PDSA Pet Slimmers Announced – Dogs Take Joint 3rd Place
Over the last six years PDSA has carried out health check assessments on over 20,000 dogs* and has seen an increase of over 10% in the levels of obesity – 28% in 2008 compared to 17% in 2003. This means that in 2003 around one in six dogs were overweight. In 2008 this was nearer one in three.
For the first time ever, a cat has been crowned UK slimming champion in PDSA’s annual Pet Fit Club competition. Although, two dogs took joint 3rd place:- Edinburgh Labrador, Tara, and Mancunian Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Sasha, who both lost 11% of their body-weight.
Labrador, Tara, Edinburgh
At her heaviest Tara weighed a whopping 42kg – making her 66% overweight. To date she has lost 4.3kg. Her owner Linda Smith (43) from West Lothian, is hoping to help her reach her ultimate ideal weight of 25kg, within a year.
Linda says: “She was a bit dubious about the new food at first but soon got used to it. She’d probably eat a whole bag now if I let her! The first few weeks she kept whining by the kitchen cupboard, where her treats used to be kept. But I’ve learned to give her a cuddle or extra attention instead of food.
“The competition has been both challenging and enjoyable in equal measure. It’s great to see the boundless energy that Tara now has and she is definitely a lot happier.”
Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Sasha, Manchester
At her heaviest, Sasha weighed 25kg – making her 47% overweight. At the end of the competition, she has lost nearly 3kg, an impressive 11% of her body weight. Margaret is hoping to help her reach her absolute ideal weight of 17kg, within a year.
Owner Margaret Dunbaven (20) from Manchester, says: “Sasha enjoys her walks so much more now and she doesn’t get out of breath. I’ve even started taking her swimming, which she loves. I did find it hard to stick to the diet over Christmas because I used to spoil her with lots of treats, but I got her lots of new toys to play with instead. We’re going to stick with it until she hits her target weight – she’ll be a new dog by the end of 2010!”
Margaret added: “Sasha has loved taking part in Pet Fit Club. I was worried she wouldn’t like the diet food, or the reduced portions, but apart from the occasional begging she’s been as good as gold.”
The runners up:
* London cat Chumlie Bear (10) lost 7% of his body-weight
* Romford Jack Russell Terrier cross, Scamp (10) also lost 7% of his body-weight
* Southampton Border Collie/Labrador cross, Bessie (8) lost 6% of her body-weight
* London Labrador Sandy (13) lost 6% of his body-weight.
Supporters can see all of this year’s finalists by visiting www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-health-advice/pdsa-pet-fit-club
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