Produced by News Specialist Kirsten Sorenson
Too much food and not enough exercise makes Fido a chubby puppy, and Fluffy a fat cat.
It's a growing problem, literally.
And the only way to stop it is tough love, which is tough especially in the face of those big puppy dog eyes.
Frank charms the staff at the Banfield Pet Hospital at Petsmart.
He lives at the clinic and meows at the back door when employees arrive, pretending he's starving.
We also caught him getting into treats used to reward patients during their check-ups.
But now, he's paying the price. He's tubby, stocky, just plain overweight.
Dr. Brenda Ponce/Banfield Pet Hospital: "WE ARE TRYING TO PUT HIM ON A DIET AND IT'S DIFFICULT."
Chopin, a cocker spaniel mix,
weighs in at about 85 pounds -- nearly twice as much as he should.
Owner Kailien Vernon admits Chopin gets treats.
Kailien Vernon/Owner: "WE TRIED PUTTING HIM OUTSIDE WHILE WE EAT, BUT THE NEIGHBORS CALLED COMPLAINING THAT HE'S BARKING."
Veterinarians say at least a quarter of our pets are overweight.
It's not a light topic, so to speak.
Extra fat can lead to serious problems.
Dr. Katie Domann/Olympus Cove Veterinary Clinic: "HEART AND LUNG PROBLEMS. THEY HAVE A MUCH HARDER TIME BREATHING. THEY MAY HAVE COUGHING PROBLEMS WITH IT. AND THEIR HEART HAS TO WORK HARDER WHEN THEY'RE OVERWEIGHT. NOT TO MENTION JOINT AND BONE, SKELETAL PROBLEMS."
Cats are also prone to liver and pancreatic disease.
Vets explained to us how to evaluate your pet.
Feel your pet's back and sides. You should be able to feel, but not see, ribs.
Stand behind your pet and look down. You should see an hourglass shape.
Look at your pet's belly from the side. It should be tucked up slightly, not hanging down.
So what's the problem?
Well, just like you and me, too much food and not enough exercise equals a few extra pounds.
And we might be killing them with kindness with that food we just can't seem to avoid ourselves.
Diane Sanders/Ma and Paws: "FRENCH FRIES AND THE LEFTOVER HAMBURGER AND THE SALAMI AND THE POTATO CHIPS."
Diane Sanders sells low-fat dog treats at Ma and Paws Bakery.
Vets say it's okay to award treats, but then give pets a smaller helping for dinner.
Vets can be a big help, especially since severe dieting can do more harm than good.
For example, cats can develop liver disease if they stop eating.
Dr. Brenda Ponce/Banfield Pet Hospital: "SO IF YOU ARE GOING TO START A DIET WITH A KITTY YOU'LL WANT TO HAVE YOUR VETERINARIAN CHECK AND WORK WITH YOU."
Chopin is on a strict regime
of low-calorie pet chow.
Exercise is the other half of the solution.
Kailien Vernon: "HIS EXERCISE IS TO GO OUT THE FRONT DOOR AND MAKE SURE THE PERIMETER OF THE YARD'S OKAY. BUT THAT'S ABOUT IT."
That's not enough.
Vets recommend at least 15 minutes a day.
It doesn't have to be a marathon run,
it can be just plain fun.
It's more difficult to control weight in indoor animals, especially cats.
Dr. Katie Domann/Olympus Cove Veterinary Clinic: "INDOOR CATS HAVE A MUCH HIGHER INCIDENCE BECAUSE WHAT DO THEY DO? THEY EAT, THEY SLEEP, THEY ASK FOR FOOD. I MEAN THE MOST EXERCISE MY CAT GETS IS RUNNING AROUND ASKING ME FOR FOOD."
But how do you say no to those sweet faces, asking for food?
Kailien Vernon/Owner: "'CAUSE HE'S SO CUTE AND HE GIVES YOU THAT SAD LOOK LIKE HE'S BEING STARVED TO DEATH. BUT OBVIOUSLY YOU CAN TELL HE'S NOT."
Vets say you have to be firm.
Dr. Katie Domann/Olympus Cove Veterinary Clinic: "EVEN THOUGH IT MAY SEEM LIKE TOUGH LOVE, WHEN THEY LOOK AT YOU WITH THOSE BIG BROWN EYES, AND YOU GIVE THEM A CARROT INSTEAD OF A MILKBONE, WELL YOU HAVE TO THINK ABOUT IT IN THE LONG TERM."
Other things besides exercise and food can play a part in how prone your animal is to overweight. Check it out here:
More Advice/Links About Plump Pets
