Recent studies suggest pets are becoming fatter, and as a responsible pet owner, one must take steps to avoid their furry sons and daughters from gaining weight which could cause health detriments.

Dr. Susan Nelson, a veterinarian and assistant professor of clinical studies at K-State, said there are many different ways to keep one's pet on a healthy diet, maintain good exercise, and live long and strong.

"One good rule of thumb is to always choose good, premium dog or cat foods and stay away from the generics," Nelson said. "You absolutely have to stay away from treats that are high caloric and extremely fatty for cats and dogs."

Nelson suggested that there are Web sites which can help a pet owner set up a good diet for their pets. One of these Web sites, PetObesityPrevention.com, offers ideal weight ranges for pets, obesity facts and risks, calorie calculators and weight loss tools for animals.

Nelson continued by adding no dog is healthy if it is obese, even the ones that have the "natural pudgy look," like English bulldogs.

"Any dog is unhealthy if it looks fat," Nelson said. "Dogs with short noses have harder times breathing than do most dogs, like English bulldogs. Air ways become a little more compromised, and the extra weight doesn't help."

Nelson said owners need to always be active and play with their pets. The amount of playtime depends on age, size and even breed of the animal, but generally 20-30 minutes of exercise is good. She said larger dogs could use that twice a day; age is a factor because older animals have a decreased tolerance and cannot go as long, but it is still important. She also said differences in breed matter as well.

"Bassett hounds will not run around as much as a Jack Russell terrier, so you need to get them too," Nelson said. "Labradors are higher-energy dogs, so they will require more exercise."

Amanda Bisnett, senior in business management, said Shep, her Australian Shepherd, has stayed healthy by her doing a couple of easy steps, like jogging with him.

"I just don't feed him table scraps," Bisnett said. "And it also helps that I have a big backyard where he has lots of room to run around."

However, Nelson said just because dogs have big yards does not mean they will exercise. There may be times when they will become "excited" and run up and down the fence, but more than likely, they will find a sunny spot in the yard and lay down.

"Regardless, you always need to take time out of your day whether it be playing fetch or walking your pet," Nelson said. "Even people in apartments here in Manhattan who have small animals can play fetch with them in the apartment, and that will suffice for their exercise as long as they play with them for a little while."

Nelson said by getting everyone in the household to stick to a diet plan for the pet, good exercise and some tender love and care, everyone's pet can enjoy a long and lasting life.