Some dogs are more prone to gaining weight than others, so you need to be more vigilant with them (no extra doggie treats!). Labrador retrievers, cairn terriers, cocker spaniels, long-haired dachshunds, Shetland sheepdogs, basset hounds, beagles and pugs are likely to pack on the pounds, so be very careful with their diets. In the cat world, Persians are the most sedentary and tend to be a bit overweight. Your vet can tell you what’s a healthy weight for your breed — and suggest a diet plan if your little one is tipping the scales.

2. Take control of grazing

Does your cat tend to hunt outdoors? Do the kids love slipping your pooch scraps under the dinner table? Like people, pets gain weight because they’re consuming too many calories, so you need to identify and control their version of a trip to the doughnut shop. Enlist the entire family: Make it a rule that pets can only eat from their bowls at set mealtimes. If that doesn’t work, don’t allow your pet in the room when the family is eating.

3. Tweak your own habits

Instead of rewarding your dog with a treat, try a long back scratch. Or substitute a piece of fat-free cheese or a small slice of apple for the usual fatty treat. Rather than handing your overweight cat a handful of dried kibble, grab a few pieces and walk down the hallway — even a lazy kitty is sure to follow.

4. Monitor portion sizes

It’s important to measure out the food you’re giving your pet — an overweight cat or dog can eat an entire bowl of food without stopping. Have your veterinarian determine your pet’s nutritional requirements, and stick to those numbers, even if your cat or pup is whiny. Feeding them smaller meals more frequently, or switching to a high-fiber formula, can help them feel fuller longer.

5. Sneak in exercise

The average dog needs three 15-minute walks a day, and even cats require about 10 minutes of daily playtime. (Both animals need regular exercise to increase their metabolic rate and reduce their appetite.) Make sure cats have enough room to roam around and plenty of surfaces to climb on — studies have found that felines with more free space tend to weigh less.

Next page: How heavy is too heavy?