A new national contest called “The Biggest Shedder” is encouraging pet owners to work with veterinarians to help pets slim down in exchange for improved pet health and an array of prizes.

The contest requires owners to bring their pets in for an initial dietary consultation with their veterinarians followed by bi-weekly visits to weigh pets, which may ultimately make owners more open to fighting pet obesity in collaboration with veterinarians.

BluePearl Veterinary Partners is the driving force behind the contest, which rewards winning participants with prizes from companies including Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Pfizer Animal Health, and Trupanion.

“Pets are part of the family and share problems maintaining a healthy weight, just like people do,” said Dr. Neil Shaw, chief medical officer of BluePearl Veterinary Partners, in a news release. “Incorporating a healthy diet and exercise into your pet’s life are paramount to helping your pet live a long and healthy life while preventing avoidable ailments.”

Biggest Shedder details

According to BluePearl, the deadline for the first weigh-in is Feb. 13, and any pet owner with an overweight dog or cat is eligible to participate in the contest. Interested veterinarians can direct clients to follow BluePearl’s three steps to enter, which are:

First step: Make an appointment with your family veterinarian to determine:

• if your pet is overweight, and if so how much your pet needs to lose
• a reasonable weight goal to reach by June 14
• a plan to help your pet lose weight

Second step: Take your pet to your family veterinarian every two weeks for a weigh-in. Then post your pet’s progress at each of six weigh-ins for a chance to win a prize. Winners will be notified by their veterinarians.

Third step: Successful pet owners can post their pet’s picture and details at the final weigh-in for a chance to win the grand prize – one year’s worth of pet food and an iPad.

For more information about the contest and how veterinary clients can enter, visit the contest page on the BluePearl website.