Too many curries and not enough exercise are causing problems... for dogs.

The soaring numbers of obese pets is now so great that a special health clinic has been set up in Bradford next week.

Half of dogs and up to a fifth of cats are now judged to be overweight and that can lead to many associated problems such as arthritis and heart problems.

As part of PetCheck week, from September 20-26, owners can take their porky pooches and overly-meaty moggies to the PDSA clinic in Lorne Street, East Bowling, for a free check-up.

The animals will be weighed and have their ears, eyes and teeth checked over as part of a general overall health check.

Senior vet John Taylor said: "It is happening because the owners are, very often, trying to be too kind.

"I have heard of dogs eating curries - not just leftovers either - but sharing mealtimes. I have treated a Dalmatian dog which was double the weight it should be.

"There is some truth that, as humans are getting lazier, so it could be their pets are too."

Snacking between meals was a problem and chocolate can also be fatal in too big a quantity, he said.

Mr Taylor said pets can be put on diets but warned that, as in humans, it is harder to shed it than to put it on.

"The amount of exercise depends on the size of the pet. Usually gun dogs need more exercise than toy breeds but then Yorkies can run everything else ragged too," he said.

Losing weight is also the best way to combat arthritis in dogs as it prevents the animals having to be treated with drugs.

A light-hearted survey for the PDSA, which usually treats animals whose owners are on benefits, also found that pets watch too much television with their owners, with snooker and football the favourite programmes.

A PDSA spokesman said: "Pets need a regular exercise routine but are often hostage to their owners.

"People say their pets are lazy but sometimes that's a habit they've been allowed to get into."

l Pet owners must have an appointment and cannot just turn up at the PDSA clinic. For an appointment contact (01274) 740070 or 0800 917 2509