HOUNDS SHED POUNDS WITH BETH

Football ace tackles dog obesity with Olympic workouts

ENGLAND and Chelsea striker Beth England has launched a fitness campaign for dogs after research published today reveals that as many as 6 MILLION dogs in the UK are now overweight.

Animal lover Beth and pet food brand, Burns Pet Nutrition, have come up with an Olympic style tournament to enable owners and their pets to get fit together and to shape up in time for the Tokyo Games due to start on July 23rd.

The aptly named Canine Games includes activities such as the 100m Dash-hund, the ball-fetching Shot Mutt, the Highland Terrier Jump, and for slower older dogs, the 800m Labradawdle.

Beth, 26, and Burns Pet Nutrition launch the campaign after a study showed that two-thirds of dog owners admit to spoiling and over-feeding their pet during the coronavirus lockdowns, and one in five failed to walk their animals at least once a day.

And an astonishing 52% of people in the study of 2,000 dog owners said their furry friend is heavier than the recommended weight – 6 million out of the country’s 12 million dogs.

The England striker said: “I am a huge dog lover and my best friend is probably my Golden Retriever Buddy. I couldn’t bear to be without him, so I know how easy it is to spoil your pet.”

“But it’s not good for them. They need exercise and good nutrition almost as much as athletes. That’s why I’m making a series of videos themed on the summer games. I want to help owners and their dogs get fit together.”

John Burns, veterinary surgeon and founder of Burns Pet Nutrition, said: “We are delighted to have Beth as the face of the Canine Games. She loves animals and is passionate about nutrition and fitness – just like us at Burns.

“It’s so important that our dogs are kept fit and at a healthy weight so they can be happy, well, and a part of our lives for as many years as possible.”

Team GB hopeful Beth will publish a different challenge every Friday (starting on the 21st May), with a unique workout every time, via social platforms.

Every Friday for four weeks, starting on the 21st May, Beth will be publishing a new challenge on social media. The Olympic style events are:

• 21st May – 100m Dash-hund – dogs and their owners running 100 meters together
• 28th May – Shot Mutt – owners throwing a ball, shot put style, for their dogs to retrieve
• 4th June – Highland Terrier Jump – dogs and their owners jumping over a 30cm hurdle for 1 minute
• 11th June - 800m Labradawdle – dog owners and their dogs walking 800m together (ideal for older dogs)

Participants are being asked to submit their attempts on social media using the handle #BurnsCanineGames. Beth will announce gold, silver and bronze medallists for each event, on social media once a week.

Winners will receive the following:

• Gold – a 6 month supply of dry dog food courtesy of Burns Pet Nutrition
• Silver – a Burns Pet Food hamper
• Bronze – a 2kg bag of Burns award winning dry food and two bags of Burns Bites

Ends

Editors notes

About the Canine Games

The Canine Games is an initiative launched by leading pet food brand, Burns Pet Nutrition, in partnership with England and Chelsea striker Beth England. The aim of the campaign is to create a fun and engaging way for dogs and their owners to get fit and lose excess weight together.

Every Friday for four weeks, starting on the 21st May, Beth will be publishing a new challenge on social media. The Olympic style events are:

• 21st May – 100m Dash-hund – dogs and their owners running 100 meters together
• 28th May – Shot Mutt – owners throwing a ball, shot put style, for their dogs to retrieve
• 4th June – Highland Terrier Jump – dogs and their owners jumping over a 30cm hurdle for 1 minute
• 11th June - 800m Labradawdle – dog owners and their dogs walking 800m together (ideal for older dogs)

Participants are being asked to submit their attempts on social media using the handle #BurnsCanineGames. Beth will announce gold, silver and bronze medallists for each event, on social media once a week.

Winners will receive the following:

• Gold – a 6 month supply of dry dog food courtesy of Burns Pet Nutrition
• Silver – A Burns pet food hamper
• Bronze – A 2kg bag of Burns award winning dry food and two bags of Burns Bites

About Burns

Burns Pet Nutrition is a family run business based in Kidwelly, South Wales. The natural pet food company has been feeding healthy and happy cats, dogs and rabbits since 1993 and is helmed by Veterinary Surgeon and business owner, John Burns. All Burns products are natural, hypoallergenic and designed to suit all dog breeds and ages. Mr Burns is an advocate of healthy eating and believes that many of the health problems affecting pets are diet related and can be avoided with the correct nutrition. www.burnspet.co.uk

About Beth England

The Chelsea & England number 9 was recently awarded FA Women’s Super League Player of The Year after scoring an incredible 14 goals in 15 games, as the Blues continued their domination and went the entire season unbeaten.

After breaking through into the Chelsea team, Beth received her first international call up, having previously represented England at u19 and u23 level and went on to score her first international goal in a defeat to Brazil.

She is expected to lead the line for the Lionesses in the 2021 Olympics and is currently on course to record a historic season with Chelsea FC, having recently reached the Champions League final for the first time in addition to winning another Super League title.

Away from the pitch Beth has a strong interest in fashion, nutrition and most importantly to her, her dogs Buddy and Dilys.