Half of Britain's dogs could die from obesity

Melbourne, July 27 (ANI): Half of the dogs in Britain could die of complications due to obesity, according to a study of 30,000 pooches.

The U.K.'s People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) found that canine obesity is hugely on the rise, with many plus-size pooches not expected to make it to old age.

Owners - who have become so accustomed to the sight of obese animals they cannot identify what a healthy hound should look like - are to blame for skimping on exercise and indulging their pets in table scraps and treats.

"Overweight pets are less mobile, less willing to play and more likely to develop a serious health condition," News.com.au quoted PDSA senior veterinarian Sean Wensley as saying.

"Ultimately, owners control their pets' diets and exercise," added Wensley.

The percentage of porky pups has jumped from 21 percent to 35 percent since the study began in 2006.

According to the results, the country's healthiest dogs are found in London, while Scotland and Southwestern England are home to the fattest four-legged friends. (ANI)