ROVER WEIGHT

Tubby pup shapes up in the pool

A FORMER fatty is making a splash in the dog modelling world after going to extreme lengths to shape up.

Cute pug Gizmo was snapped up by an agency as a pup – but just like in the real modelling world, there was a pressure to stay slim. So when he started to look “roly”, he was signed up for hydrotherapy to tone up.

Owner Arti Batrania said: “Gizmo’s dad was chunky and I noticed he was bigger than normal. Despite going on two walks a day, he still looked roly around the edges. When I heard about hydrotherapy for dogs, I was all for it.”

Hydrotherapy has been used to treat humans for years but owners are now catching on to its benefits for pups.

The water exercise is thought to help spinal problems and arthritis in dogs – and has recently been trumpeted as a way to keep pups lean.

Bank worker Arti, 33, said: “Gizmo had been building up an impressive portfolio working with top brands for the last two years.

“He has a tendency to gain weight OUR vet Brian Faulkner, from Petplan, has 21 years of experience and is a freelance working all over the country. Send your questions to Brian at: Petplan, Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9DX or via Petplan’s Facebook page facebook.com/ PetplanUK. easily and loves his food so I didn’t want to make him diet.”

Now, three-year-old Gizmo attends sessions every fortnight at Soggy Dog Hydrotherapy near Arti’s home in Slough, Berks. He gets strapped into a harness and an instructor leads him through exercises.

As the water is warm, it has different benefits to swimming in the sea.

Arti said: “On his first trip, Gizmo wasn’t so sure. He’d never been near water and as I fastened a lead on to his harness, he looked scared.

“But it wasn’t long before his little legs were paddling with gusto. Lots of other dogs were attending sessions for ailments like spinal problems and arthritis – as well as fear of water.

“The hydrotherapy is excellent exercise for his body and heart. I soon noticed his lovely lean figure – not a roll of fat in sight. It’s the ideal way for a pampered pooch to get in shape.

“Keeping him trim means he never feels out of his depth.

“Gizmo is the pug with the perfect face – and now he’s the pug with the perfect figure too.” MY cat is always sick after eating. This has been the case for the past year – she’s now three. Do I need to take her to the vet?

Paddling