Pet owners can take several different steps to help control their pet''s weight. The first is to cut back on treats and snacks. These are generally high in calories and may contribute to weight gain. The second step can be to feed less of the animal's regular pet food. This usually means measuring the amount of food that's put into the pet's dish to prevent the serving size from increasing over time. Third, owners can increase a pet's exercise with additional walks or playtime each day. This helps the pet owner as well as the pet, and has the additional benefit of increasing the amount of time the pet and owner spend together. Finally, a pet owner could consider switching to a low-calorie food. These products are designed to allow an owner to serve a nice-size portion while still reducing the calories the animal eats. It is always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian before putting a pet on a weight-loss program. The veterinarian can help tailor a weight-loss program for an individual pet and can track progress and help troubleshoot along the way.