Milo is a terrier mix weighing a hefty 23 pounds.

Ed writes that the veterinarian says Milo should only weigh about 16 pounds. Ed isn't sure how Milo got to this weight, considering that he hardly eats. The food bowl is always down, there is always food in it, and he rarely sees Milo eat more than a mouthful at a time.

OK, Ed, it's time to get serious. Your veterinarian has suggested that Milo needs to lose more than 25 percent of his body weight, and that is a significant amount! Clearly, Milo is getting more than his fair share of calories, and it's time for you to get Milo back into healthy shape.

First, you have no idea how much food Milo is taking in each day, because you keep the bowl full of food at all times. This needs to stop immediately. Put Milo on a twice-a-day feeding schedule. At each meal, measure out a portion of food - start at a half cup per meal. Then put a time limit on the meal, say about 10 minutes. When the time limit is up, even if there is food left in the bowl, place it out of Milo's reach. This will get Milo into the habit of eating his meal during mealtime instead of grazing throughout the day, and you will know the precise amount Milo is eating each day.

Once he adjusts to this new feeding routine, and amount offered, slow Milo's eating by tossing the half cup of kibble all over the kitchen floor or on the patio. Milo will have to track down each piece, which will take time and energy. Another option is to put his kibble in a food puzzle - there are a number of these on the market. When filled with kibble, the dog must figure out how to get it out, usually by nosing the toy and flipping it around with a paw; the toy randomly spits out a few pieces of kibble when moved just right, thus extending the time limit on a meal without the addition of extra calories.

Knowing how much total kibble Milo eats every day is paramount in getting his weight down. After eating exactly a half cup per meal for a few weeks, re-weigh Milo. If he hasn't lost weight, reduce his meals to one-third cup each. If he's lost a drastic amount, add a little more kibble to each meal; losing weight slowly and consistently is the healthy way to do it.

Another factor is activity. The rules for losing weight are the same for dogs as for people - burn more calories than consumed. If Milo is not used to regular exercise, introduce it gradually. Start with a walk around the block every day, and gradually extend your distance based on how well Milo can manage it, the time you have available and the weight-loss progress. Other fun options include playing fetch in the yard, or even hide-and-seek in the house - just get that boy moving!

Let's also consider Milo's treats. We often forget to count those as extra calories, but treats can be loaded with them. I'd recommend replacing his treats with more attention and activity with you; if you must give him treats, slices of carrots or air-popped popcorn are healthy and low in calories.

Extra weight on a dog can affect quality of life and length of life. So get going on the increased exercise and reduced calories, and give Milo as much time on this earth with you as possible, Ed.

Lisa Moore's pet-behavior column appears once a month on the Weekly Pet Page. Write to her in care of LifeStyles, The Modesto Bee, P.O. Box 5256, Modesto 95352.

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