Put chubby pets on exercise program

Next time you’re at the vet, you need to look your vet in the eye and say: “Doc, give it to me straight. Is my pet fat?”

As many as 59 percent of the nation’s cats and 54 percent of its dogs are struggling with obesity, according to veterinarian Ernie Ward, founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, and author of the book “Chow Hounds: Why Our Dogs Are Getting Fatter.”

Pudgy pugs and fat cats may get lots of “likes” on social media, but there’s nothing amusing about pet obesity, which can dramatically shorten a pet’s life by contributing to crippling arthritis, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney failure and a variety of cancers.

If you love your pet, “one the most important things you can do is keep your pet at a healthy weight,” Ward said.

The first step is having a frank discussion with your vet and figuring out an appropriate plan for feeding and exercising your pet.

Ward suggests using laser pointers and remote-control toys to drive your cat insane for three to five minutes of play at a time, working up to three or four sessions a day, for a total of about 20 minutes of play each day.

In contrast to cats, dogs need longer workouts to help them reset their energy levels, Ward said.

Aim to condition your dog (and yourself) by working your way up to a brisk 30 minutes of walking each day, or two 15-minute walks. Start out with leisurely walks of about 10 minutes apiece, and increase time and intensity by about 10 percent each week until you hit your goal.