'Snacking' warning to dog owners

Dog owners in Nottinghamshire are being warned by vets not to overfeed their pets as it may leave them with serious health problems.

It comes after a Labrador weighing about 8 stone (51 kilograms) was brought in to Ruddington Veterinary Centre last week.

The dog, Louie, is now on a strict diet to control his weight.

But veterinary nurse Lisa Hyde said had he carried on being fed extra titbits it could have shortened his life.

She said: "It's potentially life-threatening to him. It'll probably reduce his life-span by about five years if he carries on the way he's going.

"He could develop joint problems, arthritis. It's going to put a big strain on his heart and he could also develop conditions like diabetes.