DOGS in Kilwinning are among the heaviest in the UK, according to a study of over half a million pooches.
Pets at Home analysed the weights of 508,909 dogs across the country and found that Kilwinning canines weigh around 42 per cent more than their ideal weight.
The study by the retailer found that British dogs are on average 22 per cent overweight – meaning that pooches in Kilwinning are actually significantly more likely to have an issue with their weight than elsewhere nationally.
Shaun O’Hare, owner of Kilwinning Pet Market, said he was surprised at the findings.
He told the Times: “I’m pretty shocked because you don’t really see overweight dogs around.
“It’s mainly wee chihuahuas round here that people have and they’re usually small. There is one Labrador that comes in here that’s overweight but that’s about it.”
Asked what advice he would give to owners of overweight dogs, Shaun said: “Probably the best would be to feed them weight controlled dog food.
“You can also get weight controlled treats you can give them.”
The Times contacted Ivybank Vets, which has branches in Kiwinning, Irvine and West Kilbride. Eileen Sinclair, partner and veterinary surgeon at Ivybank, questioned the reliability of the study because of the relatively small proportion of dogs surveyed.
She said: “It’s not come from a vet source so we have to assume that they asked owners who perhaps don’t go to the vet.
“We routinely advise people if their pet is overweight on how they can be healthy.”
Dr. Maeve Moorcroft, Veterinary Advisor for Pets at Home, said: “It’s interesting to see that on average the nation’s dogs are struggling to maintain their ideal weight.
“One of the things many pet owners struggle with is not spoiling their beloved dog with too many treats and snacks, for example cheese and chocolate, which can be harmful to their health.
“However, just as in humans, eating too many treats and carrying extra pounds can have consequences for canines.
“That can include damage to joints, bones and ligaments, problems with breathing and digestion and even quality and length of life in extreme cases.
“That’s why it’s important for pet owners to feed a balanced, nutritious diet to their dog.”