Question: How can I tell if my dog is overweight? And if she is what should I do?

ANSWER: First, a complete veterinary exam is really essential in evaluating whether or not an animal is overweight. Weighing the animal and "comparing" it to others in its breed category--would not be accurate. These written "values or standards" are just for guideline purposes. But, your veterinarian can take into account bone structure, age, dietary needs, animal's purpose (hunting dog, working dog, sleep-on-your-lap dog, protection) etc to recommend the ideal weight and condition of your pet. For general purposes, a dog-when viewed from above, should have a slight indentation just behind the ribs and widen at the hips (kind of an "hour-glass" figure!). Also, you should just be able to feel the ribs under the skin without much pressure. This does not evaluate the "pot belly" that can hang down on some animals that are obese but would pass both of these tests! This is why the veterinary visit is ideal. Diet is important and your vet can recommend the best diet taking into account the aforementioned factors used in consideration of an animal's weight. If an animal is overweight, try to stay away from dog biscuits, switch to a lower calorie form of food (Science Diet makes "light" formulas, Iams makes "less active", etc). These foods are higher in fiber and lower in fat and calories; yet are balanced. There are even some animals that may require a prescription food to help it to lose weight--ask your vet if your pet is a candidate. Stay away from tablescraps, but if you must then give ice cubes, rice cakes, unbuttered popcorn, fruit and vegetables (without seeds, pits, butter, gravy, etc.). Also, increasing exercise is a must (but get your pet in for a complete physical before starting an exercise program as obesity may be caused by an underlying health condition). Also, see our Disease Library under Dogs and Obesity at www.petservice.com. Your local Petco store can supply you with any necessary pet food that you would need--speak to one of their representatives! This is a great question and a very common problem. People assume that by having an overweight pet that they are somehow "spoiling" their pet with love; when in fact, they can be contributing to poor health and eventual painful problems/death. Good luck!

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