A dramatic increase in the number of cases of arthritis in pets is being blamed on the rise in overweight animals.

Research by Animal Friends Pet Insurance shows the number of cases of the condition had risen in line with the rise of overweight pets.

Sean Wensley, President of the British Veterinary Association, says it is difficult to know the exact cause for the rise in arthritis but it was entirely plausible that it is down to a 'pet obesity epidemic'.

So how can pets enjoy a healthy but equally enjoyable Christmas?