Pet expert makes urgent Easter warning as dog health issue soars

Dr. Scott Miller, a vet on This Morning, has sounded the alarm for dog owners as obesity becomes increasingly prevalent among dogs. In an exclusive interview with Express.

co.uk, the ITV personality acknowledged that this isn't a recent issue and is something he has witnessed throughout his veterinary career. His advice comes amid expert advice on how much water your cat and dog should drink daily.



However, he emphasized that the responsibility lies solely with the owners to maintain their dog's healthy weight, with advice also recently being issued to pet owners who are getting the 'most popular dog in the world.' After a warning was made about a human activity that gives dogs anxiety , he shared: "It's about working out when treats are appropriate. It's the same as treating kids.

Kids aren't good all the time, so they shouldn't get treats all the time, and nor should dogs. 'My dad killed my rapist on live TV - but I wouldn't trade my life for anything' JD Vance slammed after making bizarre 'jerk' comment during Italy visit "And so if you are treating your dog, or you're using that as the impetus to get them to do what you're asking, then you do need to then look at what you're feeding them for the rest of the day, and then appropriately carve out that calorie intake. So in the end, the whole amount should still be the same" The doctor further elaborated on the best methods to treat your dog and the most suitable places to do so.

He clarified: "But in most cases, I would say, when you are treating dogs, if you're doing it indoors, that is just wasted calories - just calories without any benefit. "But when you are out and about, you are stimulating both mind and body, and that does burn calories itself. "I'd much rather a dog being treated in the park than that were treated at home.

And my guess is, in most cases, the owners that are treating dogs when they're in the park, they're actually quite active. "It's about working out when treats are appropriate. It's the same as treating kids.

Kids aren't good all the time, so they shouldn't get treats all the time, and nor should dogs. And so if you are treating your dog, or you're using that as the impetus to get them to do what you're asking, then you do need to look at what you're feeding them for the rest of the day, and then appropriately carve out that calorie intake. So in the end, the whole amount should still be the same.

The medic went on to explain the best ways to treat your dog and the most appropriate places to use them. He explained: "They're quite engaged with their dog, and they're giving them lots of mental and physical stimulation. So if the treat is a way in which to encourage the dog to listen and to learn and to become sort of a better companion in a safe way I'm all for that," he said.

He further explained: "We just always ask if they are in total at a calorie deficit, or are they at a calorie excess? "And if you do notice that your dog is getting a little rotund, and that's very easy for every owner to see, then there's loads of low fat treats that you can look to, and there's lots of veg as well. Things like carrots." Using his own pet as an example, he shared: "Mango is a fan of carrots.

" Mango is fan of apple. So there's loads of other ways that you can go about it. "And then also foods that have a calorie concentration.

So in other words, a dog feels full, but is actually consuming less calories per meal, per mouthful, and that can then chip away at excess weight. "But with every treat you give, especially when you're feeding them human food, if it's a small dog and you're giving them sort of, a little bit this much (indicates a strip about 4 inches), that can be like a hamburger "So it's right that we're responsible pet owners, and then step back, ask, 'Is my dog a little bit pudgy? Maybe it is. Maybe I'm either overdoing the treats or feeding them too much at home, and I need to make a change," he advised.

Scott made the comments after announcing the winner of the face of the Peamutt Butter contest. The natural peanut butter for dogs will feature a Liverpool border collie as the star of its next advertising campaign. Over 200 dogs from across the UK entered the online competition, with 26 making it to the semi-finals.

One-year-old Liverpool Peamutt Butter fan Oakley won over the judges. Scott admits that many dog owners are likely disappointed that their pet didn't win, but says Oakley was a standout. He raved: "I think he's very much the kind of cheeky chappy that that we were after.

So, you know, a very firm favorite amongst the judges. "I think it's a mixture of the way he looks and that he's a very cool-looking dog, but, also, I just like the fact he's a bit naughty. ""He's got a bit of, he got a bit of something about his character.

"He's a really lovable, friendly, cuddly dog but at the same time, he's a big fan of digging and swimming and getting muddy. And he's just got a really beautiful smile as well, which I thought was just perfect. So, I think he just sort of encapsulated what we love about dogs - that boundless joy, energy and a little bit of cheekiness.

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