PDSA Pet Fit Club 2019 winner Oscar before and after.

The UK’s largest and most successful pet slimming competition – which has helped 143 overweight animals lose a staggering lose 513kg (80st 12lb) – is on the hunt for more contestants.

The closing date for PDSA Pet Fit Club entries is fast approaching - owners needing to sign up their dumpy dogs, flabby felines and rotund rabbits by this Sunday, 8 March.

Now in its 15th year, the competition aims to help tackle the UK’s pet obesity crisis – as the charity’s stats reveal up to half of UK pets (46% of dogs, 34% of cats and 30% of rabbits*) are believed to be overweight or obese.

The most common reasons given by UK vets and vet nurses for excess weight in pets are: owner’s lack of recognition that their pet is overweight, feeding ‘treats’ or human food, and inappropriate portion sizes*.  All of which could be leaving our four-legged friend’s health, happiness and life-expectancy at serious risk.

To help fight the flab PDSA has launched its annual Pet Fit Club competition and is inviting owners of overweight and obese pets to take part. The competition is a six-month diet and exercise programme, tailored and overseen by expert PDSA vets and nurses. The charity will select a group of overweight dogs, cats and rabbits from across the UK to participate.

The charity, which provides free and reduced cost veterinary care to pets in need, is urging owners to enter their pets at: pdsa.org.uk/petfitclub.

PDSA Vet Nurse, Nina Downing, said: “Pet obesity has been a huge problem in the UK for many years and sadly there is no sign of improvement, with nearly one in every two pets seen by vets and vet nurses overweight or obese. This is a serious health issue, one of the biggest currently threatening pet wellbeing across the UK.  

“Pets who are overweight or obese are much more likely to develop health problems such as arthritis and diabetes. Being overweight can also seriously aggravate other health problems, such as heart disease. For example, Pugs and French Bulldogs already struggle to breathe because of their flat faces, but carrying excess inches can make this much worse.

“Research has also shown that carrying too much weight can reduce a dog’s life expectancy by up to 2 years and 6 months**.”

Luigi was PDSA's Pet Fit Club champ in 2017.

About PDSA Pet Fit Club

Since its launch, the 15 pets crowned ‘Pet Fit Club Champ’ have lost a total of 130.35kg (20st 8lb).

Up to 20 overweight pets (dogs, cats, rabbits and rats) from across the UK will be chosen to participate in PDSA Pet Fit Club.

Selected pets are placed on a six-month diet and exercise programme, individually tailored to their needs and overseen by vets and vet nurses at their local PDSA Pet Hospital.

Participants receive free diet pet food for the duration of the competition, and the overall Pet Fit Club Champ, crowned at the end of 2020, will win a year’s free pet food and a pet friendly holiday.

Pet Fit Club has helped 143 pets lose 513kg (80st 12lb) - equivalent to a polar bear

• 89 dogs, 44 cats, 8 rabbits and 2 rats have taken part in the diet
• The 15 Pet Fit Club Champs have lost over 130.35kg (20st 8lb).
• The biggest ever ‘loser’ Oscar lost 39% of his bodyweight

“We know that we are a nation of animal lovers,” continues Nina, “but unfortunately a lot of pet owners show their love and affection using food.  And as the waistlines of the pet population have expanded, our understanding of a ‘healthy shape’ has become distorted – seeing overweight pets becomes normal. Recognising a healthy body shape – and if there is a problem – is the first step to making a positive change for your pet’s health.

“Most pets would be just as happy with extra attention – an extra walk or playtime - than food. And ‘treats’ of human food or too-large portions can be very bad for them. They should be fed a complete pet food suitable for their age and weight, with only occasional healthy treats, such as a few slices of carrot for dogs and a small piece of white fish or meat for cats. Our pets also need regular, varied exercise, suitable for their age and health, to keep their bodies and minds stimulated. 

Nina concludes: “Pet Fit Club helps transform the UK’s fattest pets into fit and healthy animals. Pets that could barely walk, climb stairs or fit through cat flaps will be given a new lease of life.

“Prevention is always better than cure, but it is never too late to make a change. With the right advice, a good diet, suitable exercise and a bit of willpower, owners have the ability to make a real difference to their pet’s lives.  So we’re urging owners who have overweight pets to enter today.”

PDSA Pet Fit Club joint winner Sadie.

*British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Veterinary Nurse Association (BVNA) Voice of the Profession Surveys (included in the PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report 2018) showed that on average vets and vet nurses estimated that 46% of dogs, 34% of cats and 30% of rabbits that they see in their practice every week are overweight or obese. www.pdsa.org.uk

** Salt C et al (2018) Association between life span and body condition in neutered client-owned dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 2018; 1-11.