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Australia's Premier Pet Slimmer
Competition Announces Call For Contenders
In combating the obesity epidemic engulfing Australian pets, the nation’s premier pet slimmer competition - Hill’s Pet Slimmer of The Year – has launched its official 2007 call for contenders.
Just as Australians are becoming heavier, so too are the nation’s pets, with approximately 40 per cent of dogs and one-third of cats either overweight or obese. With a national dog population of four million, that’s more than 1,600,000 overweight hounds.
The annual competition, now in its ninth year, was launched by Hill’s Pet Nutrition to help raise awareness of the problems and solutions related to pet obesity. In the process, pets lose unwanted kilos and gain more healthy lifestyles.
Last year’s national winner, Elwood, a typical terrier cross from Melbourne, is now enjoying a renewed quality of life after shedding 7.4kg – a massive one third of his bodyweight. Elwood overcame obesity, children passing him sausages through the fence, and a competitive field of state finalists to become the nation’s Top Dog slimmer, the title awarded to him by The Biggest Loser’s Fiona Falkiner.
Growing since its inception in 1998, the competition has a support base of over 1,200 veterinary clinics across Australia – who participate in the Weight Watchers-style competition by providing advice for owners, regular weigh-ins and rewards for pets who reach weight loss milestones.
Every contender enters the running for a state title, with winners battling it out later this year for the 2007 Hill’s National Pet Slimmer of the Year crown.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s Veterinary Affairs Manager, Dr Karen L. Johnston, says that the correlation between pet and owner obesity is becoming more profound, with pet obesity linked to owner’s busy lifestyles, inactivity and tendency to over indulge.
Obesity rates for Australians have doubled in the past twenty years, with 62 per cent of men and 45 per cent of women now deemed overweight or obese. Sadly, the same trend exists in household pets.
It’s a big problem, but it can be fixed. Pets can’t sign up at the gym or feed themselves, they need their owners to sign up for them.
“It’s common for busy people, tired after a long day, not to feel like walking the dog,” Dr Johnston said. “They may shower their pets with treats without realising they may be killing them with kindness. As an example, feeding one high calorie treat to a small dog or cat is the equivalent of a human eating an entire packet of chips.”
Just as with people, obesity has serious health implications for pets. Arthritis, one of many diseases associated with increased weight, has grown in prevalence over the years. Shortened life expectancy, heart and respiratory problems, and a reduced resistance to infection are also a result of pet obesity.
If your pet is looking heavier than usual, ask your local veterinarian about entering your pet in the 2007 Hill’s Pet Slimmer of the Year competition. State winners each receive a year’s supply of Hill’s pet food, and the national winner also collects $1,000 worth of travel vouchers and a pet shopping spree for both owner and pet to enjoy.
Dr Johnston says weight management is an important part of looking after your pet and should be every owner’s responsibility.
“Everyone benefits from having a slim pet. Slim pets are more healthy, energetic and happy than if they were overweight. By entering the Hill’s Pet Slimmer Program, you can help your pet lose weight, and make sure he stays at his ideal weight,” she said.
To register your pet in the 2007 Hill’s Pet Slimmer of the Year Competition, visit or phone a participating clinic. This year’s competition and related programs close for entries on October 31 2007. Hill’s will announce state winners in November and the national winner in December.
