SOMETIMES when a dog becomes overweight, the owner is the last to know. Blind love convinces us that those extra folds might just be some winter padding, or his fur is just making him look bigger.

Purina PetCare Advice Centre manager Tamara Carrodus says the ribs are a good place to start and here is a short check list to see if your pooch has hit the 'overweight' group:

• Can't feel the ribs
• Fat disguises the waistline
• Waddles when walking
• Shortness of breath
• A paunch when sitting
• Lack of fitness

"You shouldn't be able to see the ribs, but you should be able to feel them, like a sheet of corrugated iron."

She says that the Ask Purina team knows trim and terrific dogs also have a tapered waistline.

"If you look from above, you should be able to see a definite waistline, a bit of a tummy tuck around the belly area."

For judging obese dogs (that are 15% above their healthy weight), Ask Purina says you'll need a tape measure to compare chest and abdomen measurements. "If their abdomen measurement is bigger than their chest measurement then they are seriously obese."

An RSPCA survey in 2000 confirmed the alarmingly high statistic - that 41 per cent of Australia's canine companions are tipping the scales as overweight. With many owners unaware about the health impacts of obesity, a few slight changes to their doggy diet can help you and your pooch make the most of every day.

"Because of that extra weight they're carrying around, they have reduced energy, pressure on joints, increased risk of early onset arthritis, lung problems, increased strain on the heart and liver disease," Tamara says. "And all of these things ultimately affect their quality of life. We hear of people who say he huffs and puffs when I take him walking, he doesn't make it as far, that sort of thing. So it really is important to keep them fit and well so they know how much you love them."

Here are some secrets to getting your woofer's weight down.

Doggy diet
Tamara says when it comes to pleading eyes for more, be tough with yourself to be kind to your pet. " To truly love your pet you should be careful about how much you do actually feed them."

We recommend cutting back food by 25%, or feeding a low-calorie diet food, and if your dog is a couch potato to gradually introduce exercise like walking.

Measure up
Don't ever guess portions. And be prepared to alter quantities to suit your dog and its lifestyle.
"Use the feeding guide on the packet but don't take that as the gospel. If you're feeding a certain amount and in a month's time they're still overweight, cut back," Ask Purina says.
"Because it's difficult to estimate portions when you're feeding table food , we suggest sticking with commercial pet food, at least for the initial stages of weight loss."

Twice as nice
Feeding twice a day, instead of once can also alleviate your dog's hunger and kick start their metabolism.
"Feed in separate sittings to avoid dogs going through hunger.," says Tamara.
Also invest in a smaller bowl, which offers some emotional comfort.
"A smaller bowl makes it a bit easier for everyone to handle," says Tamara.

Watch your weight
For total motivation, follow the lead of human weight loss programs, and put a 'before' picture of your pudgy pooch on the fridge.
"A photo of them in an unflattering pose gives you a good starting point, and reminds you why you're in this," says Tamara.

Once your pet's weight is under control you'll be able to enjoy each other's company as a happy, fit and healthy couple.