If your waistband is straining a little after Christmas, you may not be the only one on a tighter leash in January.

A fifth of dog owners worry their pets put on weight over the festive season, a study by the Guide Dogs charity has found more than a third of owners admit allowing their dog extra treats during the festive season whilst a quarter take their pet out for fewer walks over Christmas.

It means a quarter of dog owners will put their dog on a post-Christmas diet, while 27 per cent plan to increase their dogs’ physical activity to slim them down.

Tim Davies, chief veterinary officer at Guide Dogs, said: “Whilst it’s inevitable dogs might enjoy an extra treat or two over the festive season, it’s important they are kept active and maintain a healthy diet to avoid putting on weight.”

The charity has provided tips on how to keep dogs slim, including games such as Frisbee and fetch or tug-of-war with a rope toy.

Its survey of 2,000 dog owners revealed almost a quarter would not know if their pet has a poor fitness level, while 26 per cent did not even know how often their dog needs to be walked.

Last year a study by the Royal Veterinary College found one in 14 dogs are recorded as overweight, with golden retrievers, English springer spaniels, pugs and beagles especially prone to weight gain.

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