A podgy pug weighing two stone has been picked for a nationwide pet slimming competition.

Percy needs to lose eight pounds to reach his ideal weight and will now have the help of the PDSA Pet Fit Club to reach his target.

The three-year-old often eats chicken and gets fed leftovers.

Despite three walks a day he is still unable to run around like other dogs.

Owner Chloe Morrison, from Baillieston in Glasgow, wants to help Percy shed the weight in the competition, during which he will come up against eight other cats and dogs.

She said: “When we’re eating dinner he sits and stares at you with his puppy-dog eyes until you give him some food and my dad tends to feed him his leftovers, too, which is definitely adding to his weight gain.

“He’s a clever pooch. My mum had cooked some toast and had left it on the side while getting something from another room.

“When she came back he was half way down the garden with the whole piece of toast in his mouth.”

She added: “I’m really excited to be part of Pet Fit Club and I’m hoping it will help Percy to have a better quality of life and he can live to a ripe old age.

“I can’t wait to see his transformation.”

Chloe Morrison, Percy, Amanda Stewart
Percy with owner Chloe Morrison (left) and vet nurse Amanda Stewart (PDSA/PA)

The competition has been running since 2005 and is the largest of its kind on Britain.

Percy will be given a specially tailored six-month diet and exercise programme from the PDSA Pet Hospital in Shamrock Street, Glasgow.

Amanda Stewart is the PDSA vet nurse team leader who will be helping to oversee his diet.

She said: “Pet obesity is an epidemic that is impacting the lives of millions of pets across the country.

“For Percy, his excess weight is even more concerning due to his breed.

“Pugs are a flat-faced breed and being overweight worsens the breathing difficulties they face due to this.

“This makes helping him lose weight all the more important.”

She added: “With the help of PDSA and Pet Fit Club, Percy and Chloe are making the necessary diet, exercise and lifestyle changes to help get Percy down to a healthier weight.

“We will support them every step of the way over the next six months to ensure they succeed.”