UK's fattest pets begin diet-off that will see one crowned PDSA's Pet Fit Club 2015 winner

 
Chubby: Fat cats Guy (left) and Boycus will battle it out with Rolo the pug and 14 other overweight animals for the title of PDSA Pet Fit Club 2015 winner (Picture: PDSA)
PDSA
Ramzy Alwakeel18 June 2015

Seventeen of Britain's most eye-poppingly chunky pets, including a Rottweiler that weighs the same as a man, are poised to enter a dieting battle for the crown of 2015's top animal slimmer.

PDSA bosses blame an explosion in pet obesity on owners who use "common sense" instead of printed instructions when weighing out portions.

Those who ply their animals with treats meant for humans are also at fault, they say.

Among the slimmers is Rolo the pug, a rotund dog who loves food so much that last weekend he alarmed wildfowl by jumping into a pond for bread thrown to the ducks.

Weighs the same as a man: Hooch the Rottweiler (Picture: PDSA)
PDSA

Rolo - the only Londoner in the shortlist - goes to the PDSA's pet hospital in Croydon for his slimming classes. In his quest to be crowned the charity's weight loss champ, the 13kg pug will chow down on pet diet food donated by Hill's and Burgess.

The winner will take home a year's supply of healthy animal nosh, as well as a "pet-friendly" holiday that is also suitable for humans.

Rolo was "morbidly obese" when Lydia Ernstsons adopted him in 2013.

"He was massive - absolutely huge," she told the Standard. "He was more than 15 kilos.

"He's absolutely desperate for food. Last weekend we were feeding the ducks and the dog just launched himself into the water.

"Rolo hates water - he hates baths and going out in the rain - so he was in the water and pulling each paw up in disgust, but looking at this floating bit of dried bread."

PDSA Pet Fit Club 2015

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The PDSA says he is nearly 50 per cent too heavy.

Although Rolo has lost some weight since she adopted him, Ms Ernstsons said the PDSA had helped her realise she was still feeding him too much.

"I look back and see maybe I was doing wrong," she said. "He was always getting dry biscuits and I thought, poor little thing - so I started giving him the biscuits and then putting wet dog food on top to make it more interesting.

"But the PDSA were explaining dogs don't have the same taste buds and don't need the same variety humans do, which makes it easier with your decision to be strict."

Other competitors include 11-year-old Rottweiler Hooch, who weighs 13 stone - about the same as the average UK man - making him the heaviest animal the PDSA has ever entered into the contest.

Rolo: The chubby pug pulls tablecloths off tables to get at food, his owner said (Picture: PDSA)
Ben Stevens

Owner Leslie McCormack rescued him several years ago - when, incredibly, he was even heavier.

"Hooch was mistreated before, so he's a bit wary of strangers," she said of the stricken canine. "He used to eat five tins of dog food a day but I've cut him down to one.

"He’s already lost so much weight, but I want him to be healthy and happy and to live as long as he can."

Scottish Cocker Spaniel Harley, once "mistaken for a panda" by foreign tourists, is also on the shortlist, along with rescue cat Boycus, who weighs more than double what he should and makes light work of food left out for the dog.

PDSA's head of pet health and welfare said: "As human waistlines are expanding, sadly, our pets are facing a similar fate.

"When considering how much to feed their pets, many owners still rely on 'common sense' or past experience to make a decision, rather than looking at the weight and body shape of their pet and using packet guidelines.

"With millions of pets receiving unhealthy treats such as crisps, cake and cheese as part of their daily diet, and millions more not getting enough exercise, it is clear that the serious issue of obesity in our pet nation is only going to get worse.

"However, it's important to remember it's never too late to make a positive change.

"All the pets taking part in Pet Fit Club this year are taking the first step towards a longer, healthier life. Anyone concerned about their pets' weight should speak to their veterinary practice, who can offer the right advice and support."

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