A dog owner has been inspired to lose weight after her podgy pooch made her 'paws' for thought when he lost ten kilograms.

The three-year-old Weimaraner, Susu, started limping after piling on the pounds but thanks to owner Anita Hare taking action, she has lost ten kilograms (1.5 stones). She's now down to 29 kilograms.

Anita was horrified when she realised Susu's weight problems were taking their toll on her pet's health.

"I had noticed her putting on weight," said Anita, of Farnham Road, Great Horton, Bradford. "But it was my daughter, Selina, who really noticed. Every time she came to visit, she would say, 'that dog is getting fat'."

Anita, 58, sought help from PDSA's PetAid hospital in Lorne Street, East Bowling, Bradford, when Susu started limping. "I was told she was limping because of her weight and had arthritis," she said. "The vet told me to cut down on Susu's food. I used to give Susu two cups of meal biscuits and half a tin of Pedigree Chum once a day.

"Now I give her half a cup of dog biscuits and put in a fork full of dog food twice a day. We used to give Susu a bite of everything we were eating but we had to ban all the treats. She took to it quite well and I can see the difference."

Anita now been inspired by her dog's success to try to shed some pounds herself.

"I have lost five stone before," she said. "But then it started going back on again so I am now hoping to lose it again."

According to the PDSA, one in three dogs and one in five cats is overweight.

The PDSA's Elaine Pendlebury said: "Many people simply don't realise that pet obesity can cause serious health problems. Overweight pets are at a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes and arthritis."

The charity has updated its Pet Diet and Nutrition leaflet which are available from PDSA PetAid hospital in Lorne Street, East Bowling,or by visiting www.pdsa.org.uk or by calling 0800 917 2509.