#8221;In May, Rosie began her new diet food. Klein Manke suggested mixing frac12; cup of green beans (without salt #8212; canned, frozen or fresh) with frac12; cup of dry dog food to give some variety. Rosie also gets cosequin (for arthritis) wrapped in liver sausage, and small amounts of metabolic dog treats.The new food regime hasn't been easy for Lachus or Rosie. Instead of losing three pounds each week, the first month, she lost one pound. Since then, she's lost two #8212; three pounds each month. Gradually, the pounds came off and in November Rosie weighed 63 pounds, an almost 20 pound loss.#8220;She's like a new dog!#8221; Lachus said. #8220;She's jumping on the bed and couch, rolling on her back, getting up the stairs and acting like a 3-year old dog again. She's not a chubby little ball anymore.#8221;ExerciseJust like humans, dogs and cats gain weight when they eat more calories than the burn. A little exercise makes a big difference. By increasing your pet's activity, you can help him be healthier. Walking your dog is good for both of you. Start with short walks and gradually extend them. Change where you walk so neither of you get bored. Some veterinary practices have treadmills or aquatic tanks for therapy; ask if your pet can use them. Dogs like to play games; try tossing a Frisbee or a ball for him to retrieve. #8220;Dog sports#8221; like flyball, agility or dock diving might appeal to him. Pools and lakes are good places for them to swim in the warmer months. Anything that will get your dog moving is good. Exercise for a cat is more challenging. Some cats will learn to walk with a harness and leash. Climbing cat trees to look out the window and watch the birds and squirrels gets them more engaged than just curled up in a cat bed. Laser pens give them a beam of light to chase (make sure you don't aim it at their face). Even a flashlight beam, moving in circles or up and down a wall gives your cat a chance to run and chase. A fishing toy, where you cast out a fluffy toy and reel it in as the cat chases it keeps them active. Some cats will even play fetch with wadded paper balls.Make your dog or cat work for his food. Use a little bit of their food and hide it in a toy designed to hold treats. They will be entertained while working to get the treat. The important thing is that they'll be active.If you think your pet has a weight problem, make an appointment to see your vet, who will be able to guide you through the steps of getting your dog or cat to a healthy weight. More information is available at www.projectpetslimdown.com and www.hillspet.com/eight-management. 28172113Leon, a resident of the Arlington Cat Clinic, is slightly overweight.Courtesy of Arlington Cat Clinic 9611281Some veterinary practices have treadmills or aquatic tanks, like this one, for therapy; ask if your pet can use them for exercise. Courtesy of the Woodstock Veterinary Clinic 31133903Leslie Lachus of Algonquin has helped her dog, Rosie, lose about 20 pounds using a special diet.Courtesy of Leslie Lachus