CHARITY vets are urging people with podgy pets to pause for thought this year and take a closer look at the health of their animals.

The People Dispensary for Sick Animal's statistics show that about one in three dogs and one in five cats is overweight. The charity, which operates in Worcester, Malv-ern, Droitwich and Evesham, has updated its popular pet diet and nutrition leaflet.

This offers practical tips and advice on providing a well balanced diet for your pet and highlights why it is so important to get a pet's diet right early on in life. PDSA senior veterinary surgeon Elaine Pendlebury said: "Many people simply don't realise that pet obesity can cause serious health problems.

"Overweight pets are at a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. January is a time when many of us make new year's resolutions to be healthier, but our pet's health is just as important, so get their year off to a positive start too and pick up one of our leaflets."

The Pet Diet and Nutrition leaflet forms part of a range of Responsible Pet Care information leaflets produced by PDSA that cover a variety of pet care topics including first aid, training and neutering.

The leaflets are available from PDSA PetAid hospitals and PDSA charity shops nationwide.

For more information people are invited to log on to www.pdsa.org.uk or call 0800 9172509.