DIETING is as much part of our summer as downpours at Wimbledon. But if you're cutting back on the calories in order to fit into last year's shorts, spare a thought for your pet.

Chances are your four-legged friend has spent the winter grazing on snacks and could do with shedding a bit of weight too.

A survey has found that around half our pets are clinically obese - that's a weighty seven million cats and dogs in the UK.

To help get porky pets into perky shape, the Pet Slimmer of the Year competition has been launched with the prize of holiday vouchers worth £2,500 up for grabs.

Fitness guru Rosemary Conley is backing the competition, now in its ninth year.

She said: "Summertime can be the ideal motivation to help you and your pet shed some pounds. Many of us use summer as motivation to lose weight and increase our levels of exercise - but don't forget your pet."

If you think your pet has a weight problem and want to enter, visit your vet for a free weigh check and information leaflet. If it is decided your pet is portly, you need to take its picture, then another snap once it reaches its target weight. Your vet or veterinary nurse will need to write a small description of the weight loss programme and send the entry off by the closing date of October 13, 2000.

There will be regional finals - including one in Wetherby on November 6 - as well as a national grand final.

In the meantime, here's some top tips to help get your pet into shape:

u Remember to consult your vet over a slimming plan for your pet.

u It's worth getting your pet weighed at the vets if you can't feel its ribs clearly.

Set realistic goals. Weight loss should be gradual.

u If you have other pets, don't feed them at the same time as your fat one - it encourages over-eating. Make sure it has plenty of fresh drinking water.

u Ask your vet about calorie-controlled treats for pets.

u Draw up an exercise programme with your vet.

u Pay your pet lots of attention during the diet - substitute food with love.

u Make sure no one else is feeding your pet - warn neighbours and the kids.