While this seems simplistic and maybe even trite, dietary changes are important to note. Your dog’s veterinarian should be aware of the type of diet you feed your dog, and equally important, how much of it Fido eats. Dogs are obese because we make them that way. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, more than 54 percent of pets in the United States are considered obese. The labels on the back of dog food cans and bags are put there by the manufacturer, so it may not be in your dog’s best interest to feed 3 1/4 cups of food, for example (especially if your dog is a Dachshund). One diet does not fit all, so vets need to ask what we are feeding our dogs, and the frequency and the quantity. If not, dish out the truth: Fido will thank you for it in the long run.