The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Podgy pooches take a lead role in Pet Fit Club
Dundee dog is twice the healthy weight
A labrador who is 100% bigger than he should be is among three Scottish dogs battling to lose weight in a national pet slimming competition.
The trio, who piled on the pounds by snacking on treats like pizza and picnic food, are among 17 animals from across the UK taking part in Pet Fit Club 2015, which is run by vet charity PDSA.
The three dogs, from Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow, are now following a new diet and exercise programme to help them lose weight.
Chocolate labrador Bobby, from Dundee, weighs 9st 13lb (63.5kg).
Owner Marilyn Neave said: “Bobby is a good dog. He’s lovely natured but his mischievous side comes out during the summer when there are picnics around.
“You can’t let him off the lead if there is food about.”
Cocker spaniel Harley weighs about 4st 4lb (27kg) and is nearly 60% bigger than he should be.
Owner Lisa Mitchell, from Edinburgh, said: “Other people call him Fatty and Chinese and foreign tourists always stop us in Princes Street and take photos because they think he looks like a panda.
“He’s so big he got stuck under a caravan while chasing rabbits and I had to push his bum to get him through.
“I want him to lose weight for his health and his happiness. He is spoilt but I want him to live longer.”
The third Scottish contestant is Kayla, from Glasgow, a Mastiff-type dog who, at her heaviest, weighed 9st 8lb (61kg). She has already managed to lose a few pounds but is still around a third bigger than she should be.
Owner Agnes Higgins has given her pet pizza in the past.
She said: “The only thing Kayla doesn’t like to eat is peas but other than that she’ll eat pretty much anything.”
The animals are now following programmes specially tailored for them at Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow PDSA pet hospitals as they compete to lose the greatest amount of weight. The winner will be announced in December.
Vet Hannah McIvor, from Glasgow Shamrock Street Pet Hospital, said: “Pet obesity levels are on the rise and it’s really important to tackle this issue head on.”