Middlehope Veterinary Hospital in Newburgh, New York, is making it easier for pet parents to get their canines off the couch and in better shape.

The pet obesity problem in the United States has reached near epidemic levels, and pet parents and veterinarians alike are trying to spread awareness about this growing problem. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an estimated 54 percent of American dogs and cats are considered overweight or obese, so this is certainly not a problem to scoff at. However, the Middlehope Veterinary Hospital in Newburgh, New York, has decided to improve dog wellness in their community by offering a Winter Canine Fitness Camp, according to the Times-Herald Record.

The fitness camp is not only an effort to get pets into better shape, but it combines a veterinary exam and nutritional consultation to get to the heart of a canine's weight issues. After the initial exam, the dogs participate in regular weigh-ins, play times with other canines, organized activities and trying their hand at the facility's obstacle and agility course. Along with helping out canines with proper nutrition and getting them active, the vets are also able to spot continuing trends that can help make a difference in the fight against obesity.

"Poor diet and a lack of exercise have contributed to overweight pets," Dr. Richard Solomons, owner of Middlehope Veterinary Hospital, told the news source. "Even a little extra weight can put your pet at increased health risks and shorten his lifespan."

Even if you can't find a canine fitness program in your community, there are a few ways to improve your overall pet care and get your pooch in better shape. First and foremost, before starting any diet, you should check with your vet - your companion's weight gain could be caused by an underlying medical condition, so ruling this possibility out will help you in the long run. Portion control and the overall quality of your food is another consideration, as the copious amounts of corn and grain found in low-quality foods can lead to weight gain.

Lastly, you have to be honest with yourself about your pooch's treat intake. Instead of investing in dog biscuits or pigs ears, give your canine carrots, celery sticks or even some unflavored yogurt. This small steps will add up in the long run to help your canine maintain a healthy weight, improve his energy levels and avoid many of the potential ailments that come with obesity.