Dundee Dog Joins Pet Fit Club

Published 26th Mar 2015

Tay News has been meeting one of Dundee's fattest dogs....being enrolled in the PDSA's pet fit club.

Nine-year-old chocolate Labrador Bobby is from Dundee, he weighs 63kg (9st 12lbs) which is more than double his ideal weight.

Dundee Dog Joins Pet Fit Club from Tay News on Vimeo.

The annual competition is getting underway as veterinary professionals across the UK warn of a rise in pet obesity.

Four out of five of vets have seen an increase in pet obesity cases in the last two years, according to the latest PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report.

The same number of vets and vet nurses believe there will be more overweight pets than healthy pets in five years.

The charity warned that obesity can contribute to pets developing deadly conditions that can cut their lifespan such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes, as well as debilitating conditions including arthritis.

It is inviting owners of the UK's fattest pets to take part in the competition, which will see the animals take part in a tailored diet and exercise programme overseen by expert vets and nurses over a six-month period.

Nicola Martin, PDSA head of pet health and welfare, said: "Over the past decade, Pet Fit Club has transformed the lives of some of the UK's most obese pets.

"We have helped nearly 100 animals shed over 60 stone, so are welcoming entries again and offering our expertise.

"PDSA's research has shown that pet obesity is a growing problem and that too many people are continuing to feed their pets inappropriate foods including takeaways, cake, cheese and chips, and sadly many pets aren't getting enough exercise.

"Pet obesity is entirely preventable and we're trying to help owners understand that while their pets may beg for food, and giving a treat is a way of showing affection, ultimately it could be killing them with kindness.''