Is your dog older or is it still a puppy? As you exercise with your dog, think about its physical condition and its age. Leisurely walks may be best for an older dog, while a young puppy may need a more vigorous exercise program. If your dog has more energy to expend than you do, teach it to fetch a ball or a Frisbee. The activity may be just right for you and a challenging exercise for your dog.

Keeping your dog on a leash gives you control when walking or running. As you walk your dog, train it to walk at your side to help control her so she won't jump on children or adults, frightening them or possibly injuring them. Proper training also keeps your dog from jumping on other dogs.

If you exercise at night, place a reflective collar on your dog and use a bright colored leash to alert other people or cars of your approach. You should wear white or light-colored clothing so you can also be seen.

Avoid exercising your dog immediately before or after it is fed. A full stomach may cause digestive upsets. Provide only small amounts of water before and right after exercise.

Consider the weather when exercising your pet. Dogs can suffer from frostbite and heat stroke just as people can. Remember that a dog's feet can be damaged by hot asphalt during the summer. Check your dog's feet for the presence of burrs, grass, thorns, rocks or ice and snow, all of which should be removed immediately. Dogs with short, smooth-hair coats may require the warmth of a dog coat or sweater when they go outside during cold weather.

If your dog has a history of medical problems, work with your veterinarian to plan an appropriate exercise program. If exercise makes your dog lame or if she tires easily, consult your veterinarian. Whatever exercise program you pursue, remember that your dog loves to spend time with you, and you can make that time special.

Did you know that obesity is the number one nutritional disorder among dogs? Studies suggest that approximately 25% of the dogs presented to veterinary clinics are overweight. This extra weight puts your dog at risk for certain health problems involving the cardiovascular, respiratory and skeletal systems. Knowing how to recognize the signs of obesity and taking corrective action is important. But more important is knowing how to keep your pet in good condition to start, thus avoiding the development of obesity in the first place. Regardless of predisposing factors, however, the underlying cause of obesity in all animals is excess caloric intake. The more your pet exercises, the more calories it burns and the less fat it accumulates. Take your dog's activity level into consideration when deciding how much food to feed him or her.

Preventing excessive weight gain is the best approach to weight control in pets. It is much more difficult to achieve weight loss once the animal has gained the extra kilograms. For those pets at risk of becoming overweight or for those animals already carrying extra kilograms, one or more of the following guidelines apply:

• Eliminate table scraps and treats. These are often high in fat and calories, which contribute to excessive intake.
  
  
• Reduce the amount of the current pet food. It is best to measure the amount of food your animal receives. This helps keep the serving size consistent and prevents the natural tendency to pour a little extra in the bowl.
  
  
• Increase the amount of exercise. This can simply mean walking your dog or playing catch in the backyard more often.
  
  
• Consider switching to a low-calorie or light pet food. These products are typically lower in fat and higher in fibre. This allows you to continue to serve a nice-sized portion while reducing the number of calories the pet actually receives.
  
  
• Consult a veterinarian before beginning any weight-reduction program. The veterinarian will design a weight-loss program and help identify specific problems and suggest alternatives along the way. It is also helpful to have your pet weighed periodically to track the progress.