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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Has your hound put on some pounds?

Is your cat too fat?

Chances are your pet may be one of the millions at risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and other ailments associated with weight gain.

"It is estimated more than 50 percent of the pet population is now considered to be overweight or obese," Dr. Kim Kaufer with St. Francis Animal Hospital in Colorado Springs said.

And it's costing pet owners millions of dollars each year in vet bills, according to the fourth annual Pet Obesity Awareness Study.

While neutered and spayed dogs, middle-aged animals and certain medications or medical conditions can cause weight gain, Kaufer said the bulk of the problem lies with over-feeding or too much caloric intake.

"Foods and treats being sold at the store are very nutrient-dense, meaning they are full of fat, calories and salt," Kaufer said. "The fact is our pets don't need as many calories as we think they do to survive, and it's very easy to over feed them."

According to veterinarians, feeding your pet even small amounts of human food can be detrimental to their health. For example:

For a 10 pound cat:
* One potato chip is the same as a human eating ½ of a hamburger.
* Just one cup of milk has the same calories as 5 chocolate bars.

For a 20 pound dog:
* One small oatmeal cookie is the caloric equivalent of one chocolate bar for a person.
* Only one ounce of cheddar cheese has the same amount of calories as 2½ hamburgers.

Because the food your pet eats plays an important role in their overall health and well-being, knowing the ideal weight for their size and breed is crucial, so ask your veterinarian to guide you.

How do you know if your dog or cat is overweight?
* Ribs cannot easily be felt when running your hand along your pet's side.
* Loss of an obvious waist.
* Collar needs loosening
* Difficulty walking
* Slow movement, shortness of breath
* Bad temper
* Sleeping more than usual

If your pet is overweight, start by feeding them low-calorie prescription food sold by veterinarians or over-the-counter food that has the words "light" or "low calorie" on the label.

Get rid of human food and fatty treats, and make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise.

"Instead of rewarding them with a treat, take your dog for a walk, brush them or play ball," Kaufer said.

And when it comes to cats, Kaufer said to hide their food and have them hunt for it.

"We also encourage our clients to use laser pointers and feather toys to get these cats active," Kaufer said.

Bottom line -- being obese can actually shorten your pet's life.

That is why FOX21 News, the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR) have teamed up for the "Woof, Woof Weigh-Off".

If you have an overweight dog we want to help get them healthy again!

CLICK HERE! to upload an image of your pudgy pooch before May 25 for a chance to win a complete diet kit courtesy of Hills Science Diet and a grand prize valued at $100.

The photo with the most votes wins, so get your friends to vote for your pet!