Bull Wins Pet Slimmer Competition

Bull is an Inspiration to Other Overweight Dogs

A ten year old German Shepherd dog from Walberton has won the Pet Doctors’ Pet Slimmer of the Year Awards after losing seventeen kilograms in six months – almost a quarter of his bodyweight.

Ten year old Bull, owned by Tania House-Spence from Yapton Lane, had been seriously overweight for several years despite Tania following instructions provided on the pet food she was feeding him.  The excess weight was making him uncomfortable and putting additional strain on his joints and major organs which would only have got worse as he’d got older.

Sacha Elliot, vet nurse at Pet Doctors in Rustington, encouraged Tania to put Bull on a diet and provided advice and support during the six months he was losing weight.  He weighed in at 68 kilograms when he started and, when he was last weighed, on 16 December, was a shadow of his former self at 51 kilograms.  Bull beat 11 dieting cats and 22 dieting dogs at other branches of Pet Doctors to win the award.  His prize was a year’s supply of Hill’s pet nutrition products while Tania won a Marks & Spencer’s hamper.  The awards were presented by Fiona Marjoram of Hill’s Pet Nutrition, which sponsors the award.

Commenting on Bull’s achievement, Tania House-Spence said:  “We were fortunate in that Bull accepted the new diet straight away and seemed content to eat less than he’d been used to.  We’ve notice a huge difference in him over the last few months.  He’s much more agile and bouncy – and really seems to enjoy his walks these days.  He’s also a lot calmer and just seems happier with himself.”

Sacha Elliot said:  “Putting a pet on a diet can be an ordeal for many owners as they don’t like to deprive their beloved animal of their favourite food and treats.  But, with veterinary help and advice, it’s really easier than people think and can make the world of difference to pets.  It’s also proven to increase their life expectancy.  Tania did really well in sticking to the regime and Bull is reaping the benefit of her efforts.

Compared with when I first met him in June 2009, he’s now full of energy and raring to go.  It’s wonderful to see him so much better and I congratulate them both on winning the Pet Doctors’ Pet Slimmer of the Year Award.

With figures for pet obesity rising at an alarming rate, we encourage all pet owners to ensure that their pet’s weight is under control and to seek help or advice from their veterinary surgeon if they need it.”

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