THE obesity epidemic is not confined to people - their pets are also piling on the pounds. Animal lovers in Worcester are literally killing their dogs with kindness by over-feeding them, giving them the wrong types of food and not giving them enough exercise.

According to research by dog food firm Butcher's Choice, 34 per cent of people in Worcester feed their dogs human food more than twice a week.

The firm also suggests that 64 per cent of dogs in Worcester have suffered from health complaints including bad joints, obesity and bad breath - and a quarter even sleep in the same bed as their owner.

Dot Johnson, aged 73, from Worcester, walks her dog, 12-year-old border collie Josh, for up to an hour-and-a-half in the morning and for 30 to 45 minutes in the evening.

The dog became her constant companion following the death of her husband Len, eight years ago in June.

But, two years ago, she noticed Josh was limping and she took him to the Severn Veterinary Centre in Tybridge House, Tybridge Street, Worcester. Experts there told her she could help her animal by changing his diet.

Mrs Johnson said: "He's my best friend and very close to me. I always thought he was okay. I would give him a handful of biscuits but I did not realise how much weight goes on them because of it. He was still very active but then I noticed a problem with his back legs - he was limping. He had got arthritis when I had him checked out but I didn't think he was grossly overweight. He needed to lose weight because otherwise he could have ended up having a hip operation and I don't have the money."

She cut down on biscuit treats and began giving him Mobility Special, a dog food recommended by her vet and was also urged to give him measured helpings of the dog food.

She also gives him a teaspoon of essential oils to help maintain strong and supple joints.

Mrs Johnson immediately noticed a difference in her animal as he dropped more than 3kg in weight and his limping stopped.

She said: "I persevered because I wanted the best for him. I noticed the difference - he was more agile. He was getting through the stiles more quickly and bouncing around more. He's now a much healthier and happier dog. When I see overweight dogs I feel it's a shame for the dog and maybe the owners are not aware that it shortens their life."

What to do with your porky pooch before it is too late

THE VET

JAN Stevenson, from Severn Veterinary Centre, a veterinary nurse with almost 30 years of experience, says 60 per cent of the dogs she sees are overweight and about the same proportion of cats.

Miss Stevenson runs free one-on-one weight watchers classes to help pet owners ensure they have healthier, more slimline pets.

She said: "The main causes are over-feeding and feeding them incorrect food. There are a lot of good quality foods on the market but animals need to be fed in the correct amounts.

"Pork, ham and bacon in particular are not suitable. If they must have meat it should be beef, lamb, chicken or other poultry. Ham is often highly processed and full of salt."

THE HEALTH FARM

THOSE who have the money can pay someone else to help their dog to lose weight at Lucies Farm, in Powick, which offers all kinds of pampering for dogs at a cost of £42.50 per day.

Dogs are walked in a 17-acre woodland, get massages, are taken for a swim and play games of catch for up to four hours a day.

THE CRUFTS JUDGE

Christine Hart Diggines, from Matthias Close, Malvern Link, a judge at Crufts 2007, said dog owners needed to take advice from top breeders about how to keep their dogs in the best possible shape.

Mrs Hart Diggines, also a prize-winning exhibitor of Schipperkes, said the secret of ensuring a healthy dog was always feeding it the best dog food which, in her view, is Royal Canin.

Mrs Hart Diggines is convinced that the food has played a vital role in her ability to produce champion dogs.

"You should never leave food down for dogs but feed them twice, in the morning and evening," she said. "Most dogs will keep on eating until they can't stop. We feed our dogs the best possible food "

THE DIET

A traffic light system has been devised as a guide to pet owners.

Red (strictly off limits):

Human chocolate.

Human biscuits.

Raisins and grapes - contain a toxin which can damage the kidneys in large quantities.

Amber (an occasional treat)

Healthy dog treats bought from a shop.

Gravy and healthy table scraps - added to a dog's dinner.

Fruit - apples, bananas and pear in small amounts.

Green (everyday food)

Good quality dog food in amounts recommended by a vet.

Cooked fish - a good source of easily digestible protein.

Fresh vegetables - raw or cooked.