Uh oh, round hounds are taking over the world! Ok, that might be a bit of an exaggeration but dog obesity has definitely become a major problem. Don’t believe me? All you have to do is ask your veterinarian and they will tell you that 25% (if not more) of the dogs that they treat are over-weight.

While some might think their portly pups are cute, extra weight on a dog can lead to trouble. Over-weight dogs tend to suffer from more health issues than their more svelte counterparts, experiencing increased incidents of joint and hip problems (such as arthritis), heart disease and diabetes. Worse, those extra pounds can shorten your pal’s already too-short life!

It is never too late to take the extra weight off of your dog. Rule number one, stop feeding your pup table scraps! Though table scraps are yummy (just ask any dog and they will confirm this) most “people food” is NOT good for your dog. Though most “people food” won’t harm your dog, it is best to stick to a food schedule that includes; you guessed it, regulated portions of dog food!

Some ingredients in our food simply aren’t digestible by dogs or may cause serious health issues if eaten by your pup. Some of these items include chocolate, onions, raisins, garlic, hot peppers, grapes and salt. Rather than memorizing a list of what might harm your pet, just play it safe and avoid giving your dog table scraps.

To hammer the point home, a regulated feeding schedule is the best option for your pet. Not only is this the best approach for controlling your pet’s weight, it can also help you address other issues. For example, unattended feeding can lead to potty training problems. It’s simply more difficult to predict a dog’s bathroom needs when it has a full bowl of food to graze at all day long. By sticking to a portioned, scheduled feeding routine, your pet’s bathroom habits and weight can both be more easily maintained.

Another great way to help your dog lose weight is to throw out all of the fatty, processed treats in your house. There are many healthy snack alternatives to choose from and trust me; your dog will like them! Carrots, for example are naturally sweet and crunchy. Many dogs enjoy snacking on carrots and actually beg for them! If your dog is used to eating fatty treats, you may have to coax him a bit before he takes his first bitebut don’t give up!

Of course, some dogs are as fond of veggies as they are of visits to the vet and will simply spit them out if offered as a treat. If yours is such a dog, you might want to try all natural, low sodium, low-fat turkey bacon. Yes, it violates the general “no human food” rule, but it is a reasonably healthy alternative to much of what you’ve likely fed your pooch in the past. Just remember to absorb the excess grease from the bacon after you cook it by soaking it up with a paper towel. Cook some up, soak up the grease, crumble the turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces and refrigerate in an airtight container. I don’t think it needs mentioning that you shouldn’t be feeding Fido the entire package at once.

A great summer snack for dogs, believe it or not, is the humble and inexpensive ice cube or ice-chips. This treat is particularly appreciated after a long walk in the summer heat. To really sell this to your dog as a must-have item, crumble some of that turkey bacon into the water before freezing. Not only will it be tasty, your dog will have a treat that also keeps him occupied for a while (healthy for the mind).

Having covered some food alternatives, it’s obviously important we also discuss exercise. This is where it’s time to accept that you need to set a good example. Add a lap to your usual walk around the block. You’ll both benefit from it. Just keep an eye on the weather. If it’s hot, give your pup breaks and consider bringing along a bottle of water. A nice, brisk walk is a great way for your dog to lose weight. And, who knows, you might just lose a few pounds yourself!

Keeping your furry friend happy and healthy is very important. Unfortunately, dogs do not live as long as we would like them too so isn’t important to keep them with us for as long as possible? Many people show love through food and that is a big no-no. Next time, instead of reaching for a treat when your dog does something wonderful, lavish him with praise and pet him like there is no tomorrow. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is important not only for his happiness but yours as well!