This dog's amazing weight-loss will inspire you more than any human transformation ever could

Thursday, November 24, 2016 - 12:04 am

A dog that was morbidly obese has broken records at a national pet slimming competition by shedding an insane 39% of his body weight in just six months.

Ten-year-old Oscar the spaniel used to weigh a massive 21.6kg despite his small frame, making him 80% above his ideal weight. After a strict slimming program and by cutting out the Sunday roasts he used to enjoy he lost a whopping 8.35kg in half a year.

Oscar used to be so heavy he was unable to jump up on to the sofa and he got breathless on walks around the garden. Now though, the pooch is as lively as ever, after undertaking a tough fitness regime including hydrotherapy sessions, long walks and a clampdown on fatty treats.

The remarkable weight loss meant Oscar was crowned the PDSA Pet Fit Club Champion 2016, with a new record for weight loss in the competition to boot.

Oscar’s owner, June Lawrence, 78, from Wolverhampton, said that she spoilt the black-and-tan dog after her husband died last year.

“Before Pet Fit Club Oscar didn’t get much exercise,” said June’s daughter Karen Allen. “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 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.”

Oscar’s victory won his owners a pet-friendly holiday courtesy of cottages.com.

PDSA vet Rebecca Ashman, who helped to judge the competition, said: “Oscar’s transformation during Pet Fit Club is truly incredible. He is living proof that it’s never too late to make positive changes.”

Overall, this year’s seven Pet Fit Club finalists lost a total of 4st 12lb (31kg).

A Chihuahua called Tyty, from Glasgow, and Kaspa, a Labrador from Cardiff, each lost 29% of their bodyweight and were awarded joint second place.