Porky pet dog wins slimming crown

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Keano's owner Sarah James on what his weight loss means to her

A formerly porky Labrador has been crowned the UK's best slimming pet by a veterinary charity after shedding 1st 6lbs (10kg).

Keano, from Plymouth, was so overweight at 7st 2lbs (46kg), he could not roll over on his back before joining the PDSA scheme.

But regular walks and proper dog food helped him find a new lease of life.

Five obese dogs and one cat completed PDSA's 100 day diet and fitness programme, devised by vets.

The charity says canine obesity rose by 9% in the last year, which can cause potentially fatal conditions.

When Sarah James, 30, re-homed Keano last August, he weighed 8st 8lbs (56kg), which had dropped to 7st 2lbs (46kg) by the time they joined Pet Fit Club.

'Fed rubbish'

His weight problems were due to the classic combination of too much food and not enough movement, Mrs James explained.

"He never went out, he never exercised, which is a massive thing for a Labrador. He was just fed rubbish, human food and titbits, all the wrong things for a dog," she said.

"He just had a very sedentary life. He was living the life of an old dog, he was so big he couldn't do anything."

Mrs James said they also have a retriever and the difference in what the two dogs had been able to do at first was "amazing".

"It was so unfair, Keano couldn't even roll on his back at one time, it was such a shame."

He's a different dog. If you think he couldn't lay on his back but now he's running and swimming, it's just like having a puppy in the family Sarah James

Lots of exercise has been key to Keano's slimming success, Mrs James said, and the hound has found a flair for swimming.

Keano has swapped lying around for three walks a day, taking the family's children to school and back, plus a two-hour run.

"He's a different dog. If you think he couldn't lay on his back but now he's running and swimming, it's just like having a puppy in the family," Mrs James said.

"He's found out what life's all about."

PDSA Senior veterinary Surgeon, Sean Wensley, said: "All of the pets that took part in this year's Pet Fit Club will reap the benefits of a healthier and happier life.

"PDSA's data showed a worrying nine per cent rise in canine obesity last year. As with humans, obesity in pets is associated with diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and other potentially life-threatening conditions.

"It is an owner's responsibility to ensure their pet gets a healthy diet and the right exercise; Keano and his owner are living proof that this can be done."

Five dogs and one cat took part in the PDSA's 100 day diet and fitness programme which began in November.

In second place was seven-year-old German Shepherd Alfie, from Edinburgh.

His owner Helen Smith said the dog would eat biscuits, toast, cheese and the family's leftovers on top of his daily large tin of dog food.

When he enrolled in scheme he weighed 9st (57.2kg), making him around 55% overweight. He has now lost more than 1st 6lbs (9.1kg), 19% of his bodyweight and six inches from his waist.

Third place went to 13-year-old cat, Tinks, from Gillingham.

He used to weigh more than 1st 7lbs (10.4kg) making him around 96% overweight.

The stray was being fed by four different neighbours when he was adopted by Bruce Brine.

During his 100 day diet and exercise programme Tinks lost 2lbs (0.9kg) and two inches from his waist.