MANY Oxford residents may have noticed the ever expanding waistlines of dogs walking on the high street.

While this may not seem overly worrying, the dangers of being severely obese are the same as those for people.

Pets that are allowed to wolf down cake, biscuits, cheese and even hamburgers are much more likely to develop a serious disease and never reach old age.

One small plain biscuit for an average dog is the equivalent of us eating a hamburger.

However, it’s not just a bad diet that’s causing problems, owners must remember to take their animals out for a run in the park as often as possible – just don’t let your dog see the ice cream van!

WILL WRIGHT Four Paws UK