The experts once suggested to people who were looking to shed weight to get a dog. Walking a dog would ensure that they were getting some exercise and would help them pare off the pudge. But, then the grim reality set in. No one really had the time or the desire to watch the dog, and doggone it, he was just as happy sitting on the sofa watching old reruns as you were, and so you both sat. Now, according to a study released by the Business News more than half of all of the household pets in the US, including cats and dogs, are either overweight or obese with a large majority of them at serious risk for the same conditions that are plaguing many humans. In other words, we have passed our unhealthy legacy down to our dogs and our cats.

In response to the overwhelming number of obese cats and dogs and their bewildered owners, the first obesity clinic for pets will be opened. That clinic, at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University is the first of its kind and will not only directly treat pets with weight issues but will also focus much of its attention on training the nations vets to handle their obese patients in their own practices. Not only will the vets learn how to deal with the humans who are faced with the challenge of getting their pet to a healthier weight but will also help them learn about the best diet and exercise strategies to use for these pets. The Cummings School will also continue to do ongoing research on the topic so that they can continually improve the methods they are using for each of the patients.

Losing weight as a human is hard, as many people can attest to, but trying to get your pet down to a healthier weight is nearly impossible. Dogs are notorious beggars at meal time and can typically get their owners to do nearly anything for them. And, many owners worry about taking their overweight dog out for a walk for fear that it will stress their heart and lungs too much.

Like humans, prevention is better than trying to fix a problem after it has happened. It is important to keep your pets at a normal, manageable weight not only by regulating their food intake but by keeping them as active as possible. And, it is time for you both to get up off the couch and get out for a walk.