BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Obesity is no longer just a problem for humans, but pets as well.

It's estimated that 44 percent of dogs and 57 percent of cats are overweight.

To raise awareness about this issue, Brad Friedman with MWI Veterinary Supply rode his bicycle 175 miles from Glendale to Bakersfield.

He arrived at Coffee Road Animal Hospital Saturday afternoon and met with other pet owners who are trying to help their animals lose weight.

Friedman says the trick to animal weight loss is simple, "Eat less, exercise more. Have (pets) eat measured amounts of food, no treats if they are overweight, and exercise. Go to the park, throw a ball, do something with them."

To put the weight problem in perspective, Friedman says a small breed dog or cat that has three extra pounds is equivalent to 30 pounds on a human.

Also like humans, obesity in animals leads to shorter life span, diabetes, arthritis, and heart, lung and skin disorders.