New show to promote pet weight loss

Posted : 15-01-2008

A new television programme which aims to combat the epidemic of morbid obesity that affects a growing number of animals is due to air in the UK.

Downsize My Pet will be shown on satellite television and examines the poor health habits of nine animals including Oscar the Chihuahua, Willy the cat and Starbuck the miniature horse.

The show will be co-hosted by New Zealand vet Sacha Nowell and animal trainer Alexis Banis.

Ms Banis told the Manchester Evening News: "It's very similar to people - it's about less food and the right types of food and exercise ... For pets, eating is an instinctive thing, especially dogs. Dogs eat like there's no next meal coming.

"So, it's up to the humans to ration their animals' intake."

Overweight animals are at risk of a number of complaints, such as heart disease, arthritis and back problems, which could result in the need to make a costly pet insurance claim.


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