We’re facing an epidemic in the world and it isn’t the swine flu. Rather, it’s an over abundance of rotund canines. Ok, maybe epidemic is a bit strong but not by much. Just ask your veterinarian who will likely confirm that nearly 25% of the dogs they treat are heavier than they should be.

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!

The good news is that it isn’t too late to help your pet. The first thing you must commit to is to stop feeding your pup table scraps! Though your dog may rejoice in the occasional table treat, human food is NOT healthy for your dog. Though most human foods won’t directly harm your dog, sticking to a food schedule that includes regulated portions of dog food is, by far, the healthier approach!

Remember that some ingredients in our food are difficult for a dog to digest and may even run the risk of causing serious health issues. Chocolate, onions, raisins, garlic, hot peppers, grapes and salt (in excess) can all cause problems from minor to serious. Your best bet is to show a little tough love and eliminate the risk as much as possible by eliminating the human-food treats. Occasional treats might be alright, providing you can exercise self control and resist those “don’t you love me anymore” eyes your dog is sure to aim at you.

As mentioned, maintaining a regular feeding schedule is ideal for your pet. Left unattended, constantly filled bowls of food can lead to problems beyond even obesity. For example, free feeding your pet may lead to potty-training hassles. Naturally, what goes in must come out and a free-for-all feeding habit makes it difficult to predict when your dog will need to do his business. Regularly scheduled feedings make it far easier to predict and accommodate a pet’s potty needs.

It often helps to change bad habits by eliminating temptation. In our case, that means throwing out those perfectly marketed, processed dog treats you may have recently purchased. In their place, consider some healthy pet-snack alternatives such as carrots. Believe it or not, some dogs love these as treats (particularly if you eat a couple and act like it’s the best thing you’ve ever eaten).

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.

Despite their sometimes finicky tastes, dogs will often accept a very simple treat in the form of ice cubes. This is a great summer treat after a long walk. If you want to kick it up a notch, consider freezing a few turkey bacon crumbles inside the cubes. This may be just the cool, delicious and relatively healthy treat your pooch has been waiting for.

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!