PET owners who are feeding their animals crisps, cakes, and even takeaways are being blamed for an ‘obesity epidemic’.

Four out of five vets have seen a rise in fat pets in the last two years, according to research by a leading animal charity.

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The PDSA, in its latest Animal Wellbeing Report, said 61 per cent of owners in the north feed their animals high calorie treats.

PDSA’s head of pet health and welfare Nicola Martin, said: “PDSA’s research has shown that pet obesity is a growing problem and that too many people are continuing to feed pets inappropriate foods including takeaways, cake, cheese and chips and many pets aren’t exercising enough.

“Pet obesity is entirely preventable and we’re trying to help owners understand that while their pets may beg for food, and giving a treat is seen as a way of showing affection, ultimately it could be killing them with kindness.”

The charity estimated more than six million UK dogs only exercised one hour a day, warning obesity could lead to shorter life expectancy, heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

The results of the survey, which also showed more than half of pet owners were unaware of the issue, come as the charity launched its annual fitness competition to help animals battle the bulge.

The British Veterinary Association’s president, Colne man Robin Hargreaves, said: “It’s hard to quantify but over my career, this has been a consistent gradual increase in the problem. It is not getting any better.

“Animals, and people don’t get fat from eating the wrong foods, they get fat by eating too much.

“If you can’t exercise an animal as much as you wanted, and the truth is not many people can, there has to be a compromise.

“The big message is exercise dogs appropriately and if you can’t, think seriously about whether you should get one.

“There’s a serious problem and it’s getting worse.”

Mr Hargreaves, whose Stanley House Vets practice is based in Albert Road, said people’s perception of what healthy dogs should look like has been distorted, and said feeding guides on the back of dog food packaging could also be to blame for the epidemic.

He said: “Owners should feed pets according to their weight. The weights on the bags tend to be more generous and cover the most active lifestyle.”