Fat fido.

Like their human counterparts, America's dogs (and cats) are facing an obesity epidemic. Health experts are urging overweight owners and pudgy pets to work together to trim down. A dog that should weigh 17 pounds but is five pounds over that weight compares to a human who should weigh 170 carrying around an extra 50 pounds. Such excess can lead to serious health problems in both species.

Animal experts suggest:

1. Have fun. Take your dog along for daily walks; play fetch.

2. Stick to a routine. Let the sight of your dog waiting for you after work with a leash dangling from it jaws serve as a daily reminder that you need to exercise too.

3. Gradually increase the intensity of your workout. Don't wear out your dog (or yourself) the first day.

4. As you watch the number of calories you feed your dog, you'll be more likely to watch what you eat as well.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital