According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 44 percent of dogs and 57 percent of cats in the United States are either overweight or obese. As a result, pets are in real danger of developing serious and costly diseases, such as diabetes, arthritis and other avoidable conditions. To help shed some pet pounds and make that bag of dog food last longer, cut down on the amount of food you put in your pet’s bowl. First, record his pre-diet weight. Over a two-week period, reduce the amount you normally feed him by one-fourth. Also, break medium-sized or larger biscuits into two so that your pet has lower calorie treats for today and tomorrow. After two weeks, weight your pet. If he has lost even a little weight, you’re on the right track.

Posted by Charlotte Reed, pet expert and author of The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette

Posted by Emily Hendricks Turnier, Associate Editor

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