over-weight dog

Question
Hi Cindi,
Our 9-year old female shih-tzu is diabetic (and totally blind). We give it 6 units of insulin twice a day. The problem is that she weighs 20 pounds! My mother-in-law (who lives with us) has dementia and sneaks her small bits of food here and there when we're not looking. I give "Dee Dee" about a handful (total) of dry food mixed with canned food (from the Vet) twice a day. Even after this she licks my entire kitchen floor and begs for more food. Add to this that she eats poop when she's outside! Sometimes it's her own that she JUST excreted!(We have another dog too.) Other than keeping a close eye on my mother-in-law, how can we help Dee Dee lose weight?
Thank you!
Raquel

Answer
Exercise but in moderation to begin with. Don't put your dog on a diet or start on an exercise plan without consulting your vet. And you MUST stop the treats somehow even if it means limiting the dog's access to our mother in law. It could mean life or death for your dog. Beagles are very prone to becoming overweight.
This is a great website,. hope it helps you out
Cindi
http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Help-Your-Dog-Lose-Weight&id=530545