A former heavy hound from Wolverhampton has become the biggest ever loser in a national pet slimming competition after shedding an incredible 39% of his bodyweight in just six months. Oscar the Spaniel once tipped the scales at a colossal 3st 6Ib (21.6kg), making him 80% over his ideal weight (1st 13lb/12kg). He was dangerously at risk from serious health problems and a shortened life span.  But he wowed judges from vet charity PDSA with his amazing 1st 5lb (8.35kg) weight loss during Pet Fit Club 2016. He is now a much healthier 2st 1lb (13.25kg)

Each year PDSA helps the UK’s fattest pets embark on a strict six-month diet and exercise programme, specially tailored and overseen by the charity’s vets and vet nurses.  Pet Fit Club helps get them back into shape and creates awareness of the serious issue of pet obesity, which afflicts millions of household pets.

Ten-year-old Oscar provides vital companionship for his owner June Lawrence (78). After her husband died last year she admits she has spoilt him.

His weight gain was caused by his owner feeding him Sunday dinners and leftovers from her plates. Lack of exercise compounded the problem until he became so unfit that just walking in the garden left him breathless.

June’s daughter, Karen Allen (56), said: “Before Pet Fit Club Oscar didn’t get much exercise.  My mother is disabled so struggled to walk him.  As he piled on the pounds he wanted to exercise even less and it became a vicious cycle. He couldn’t even jump on the sofa he was that big.

“He is a completely different dog now – like a puppy again.  People don’t recognise him because he’s changed so much, in looks and personality. We walk for miles and he runs around the house with his toys, nudging you until you play fetch with him.   

“He wasn’t impressed with the diet at first – he missed his scraps and treats.  But we stuck with it and we’re so glad we did. He still tries his luck and begs for food when you’re eating but we don’t give in to him anymore. 

“We started taking him to hydrotherapy at the beginning of the competition to help increase his exercise.  At the first session he could barely do 15 seconds in the water without stopping for a break. Over the weeks we’ve seen him improve and now he cannot wait to get in the pool when we arrive. He can swim around ten minutes at a time and loves being in the water.”

“Taking part in Pet Fit Club is the best thing we could have done for him.  We can see now how unhealthy and unhappy he was. Hopefully we’ll have many more years with him and have PDSA to thank for all their help.”

Oscar’s weight-loss has been supervised by PDSA vet nurse, Kay Brough, from Wolverhampton PDSA Pet Hospital. She said: “Oscar has done amazingly well on Pet Fit Club. His family have been very dedicated and worked extremely hard to help change his lifestyle for the better. They have stuck to the diet religiously and helped increase his exercise levels. He has virtually halved in size; his whole personality has changed.  They’re all now seeing the rewards for their hard work.”

PDSA Vet Rebecca Ashman, who helped to judge the competition, added: “Oscar’s transformation during Pet Fit Club is truly incredible. His success is testament to the hard work and dedication of his owners and the PDSA veterinary team in Wolverhampton. He is living proof that it’s never too late to make positive changes to improve our pet’s health and wellbeing. Oscar and his fellow Pet Fit Club slimmers will enjoy a better quality of life thanks to their weight loss.

“Owners who are concerned about their pet’s weight should speak to their vet as soon as possible so they can start making the necessary changes to make their four-legged friends happier and healthier.”