Weight-busting finalists announced
Nine dogs and one cat have been announced as the finalists in this year’s Hill’s Pet Slimmer of the Year Competition.
The annual contest was started to create awareness of pet obesity, an issue that, according to South African vets, affects more than half their patients.
Cats and dogs are eligible to compete for the title once they reach their goal weight on the Hill’s Pet Slimmer programme (a veterinary-supervised weight loss programme available at hundreds of practices around the country).
The ten finalists were selected on various criteria, including their weight loss story, before and after photos, percentage and/or total kilos lost.
As well as winning improved health, each finalist receives three months’ supply of their favourite Hill’s pet food, a family photo shoot and bottle of bubbly for the proud pet parents.
Deciding which three pets will take top honours and which the coveted Hill’s Pet Slimmer of the Year title is the responsibility of the celebrity-laden judging panel: Carolyn Herrick of Hill’s Pet Nutrition; East Coast Radio DJ Damon Beard; Dr Guy Fyvie, veterinary advisor for Hill’s Pet Nutrition; actress Mapaseka Koetle-Nyokong; Magic828AM’s Tony Sanderson and Zoe Brown of SABC 3’s Expresso Breakfast Show.
Judging takes place this month, national Pet Obesity Month, and the top three will be announced on November 1. The first place ambassador will receive R10 000, second place R7 000 and third R5 000.
“Every pet that reaches a healthy weight is a winner,” said Dr Fyvie. “Research clearly demonstrates that overweight pets have shorter lives and are at higher risk of arthritis, heart problems, urinary conditions, skin issues and even cancer.”
Visit the Hill’s Pet Slimmer Hall of Fame on PetSlimmer.co.za to see these super slim pets’ remarkable before and after photos and read how losing their killer kilos has transformed their lives for the better.
Is your pet a healthy weight? Nine out of 10 pet parents mistakenly believe their pet’s weight to be normal.
Love your pets enough to take them to your vet for a free weight assessment and protect them from obesity-related diseases.
Find a participating #PetObesityMonth vet on www.PetSlimmer.co.za.