As every loving pet owner knows, it is hard to resist a furry face begging for a special treat.

But when treats make up too much of a pet’s caloric intake, the nutritional balance of an otherwise healthy diet can be upset. Too many treats can lead to obesity, which increases the risk of other serious health problems, including osteoarthritis, diabetes, heart and respiratory diseases, and some types of cancers.

In addition, obesity can make current health conditions even more difficult to treat.

Finally, obesity can even affect your pet’s overall comfort and quality of life.

There are many factors that contribute to obesity. These include: overfeeding, inactivity or low activity, breed, age, sex, reproductive status, and pre-existing conditions.

One way to ensure a healthy weight is the diet your pet is on, as well as the exact amount your pet eats per day.

Pay close attention to the labels and the fat content, and make sure that the diet is formulated foryour pet’s lifestyle (i.e. adult food (and not puppy food) for adult pets, senior food for senior pets, etc.). Your veterinarian can help you choose the diet that is best for your pet.

Weight problems also result from inactivity, so it is essential to give your pet plenty of opportunity for regular exercise and play.

Certain breeds, especially smaller ones, are also more prone to being overweight as well, and even one doggie biscuit could be equivalent to as much as a third of a small dog’s total daily caloric intake!

Overcoming obesity can sometimes be frustrating to solve, but with some simple guidelines, the help of your veterinarian, and persistence, your pet should be able to reach his/her ideal healthy weight.

First, make sure your pet has a complete physical exam to rule out any underlying causes of weight gain or the inability to lose weight.

Next, keep track of everything your pet eats on a daily basis, from meals, to snacks, to training treats.

A "food diary" will help you understand where your pet’s food sources can be limited. Lastly, increasing your pet’s activity level, as long as it is appropriate for his/her age and health status, is vital in achieving weight loss.

Weight loss can be difficult, and can take a long time, but just remember that it will pay off in the end by helping your pet stay healthy and happy.

Speaking of being healthy and happy, here’s a wish for a Healthy and Happy New Year from the doctors and staff at the Ladera Ranch Animal Hospital.