"How does excess weight affect my dog’s health?"

Your dog loves his treats. And you love to watch him jump for joy when you give him that "little extra something."

"Sure, he may have gained a couple of pounds" you may say. "But what’s the harm in that?"

The truth is, being overweight affects the overall health and well-being of dogs in much the same way as it affects humans.

All that extra weight puts a strain on your dog’s body, predisposing your pet to serious health problems, worsening existing conditions and compromising his quality of life.

And, if that’s not enough, there’s even evidence that overweight dogs may live up to two years less than lean or optimal-weight pets.

The good news is that there’s a lot you can do to help your dog regain a healthy weight.