Pogdy pooch slims down after cutting out the cheese on toast

Undated handout photo issued by the PDSA of Diesel the cocker spaniel who has ballooned to nearly six stone in weight, with owner Marie Shacklady (left) and PDSA vet nurse Rosie Daniels. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Friday February 19, 2016. Four-year-old Diesel piled on the pounds after his owner Marie Shacklady, from Blackpool, Lancashire, admitted she handed out too many treats to him when she was grieving for her mother. See PA story ANIMALS Spaniel. Photo credit should read: PDSA/PA Wire

NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. — Undated handout photo issued by the PDSA of Diesel the cocker spaniel who has ballooned to nearly six stone in weight, with owner Marie Shacklady (left) and PDSA vet nurse Rosie Daniels. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Friday February 19, 2016. Four-year-old Diesel piled on the pounds after his owner Marie Shacklady, from Blackpool, Lancashire, admitted she handed out too many treats to him when she was grieving for her mother. See PA story ANIMALS Spaniel. Photo credit should read: PDSA/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.

Four-year-old Diesel the Cocker Spaniel piled on the pounds after his owner Marie Shacklady, from North Shore, stuffed him with treats while she was grieving for her mother.

Vets from The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) warned her he was carrying more than double his ideal weight, and that his health could suffer if he did not slim down.

Mrs Shacklady, 52, said her wake-up call came when Diesel bounded off her sofa and hurt his back paw.

She said: “My mother died in August 2011 and I was feeling very down. In the New Year, I went to look around some kennels and ended up taking on Diesel.

“My mum used to watch the TV programme Send in the Dogs and her favourite dog was a Spaniel called Diesel, so that’s how I picked his name.

“I admit I used to give him too many treats.

“He loves toast, with butter or cheese, and I used to give him a bit of sandwich if I was having one.

“I would look at him, especially when I was still grieving my mother, and would just give him a treat because he was helping me through everything.”

PDSA vets have advised Mrs Shacklady to change the diet of Diesel, who weighs five stone 10lbs (38kg), and to increase his exercise.

Mrs Shacklady added: “We’re now going on long walks on the beach every day and hopefully we can help him lose some of the weight.”

Vet Vicki Larkham-Jones said: “Our research shows that vets are reporting increasing numbers of obese pets and that is a worrying trend.

“Just like in humans, obesity can lead to serious complications for our pets and it’s important to recognise if your animals are carrying too many pounds.

“Thankfully in Diesel’s case, Marie has taken advice from our vets and with increased exercise and a tight control on what he’s fed, he can hopefully look forward to a happier and healthier future.”