Well it is named Sugar! Podgy pug that weighs the same as a TODDLER goes on a diet after tipping the scales at a whopping 26 pounds
- Sugar the pug was rescued eight months ago and weighs a whopping 1st 12lb
- Owner Steve Jones, from Caerphilly, south Wales, is helping her to shed pounds
- Previous owner never took Sugar, 12, on walks and she has bad vision and is deaf
- Sugar is taking part in PDSA Pet Fit Club competition to try and lose the weight
A podgy pug who is double the size she should be and weighs the same as a toddler is going on a diet.
Sugar was rescued eight months ago by Steve Jones, from Caerphilly, south Wales, when she was already massively overweight.
The 12-year-old dog has managed to shed some pounds since then but still tips the scales at a whopping 1st 12lb (11.9kg).
Mr Jones, 62, said Sugar piled on weight because her previous owner never took her out for walks to work off her treats.
Sugar the pug weighs 1st 12lb and was rescued by Steve Jones, from Caerphilly, south Wales, eight months ago. Since then she’s already managed to lose around a kilogram in weight
He said: ‘Sugar’s owner was partially sighted and her limited vision meant she couldn’t cope with her. She never used to go out for walks at all.
‘She has poor vision herself and is also deaf, which presents quite a few challenges.
‘In the last couple of weeks she’s also had to have all her teeth taken out so she’s not enjoyed the best of health.’
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Sugar suffers from a host of health problems, many of which are related to her age, breed or lack of exercise, and could have been made worse by her weight.
For example, giving her an anaesthetic for recent dental work was a much higher risk because of her size.
Mr Jones said that since adopting Sugar he has helped her lose around a kilogram and has sought help from vet staff at Cardiff PDSA Pet Hospital in battling the bulge.
Mr Jones said Sugar’s previous owner never took the podgy pug, pictured, for walks. He now takes her out once a day and is trying to increase her exercise gradually
He said his other dog Winston, a Bichon Frise, is a healthy weight and has up to four walks a day.
Mr Jones said: ‘I take Sugar out as well but we have to go at her pace and it takes a lot longer so she is walked once a day at the moment.
‘Since she’s had her bad teeth removed she seems healthier and happier, so we’re going to try and increase her exercise.’
Sugar has enrolled in the annual PDSA Pet Fit Club competition.
PDSA vet Olivia Anderson-Nathan said: ‘Obesity has been a huge problem among UK pets for a number of years and sadly there is no sign of improvement.
‘It is one of the biggest long-term health concerns for our pet population, because it is so commonly seen by vets and nurses.
‘Animals who are overweight have a much greater risk of developing health problems such as arthritis and diabetes – which can have drastic consequences.
‘Excess weight can also seriously aggravate other medical problems, for example making it even more difficult for flat-faced breeds like Pugs and French Bulldogs to breathe.
‘Research has also shown that carrying too much weight can even reduce a dog’s life expectancy by up to two years and six months.’
Owners can enter their pets in Pet Fit Club online.
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