Clare Balding urges dog owners to walk pets and beat epidemic of canine obesity

TV’S Clare Balding is urging dog owners to walk their pets more this winter to beat an epidemic of canine obesity.

A survey found that one in ten owners say their hound is carrying extra pounds — equal to about 1.2 million animals.

A lack of exercise is a leading cause of weight gain, which can lead to serious health conditions such as heart problems, arthritis and diabetes.

But almost a third of 2,002 owners polled by Pets at Home admitted taking dogs out less during the winter months.

Clare, 52, is backing the retailer’s Five Minutes More campaign — encouraging owners to add five minutes to each dog walk this winter.

She is also leading its Winter Walkies event, a sell-out 45-minute dog walk at Tatton Park, Cheshire, this Friday.

Clare, who presents Lost Dogs Live on Channel 5, said: “This winter we are calling on dog owners to get out there, come rain or shine, to keep their dogs active.

“Wetter weather may make the daily dog walk less appealing but no less important.”

Vet Dr Leigh-Anne Brown advised also measuring out meals to avoid overfeeding.