A formerly bulging Bulldog – who was so lazy she had to be bribed with ham to exercise – has been crowned PDSA Pet Fit Club Champ after shedding over a quarter of her bodyweight.
Diet queen Daisy, from Middlesbrough, beat off competition from huge hounds, fat cats and round rabbits, who were all battling the bulge in our six-month diet and exercise programme.
Under the expert guidance of PDSA vets and nurses, Daisy has made an amazing transformation. She started the competition weighing in at a hefty 28.3kg but with PDSA’s help and her owner’s determination, she was able to lose around 8kg in weight – meaning that she’s shed an impressive 27% of her bodyweight.
The new slim-line pooch was one of 11 obese pets selected to embark on the pet slimming regime. They are all enjoying significant benefits to their health and wellbeing, thanks to losing weight. In total, the pets have lost a combined weight of 30kg (4 stone 7 pounds). Meet the 2014 pet slimmers and learn more about their journeys.
The results of the fat fighting contest were revealed in a new TV show on ITV this week, called Fat Pets: Slimmer of the Year, presented by Angela Griffin and Kian Egan. To watch the shows again and to find out more about PDSA Pet Fit Club and how all the pet slimmers got on, please visit petfitclub.org.uk where you can also download expert pet health tips and advice.
Help us make a better life for all pets by adding your voice to the PDSA Big Pet Survey 2015 - take part in the survey today!
Killing with kindness – uncovering the UK pet obesity problem.
New findings from PDSA’s annual Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report have revealed that:
• 80% of veterinary professionals believe there will be more overweight pets than healthy weight pets within five years.
• 81% of vets have seen an increase in levels of pet obesity over the last two years.
• Over 5.5 million pets get treats as part of their daily diet, including cake, crisps and takeaways.
• A lack of exercise is fuelling the pet obesity crisis, with 250,000 dogs never going for a walk.
• 89% of pet owners are aware of obesity-related health issues such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.
• 88% of owners acknowledge that overweight pets will have a shortened life span.
Find out more by reading the 2014 PAW Report