Obesity in dogs can lead to serious health problems. These include joint problems, heart disease, diabetes and reduced life expectancy. So the fact that your dog needs to lose weight is by no means purely for aesthetic reasons, but is a serious problem that you should address.

The cause of obesity in dogs is the same as in humans: If your dog takes in more energy than he uses, his body stores the excess energy in the form of body fat. The main factors for this include:

• Wrong eating habits
• Lack of exercise
• Medical problems

There are several indications that your dog needs to lose weight:

• Physical signs such as increased panting, difficulty walking or running and visible fat pads indicate obesity.
• Behavioral changes such as lethargy, decreased activity and loss of interest in previously loved activities can be signs of obesity.

A good test to check your dog's weight involves palpating his ribs, which should be palpable but not visible when you place your hands loosely on them. Your dog should also have a clear waistline when viewed from above.

If you've realized that your dog needs to lose weight, it's time to take action. There are basically two actions you can take:

1. Adjust diet: Feed your dog fewer calories. However, it is important that your dog is provided with sufficient nutrients. These are contained in the dog food, so you should never reduce the amount of food on your own. Ask your vet to determine the right amount and type of food.
2. Increase physical activity: Moving your dog more will increase his calorie consumption. Walks, playtime and physical challenges are key. Set realistic goals and gradually increase activity.

To help your dog lose weight successfully, here are some helpful tips:

• Weigh your dog's food carefully to make sure you're not giving him too much.
• Divide the daily amount of food into three to four meals so that your dog's stomach doesn't have to stay empty for so long. Consult your vet about this.
• Set aside a portion of the daily amount of food as a treat. This way, your dog sticks to its set diet, but doesn't have to miss out on treats.
• Make sure the whole household sticks to the diet and no one gives the dog extra treats. A jar with a counted amount of treats can help to keep track.
• Give your dog a different kind of attention by replacing treats with more playing and cuddling.