We all love our furry companions, but for many owners it can be difficult to find the time to give their dogs the kind of attention and care they need to stay happy and healthy pets. The average lifespan of a dog varies from 8 to 16 years, depending on breed, size, genetics, and proper pet care. However, a pet that doesn’t get the right amount of exercise has the real threat of obesity, which can severely reduce a dog’s lifespan.

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, dog obesity is one of the most common ailments; 35 million of the 77.5 million dogs in the U.S. are considered overweight. Of those that are overweight, 6.7 million are considered clinically obese. Obesity in a dog can lead to a variety of other issues, such as increased infections or other medical problems. If your dog is overweight, here’s what you can do to help them stay healthy.

Increase their Walks
The best way to get your dog to lose some of their excess weight is to slowly increase the intensity and length of daily walks. Typically, a casual daily walk isn’t enough to give a dog any aerobic activity. Owners with obese dogs should aim for 30 minute walks each day, with a brisk pace. Not only will this give your dog more exercise, but it can help you as well. A study of over 2,000 adults showed that dog owners who walk their dogs are much less likely to be obese than those owners who let someone else walk their dog.

Change their Diet
An overweight dog is more than likely eating the wrong kind of food. In order to give the proper overweight pet care, an owner must be willing to work with their dog to find the diet that is right for them. The greatest way to help your dog cut down on unnecessarily calories is to start measuring their food. The amount of food your dog should eat is determined by their weight, age, and nutritional value of their food. There are many dog food calculators that can help determine exactly how much food they’ll need.

Give them Supplements
Just as humans benefit from supplements, dogs can also take supplements to help them keep their health. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements and fish oils can help prevent certain diseases, and will help ease painful joints, which may make it difficult for your dog to participate in daily walks. If you are unsure about the kind of supplements your dog will benefit from, ask a veterinarian for suggestions for the best pet care supplements.