By Cara Sulieman
AN animal charity is trying to find Scotland’s fattest pet so that they can help them slim down.
The PDSA are asking owners to enter their chubby companions into the competition to win a place on their Pet Fit Club.
And the porkiest pet will get a free 100 day diet and fitness programme to help them lose those extra pounds.
The charity recently discovered that one in three pooches across the UK were overweight.
Obesity epidemic
And with their owners admitting that they feed them leftovers, fatty meats, cheese and hot dogs, it’s no surprise that they’re piling on the pounds.
Add to that the half a million dogs that aren’t getting any exercise and the reason for the obesity epidemic becomes clear.
But it isn’t just dogs that are suffering from a bit of extra fat – even hamsters and guinea pigs are growing rounder in their cages.
Elaine Pendlebury, the PDSA senior vet, said: “During my years as a vet I have seen a steady increase in the number of cats, rabbits and even small furries that are overweight as well as dogs.
“Thousands of pets across the UK are having their quality of life, and ultimately their life expectancy, cut short as a direct result of obesity.
“As vets we spend a lot of time talking about the pet obesity epidemic but with Pet Fit Club, we are offering selected owners and their pets a real opportunity to make a difference to their pet’s lives.”
And to encourage owners and their lazy pets to embrace the programme, the animal that has performed the best will be crowned Pet Fit Club Champ and win a four night pet-friendly break in Devon.
Owners have until Friday August 14 to enter their overweight animals into the competition online at http://www.pdsa.org.uk/petfitclub.html or by calling 01952 204748.
