VIDEO: Heavy hounds shed the pounds

SEATTLE -- The issue of obesity isn’t limited to the human population of the United States, as more and more pets become overweight.

According to the Everett Herald, roughly 50 percent of local pets are overweight per an estimate from a local veterinarian.

The paper profiled one such pooch, Ndnd – a 6-year-old, 18-pound Chihuahua. The dog suffered from a chronic cough, lack of energy and joint problems.

Ndnd started “working out” at Wag Wellness, a Bothell business specializing in helping pets perfect their fitness.

A year after beginning her treatment, Ndnd had slimmed down to 9 pounds, increased her muscle definition and no longer had her chronic cough, Wag Wellness owner Lynnie Ford wrote in an editorial for the Herald.

The paper reports that a Lynnwood pet clinic is now encouraging other owners to help their pets lose weight, with a Biggest Loser-style contest for dogs.

To read more about Ndnd and to get the details on the contest, read the Everett Herald’s article here.