(KRT) - The Palm Beach Post reported that a Chihuahua named Pumpkin lost about 12 ounces - via liposuction. On a recent visit to Boca Greens Animal Hospital in Boca Raton, Fla., Pumpkin was doing well and down from 12.1 pounds to 11.4 pounds, which still puts the small dog among the ranks of America's obese pets (more than 20 percent over their target weight). According to the Chihuahua Club of America, Chihuahuas shouldn't exceed 6 pounds.

The implications of weight-related health problems in animals - the same risks of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and joint ailments that face humans - are even more immediate. But we don't recommend that you put your pet through liposuction surgery to combat it. There are common sense solutions that work.

Prescription diet foods available from a veterinarian, says Dr. Rolan Tripp of VCA La Mirada Animal Hospital in La Mirada, Calif., are more potent than those sold over the counter and generally more effective than store brands.

Besides feeding a special veterinary diet, Tripp has four other pet weight loss tips:

_Measure out food and feed meals rather than free choice.

_Don't feed from the table ... ever.

_Give small treats instead of large ones.

_Exercise one city block per day, for every 20 pounds of your pet's body weight. It is recommended that you exercise until your dog is lightly panting. This means that you've increased the metabolic rate sufficiently.

For more information about how to help your fat cat or pudgy pooch lose weight, visit your local veterinarian to discuss the best food and exercise routine for your pet. For tips on exercising with your pet, visit www.petfit.com .

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(Dr. Marty Becker is the coauthor of the new book "Chicken Soup For The Horse Lover's Soul" and a popular veterinary contributor for ABC TV's "Good Morning America." Write to him in care of Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service, 700 12th St. NE, STE 1000, Washington, DC 20005.)

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© 2005, Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service

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