If you are planning to change your pet's food, it's important to do so slowly to avoid any digestive upset.

If you notice any vomiting, diarrhea, or other signs of digestive upset, slow down the transition process and consult with your veterinarian.

Gradually add the new diet over a one-week period.

Begin by substituting one-quarter of the diet for one to two days, then increase to one-half the total volume of food for another two days, and finally, transition to three-quarters of the new food for the remaining two to three days before completely switching to the new diet.

What about the dog that wakes you at four in the morning to be fed or the dog that stares at you during dinner or television time until you give in and feed them? Our dogs have trained us well and know exactly which buttons to press when it comes to getting their way.

Do not use a self-feeder. While this seems obvious, manual gravity-dispensed auto-feeders are nothing more than an unlimited food machine for a dog. If you must, use an automated feeder capable of dispensing a specific amount of food by weight several times per day.

Pet your dog or play with it when it begs for food. Many dogs substitute food for affection, so flip the equation, and you may find that playtime displaces chow-time.

Walk your dog or take it outside when it begs for food or treats. The distraction and interaction may be just enough to make it forget its desire for food.

Feed small meals frequently. Divide the total volume or calories into four to six smaller meals. Giving a last evening feeding for those dogs that like to wake you up in the wee hours by asking for more can also be helpful.

When the bowl is empty and your dog is pleading, try adding a few kibbles to the bowl.

Give vegetables for treats. If you're looking for low-calorie dog treats, there are many options available that can still provide your dog with a tasty and satisfying snack, such as baby carrots, green beans, sliced cucumbers, zucchini, broccoli, celery, and asparagus. Most dogs love crunchy treats, so make it a healthy alternative.

Offer fresh water instead of food. Many dogs love fresh water, so when they are hanging out near an empty food bowl, try filling up the water bowl with fresh water instead.

Dogs need a minimum of 20-30 minutes of daily aerobic activity or exercise.

Engage your dog in structured aerobic activity for at least ten to fifteen minutes twice a day.

Based on observations of people walking with their dogs, the average pace is approximately 20 to 25 minutes per mile. This pace is a leisurely stroll with frequent pauses (on average every 1 to 2 minutes) to allow their dog to explore interesting objects or mark territory. Walking for weight loss is different than walking for pleasure.

Walking, playing, and exercising with your dog is a great way to bond. Whether or not jogging or running is good for your dog depends upon their age, breed, health status, and individual temperament as well as yours.

Be mindful of your pet’s age, individual needs, level of fitness, and existing physical conditions or limitations. Since small dogs, growing puppies, and brachycephalic dogs such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Pekingese, and Boston terriers can be prone to overheating and exhaustion. Avoid over-stressing your pet with overly strenuous activity.

Prevent injuries. Dogs that are overweight or have obesity are at greater risk for injury.

Keep your pet hydrated during activities.

If your pet isn’t accustomed to routine fetch or running activities, start slowly to prevent an injury.

Varying your activities. Keep activities fresh and new and vary them as much as possible. This strategy can not only keep your dog mentally stimulated but also prevent injury from repetitive or overly strenuous activities.

Engage with safe toys, balls, soft disks, and games.

Go on an “approved” playdate or to doggie daycare.

Try swimming or hydrotherapy. If you have a dog that loves the water, swimming is a great, low-impact exercise that can reduce stress and inflammation in the joints. Swimming is a great exercise for dogs that are prone to overheating, have a history of injuries, are overweight, or have obesity.

There are many rehabilitation and pet fitness centers that offer hydrotherapy or aquatherapy for pets by trained personnel. A controlled environment by a trained professional is ideal for dogs with weight issues, are rat-risk or recovering from orthopedic conditions, have pain related to osteoarthritis or hip dysphasia, or have metabolic conditions causing muscle atrophy.

A trip to the store or a stroll about town can be rewarding. Bring your own treats! If your dog is on a weight-loss plan, carry your own low-calorie treats that other people can give to keep your outings healthy, social, and fun!

As your dog’s fitness level improves, consider going on a hike. Outdoor hikes are another activity that is emotionally and physically beneficial for both you and your pet, provided you prepare and take some precautions. Do your homework and ensure the trails and area are dog-friendly and safe. Use a non-retractable leash, carry waste collection bags, and work with your dog to make sure it is up for the challenge.

If your dog isn’t used to a faster pace, is significantly overweight, or is at risk for injury, start slow and consult with your veterinarian before beginning a new exercise routine.

Make your objective to walk briskly and focus on the “out” leg of your walk, and then you can smell the roses on the “back” leg.

Start the activity with a brisk or “hard” effort first. Too often, if we try to start slowly with the dog, allowing them to sniff and smell everything, we may have difficulty getting them up to speed when ready.

Draw your leash close – generally, within two to four feet of your body – pull it close to your left (or away from the street) side, and set off at a pace you feel comfortable sustaining.

For most dogs, this should be about a quick 12-17 minute per mile pace. It should feel like a brisk walk, and you should break into a light sweat. We do not recommend using a retractable leash.

The key is to keep it up! Don’t stop. Don’t look down at your dog when they inevitably want to pause and smell something or mark a tree or hydrant. Continue focusing straight ahead, tighten the leash (don’t jerk it!), and give a command such as “No stop.” “Come.” or “Here.”

It is crucial that your dog understands you two have “places to go” and that this is different than your usual casual walk and view of the scenery.

Head halters are an excellent method for training some dogs to heel during a brisk walk and to retain their attention on the effort at hand.

What do you do if one dog is normal weight and the other is diagnosed with obesity?

While there are countless creative solutions to this problem, here are a few we’ve found successful:

Feed your pets separately. This is the ideal solution for multi-dog and multi-pet households. If your dog is prone to overeating or if other pets in the household steal their food, out of view of the other pets with access to the other pet’s food. After a prescribed time, generally 15 to 30 minutes, pick the food up until the next feeding. This tactic also works well in most multi-cat households!

Do not leave food out while you’re away.

You can’t be sure who ate what.