Veterinary Scientist, Dr Alex German and Veterinary nurse, Shelley Holden have rejoined presenter, and vet, Mark Evans in a special follow up programme to the Channel Four series exploring the secret life of dogs.
The series looked at how people’s lives and those of their dogs have radically changed in the last 50 years.
Using hidden cameras, the team investigated how dogs gain weight when their owners are not present or out at work, as well as what research is being done to understand the UK’s obesity epidemic in dogs and cats.
The follow-up programme, revisited the homes and lives of the dog owners who presented their obese pets to the vets at the University’s Weight Management Clinic.
Obesity epidemic
Dr Alex German, head of the University’s Weight Management Clinic, said: “Obesity is common in dogs and can lead to a range of illnesses and diseases.
“Although treatment for weight loss may seem simple – just eat less and exercise more – it is not without its challenges, and owners, with busy lives, can find it difficult even to understand how their dog has gained weight in the first place.
“By showing what dogs get up to out of their owner’s sight, this programme explores how understanding our animals’ behaviour and habits can help in producing a healthy diet and exercise regime.”
Dr German has also contributed to the Channel Four website, which provides information for owners and access to case studies.
To watch the latest episode of Dogs: Their Secret Life, visit: http://dogs.channel4.com/revisited/