Scottish dogs are most likely to be obese, according to a national “portly pooch” league table revealed in a study.
A poll of 2000 British dog owners found that 41 per cent of Scots admitted their pet pooch was overweight, the study found.
Latest stats show that 65 per cent of Scottish adults are overweight or obese, meaning our "dugs" are catching up on their human owners.
Dog owners in England’s North West were least likely to have a chubby dog, with 15 per cent saying their pet was overweight or obese.
According to the study by dog walking and sitting platform Rover, dog owners exercised twice as much as non-dog owners, although 45 per cent of owners say their pets don’t get as much exercise in winter months.
A total of 29 per cent overall said they their pooches bulked up and put on weight over winter.
Ahead of National Walking the Dog Day on February 22, Rover.com has teamed up with personal trainer Chessie King to launch the PAWsonal Training Plan for dogs and owners.
King said: “Having recently become a dog owner myself, I’m acutely aware of the challenges that come with looking after a pup.
“While Hugo – the newest member of our family – is a bundle of fun, ensuring he stays happy and healthy takes lots of time and energy.
“I find we bond best when we’re playing and having fun, which are the elements I bring to my workouts.
“It’s important to vary your exercise routine so you don’t both become bored.
“Pups make the best workout companions and exercising together not only keeps you both active but also strengthens your bond.”
Faye Murphy, of Rover.com, said: “It’s of paramount importance that dogs have the opportunity to visit new places, try different types of exercise and be mentally and physically stimulated.”
Percy, from Glasgow, was sent to fat camp last year after ballooning to a whopping 28lbs.
We told how the three-year-old dog, below, needed to shift 8lbs or could face potentially deadly breathing problems.
Owner Chloe Morrison, from Ballieston, Glasgow, said: “When we’re eating dinner, he sits and stares at you with his puppy-dog eyes until you give him some food.”
Percy was picked for the PDSA’s slimming club, which puts pets on an exercise and diet regime.
