A LOCAL veterinary surgery has launched a campaign to tackle obesity in pets after statistics revealed that British pets are among the fattest in Europe.

Moor Cottage Veterinary Hospital is running a campaign called: “A little extra weight is a BIG problem” and are calling on animal owners to cut back on treats for their pets.

A senior healthcare nurse at the practice said nearly 60 per cent of dogs and almost 50 per cent of cats across the country are overweight.

The practice are also urging pet owners to take their animals for an annual weight check and health check to ensure they are not obese.

Ms McCabe said: “The UK’s figures are the worst in Europe and we see the proof of that virtually every day in our Binfield practice.

“This is why we are launching our campaign to coincide with the New Year, as a number of pet owners, especially those of cats and dogs, will resolve to battle the bulge with their pets in 2018.

“All too often people think they are giving their dogs and cats a treat when they give them titbits and left-overs but they are actually doing them harm and putting their health at risk.

“For instance, giving a bit of cheese to a dog is the equivalent of a human eating five doughnuts or five hamburgers."

Moor Cottage will be offering health and support for pet owners by implementing a carefully controlled feeding plan for any animals found to be overweight.

Ms McCabe added: “It can take months for a dog or cat to lose their excess weight, so the sooner pet owners start them off, the better.

“Our programme is tried and tested and the majority of pets do lose the weight but it is very important to stick to the regime and to cut out all those ‘treats and sweets’ which can do so much harm and damage to the animals we love.”

For more information on tackling obesity in pets, visit the Moor Cottage website at www.mcvh.co.uk.