Wow, these are fat cats and porky pooches! PDSA charity warns on animal obesity problem

Four out of five vets have seen a rise in obese pets in the past two years, according to research by the PDSA.

In its latest Animal Wellbeing Report, the charity warns 80 per cent of vets and veterinary nurses fear the number of overweight animals could outweigh those of a healthy mass in the next five years.

The survey shows more than half of pet owners are unaware of the issue.

A heavily overweight labrador

PDSA's head of pet health and welfare Nicola Martin said: "PDSA's research has shown that pet obesity is a growing problem and that too many people are continuing to feed their pets inappropriate foods including takeaways, cake, cheese and chips and sadly many pets aren't getting enough exercise.

"Pet obesity is entirely preventable and we're trying to help owners understand that while their pets may beg for food, and giving a treat is seen as a way of showing affection, ultimately it could be killing them with kindness."

Tina, an overweight border terrier

The charity estimates more than six million dogs in the UK get only one hour of exercise a day, warning obesity could lead to shorter life expectancy, heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Dog owners are more likely to feed their animals unhealthy treats, with 83 per cent saying they did so compared with 38 per cent of cat owners.

MORE ANIMALS AND PETS NEWS:

The PDSA has launched its annual fitness competition to help animals battle the bulge.

Pet Fit Club, which began in 2005, has seen 95 animals shed a total of 60 stone 6lb. Last year's winner, a bulldog named Daisy (pictured above), dropped 8kg, a quarter of her bodyweight, in six months. Entries for this year are now open.

Before and after shots of Zorro the cat 

Ollie the cat with PDSA Veterinary Nurse Emma Scott