When people come over to my house, they always ask if my donkeys are pregnant. One of my favorite comments from a visitor: “Girl, that donkey needs Jenny Craig!” I always defend them by saying they’re just big-boned.

   I don’t get offended because I know it’s true — my donkeys have a weight problem. They are what’s known as “easy keepers” in horse terms, and overfeeding can happen very easily.

   Most veterinarians will agree that it’s easier to prevent obesity in your pet than to deal with it once they’re overweight. But it is possible to remove the excess weight by determining an ideal weight for your dog or cat, weighing your pet regularly and choosing pet food carefully.

Take this quick quiz to see if your pet is at risk:

   1. Is your dog or cat a breed that is prone to obesity, such as retrievers (Labrador and golden), beagles, basset hounds, cocker spaniels, dachshunds, Shelties and terriers?

   2. Do you have a multi-pet household? (Pets in multi-pet households tend to eat more and faster than in one-pet households.)

   3. Is your dog or cat older than 5 and still being fed the same type and amount of food as when it was younger?

   4. Feel your dog’s or cat’s ribs. Is it hard to feel where one rib ends and another begins?

   5. Stand at your dog’s or cat’s side and look at the tuck-up — the belly area between the rib cage and hindquarters. Is the body more “square shaped” in this area?

   6. Do you regularly feed your dog or cat table scraps and/or multiple treats every day?

   7. When you feed your dog or cat, do you just pour the food into the bowl rather than measuring a specific amount?

   8. Does your dog or cat have difficulty standing up or jumping onto the couch?

   9. Does your dog or cat get less than 20 to 30 minutes per day of exercise and/or play time?

Weighing your pet throughout its diet period is key to its health and progress.

SCORING THE QUIZ

   — 0 to 3 yeses: There is a low risk that your pet is overweight. You may want to take this quiz every few months, especially if you see changes in your pet’s weight.

   — 4 to 6 yeses: Your pet may be overweight or living a lifestyle that could lead it to become overweight or obese.

   — 7 to 9 yeses: Your pet is likely overweight or obese.

    Be sure to schedule a visit with your veterinarian before beginning a weight-loss program, especially if your pet needs to shed a lot of pounds.

   Dogs gain weight much more frequently than cats. About 25 percent of all dogs are estimated to be overweight. And just like humans, overweight pets are more prone to heart problems, diabetes, and muscular and skeletal problems. Some pets may be more prone than others to pick up added pounds, such as neutered males and spayed females, and older animals that don’t exercise as much.

   Once you are committed to helping your pet lose weight, you must develop a plan. Choose a target weight. Best to not put your pet on a crash diet. It may take up to a year to reach that target weight.

   While your pet is “dieting,” avoid all between-meal treats. Weigh out your pet’s total intake and split that into two to three smaller meals given throughout the day.

   Above all, weight your pet regularly to ensure he or she is not losing weight too fast.

   Getting your pet to lose weight will not be easy, but if you’re committed to the goal, it can be done.

   Paws till next time — Jane