According to the 2013 Banfield State of Pet Health Report, the rate of overweight and obese pets has reached epidemic levels in the United States, affecting approximately 1 in 4 dogs and cats. And while Colorado residents may be among the fittest in the nation, our dogs do not share that attribute. Colorado's dogs suffer from obesity at a rate of 28 cases per 100, which puts us above the national average of 21. We are loving our dogs into an early grave. Obesity in and of itself puts your dog's health at risk, but extra weight is linked to other serious conditions such as arthritis, heart, respiratory problems and diabetes.

So how do you know if your dog is overweight or obese? Key signs of an "overweight" body condition:

• Pet's ribs, spine and hip bones are barely detectable when touched

• A defined waist cannot be seen

• Belly fat is readily noticeable

• Lower ability to engage in normal activity

• Difficulty breathing, particularly when active

How to manage excess weight & obesity:

• Decrease your dog's calories and increasing their activity

• Regular checkups and nutritional counseling with a veterinarian to determine if the excess weight gain is due to, or a sign of an underlying disease

• Diets specially formulated for weight loss

CRCG can help! Our  weight management program will provide you with the tools to help your dog exercise safely and within its tolerance levels. We work with your primary veterinarian to ensure a joint approach. Call us to get more information about what we can do for your pet.