Slimming success for Cardiff canine

A labrador from Cardiff who used to raid bins looking for treats has secured second place in a national pet slimming competition after losing 29% of his bodyweight in just six months.

Kaspa used to weigh 7st 11Ib, meaning he was 64% over his ideal body weight of 4st 10lbs.

He was at risk from serious health problems and a shortened life span.

But by taking part in Pet Fit Club, he’s lost 2st 3lb and no longer needs medication for his hip problems.

Each year the veterinary charity PDSA helps the UK’s fattest pets embark on a six-month diet and exercise programme. The fitness challenge aims to get pets back into shape, but also highlights the issue of pet obesity.

Kaspa’s owner decided her labrador needed to lose weight to curb his appetite for everything “from breadcrumbs to cardboard and socks.” He also suffered from hip problems which made exercising difficult.

Kaspa’s owner added that although the diet has worked, they now have to keep him away from their granddaughter’s highchair as he tries to steal food from her.

The vets and nurses who supervise the weight loss regimes have emphasised that helping pets lose weight isn’t easy.