19 June 2009

Pet lovers who are considering putting their four-legged friends on diets are advised to seek medical advice for their overweight animals.

Alex German, an expert in canine nutrition from Liverpool University, recently encouraged Britons to consult vets before changing their pooches' lifestyles.

The expert explained that drastically altering dogs' meals to cut out fat and implementing an exercise regime may impact on other health conditions facing pets, such as arthritis.

Vets can give advice on the healthiest way for obese hounds to shed their excess pounds.

"Once a dog becomes obese, or even overweight, it really is best to take veterinary advice about how to solve the problem," said Mr German.

"Weight loss usually involves a combination of dietary energy restriction, increasing activity levels and, in some cases, prescription medicines."

A study by animal food producer Hill's Pet Nutrition recently revealed that half of Europe's pets are overweight.