Is Rover carrying around more weight than he should be? He’s not alone. Obesity among companion animals has reached an all time high. Recent research by the United States National Research Council indicates that as many as 25 percent of cats and dogs in the Western world are overweight. We’re bombarded by advertisements claiming that if you take a little red pill or try the latest diet, you can lose four to seven pounds in five days. A growing number of similar products are being offered to guardians of pudgy puppies and chubby cats, but like their human equivalents, they aren’t the solution. Battling obesity involves a multi-faceted approach that includes understanding its causes and complications, and working closely with a vet to tailor a weight loss program. Here are five steps that will help your companion move successfully from fat to fit.

1. Find out if he’s fat
Animals that weigh anywhere from 10 to 20 percent above their ideal body weight for their size and breed are considered obese. Luckily, it’s easy to tell if your animal is overweight or obese. If a cat looks fat, she is. You should not see fat deposits on her back, face, or limbs, and her abdomen should not be rounded. A healthy dog will have a waist when viewed from above, and a tucked stomach when viewed from the side. His ribs should be easily felt through a thin layer of flesh. If one of these signposts is missing, your dog may be overweight; if more than one is missing, and you see fatty deposits over your dog’s chest, spine, and the base of his tail, he is obese.

2. Be aware of the risks
Obesity causes many of the same problems in animals as it does in us. Dr. Donald Strombeck, DVM, PhD, author of Home-Prepared Dog and Cat Diets: The Healthful Alternative, says that obesity is the most common form of malnutrition affecting dogs in Western countries. According to Dr. John Rush, Professor of Clinical Sciences at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, overweight dogs often have extra fat deposits on their chest walls or inside their chest cavities, which places an additional burden on their cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Another common medical problem caused or aggravated by obesity is arthritis. Your animal can also experience orthopedic problems, from herniated discs to ruptured stifle ligaments. Obesity can also contribute to heat intolerance, skin problems, and even surgical complications, leading to longer recovery time.

Overweight cats are at risk of developing diabetes mellitus, lower urinary tract disease, and hepatic lipidosis, a severe form of liver failure typically occurring in obese cats who have undergone a brief period of stress, which could be as simple as a change in diet. In order to avoid this potentially fatal disease, treatment of feline obesity needs to be approached with caution, and always under the care of a veterinarian.