AN overweight dog who tips the scales at 9stone 7lbs has been selected for the UK’s largest pet slimming competition – PDSA Pet Fit Club.

Alfie, an extra-large Labrador from St Helens, is nearly double his ideal weight after piling on the pounds due to his huge appetite.

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The seven-year-old pooch has been selected to compete against eight other fat cats and dogs from across the UK.

Alfie needs to lose 4 stone 7lb to reach his ideal weight of 5 stone 1lb.

Owner, Antony Mather, 75, says Alfie’s unrelenting appetite and hard-to-resist puppy-dog eyes have led to his sumo size.

“He eats everything and anything, and we find it hard to handle his huge appetite.

"We’ve tried so many diets and, so far, nothing has worked. We’ve even had blood tests to check there’s no medical problems causing it, but they all came back clear, so we’re at a loss as to why he’s so big and always hungry.”

St Helens Star:

Alfie has a huge appetite

Alfie goes on twice-daily walks but his excess weight on his joints means these quickly turn into a very slow plod, rather than anything more energetic, adds Anthony.

“When we’re eating dinner he’ll sit there staring at you with his big puppy-dog eyes and starts drooling until you give him some food.

"Those eyes are going to be hard to resist but I know that his health is suffering and the excess weight is endangering his life.

"He’s showing some signs of arthritis and his weight will only make that worse. We want him to be around for as long as possible, which is why we entered him into Pet Fit Club.

Alfie’s six-month Pet Fit Club diet and exercise programme will be tailored and overseen by the vets and nurses at Huyton PDSA Pet Hospital.

Lizzie Whitton, the PDSA Vet who will be helping to oversee Alfie’s diet, said: “Pet obesity is an epidemic that is affecting the lives of millions of pets across the country.

"As with humans, being overweight can lead to higher risk of suffering from serious life-limiting and life-threatening conditions such as arthritis, certain types of cancer and heart diseases.

“It is estimated that up to 40per cent of cats and dogs are overweight or obese.

"But with the help of PDSA and Pet Fit Club, Alfie and Anthony are making the necessary diet, exercise and lifestyle changes to help get Alfie down to a healthier weight.

"We will support them every step of the way over the next six months to ensure they succeed.

"If owners are worried about their pet’s weight they should seek advice from their vet or vet nurse, who can also make sure pets are on the right type of diet, are being fed the correct amount, and recommend ways to increase exercise levels.”

St Helens Star:

He needs to lose 4 stone 7lb