DOG owners have been urged to get their dumpy dogs back in shape.

Following the revelation that dogs in Faringdon are the fourth fattest in the UK, a local dog agility trainer has given her top tips for helping corpulent canines slim down.

Sarah Gamble has run Vale Agility training club in Stanford in the Vale, just outside Faringdon, for five years.

Training dogs to compete in athletic contests at the national level, including Crufts, she knows exactly what the hurdles are to getting fit.

Ms Gamble, who grew up in the area and went to school in Faringdon, said: "Unfortunately I do see a fair few overweight dogs in the area.

"The biggest issue I come across is the owners have no idea of what weight their dog should be.

"I've heard many times 'my vet said my dog is a good weight' – this is a very worrying comment.

"I am very open in saying to people if I think their dog is a tad on the large side – particularly for undertaking a sport such as a agility, it is critical dogs are fit and healthy."

The national survey of dumpy dogs was carried out by chain store Pets at Home.

Researchers looked at data for half a million dogs and found that in Faringdon a whopping 45 per cent were overweight.

The Oxfordshire market town came in joint fourth place with Dovercourt in Essex and Cliftonville in Kent.

Topping the table was Swinton in Yorkshire, where Pets at Home reckoned 48 per cent of pooches were over their guideline weight.

The company's veterinary advisor Dr Maeve Moorcroft warned that, just like in humans, carrying extra pounds could have serious consequences for canines including damage to joints, bones and ligaments; problems with breathing and digestion and even length of life.

Ms Gamble, who owns four dogs herself, three of which compete in agility, said regular exercise and a good diet were key to keeping a healthy hound.

She said: "Having three competing dogs I strive to maintain their health and fitness with daily walks, runs, brain activities and a good diet.

"My dogs rarely get leftovers except for carrots.

"I do take out high-value treats to use for training, such as liver, but this is rationed and I will reduce any meals in accordance to what I give in treats.

"I regularly say to clients if you are using treats throughout the day, you must reduce their regular meals to compensate."

Ms Gamble also regularly takes her dogs swimming at dedicated hydrotherapy sessions which she said is a great way to help them build muscle.

Find out more about how to keep your dog healthy at rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs