20 overweight pets compete in annual competition

Twenty overweight pets are taking part in the Pet’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) annual pet slimming competition.

The 13 dogs, five cats and two rabbits are collectively carrying over 30 stone in excess weight and will take part in a six-month diet and exercise programme, courtesy of the PDSA’s Pet Fit Club.

The pet slimming contest has been very successful in previous years and has now been running for almost a decade.

Mizzy, a five-year-old Bullmastiff, is the heaviest dog to ever take part in the programme, weighing in at 72 kilos (158 pounds). She is joined by the heaviest ever cat, Ulric, who tips the scales at 12.6 kilos (27 pounds).

Each pet is currently classed as obese or morbidly obese and their owners will receive coaching from PDSA vets and nurses in how to help their pets lose weight during the programme.

All 20 pets will be competing for the title PDSA Pet Fit Club slimmer of the year.

Research from the annual PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report has revealed that more than 18 million pets are fed bad diets that could seriously harm their health. When coupled with little or no exercise, these diets could result in obesity-related conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and heart disease.

Commenting on the contest, Elaine Pendlebury, PDSA senior veterinary surgeon, said: "The owners of the pets in this year’s competition are taking the vital first step towards a healthy new future for their animals."

The winning cat and dog will win a year’s free food from Hill’s and the winning rabbit will win a year’s free Burgess Excel food. The overall Pet Fit Club champion’s owner will win a pet-friendly break with cottages4you.

Image courtesy of PDSA