Samantha Armytage makes her pooch Banjo exercise on a water treadmill

Samantha Armytage is taking a rather unique approach to helping her beloved pet Labrador Banjo shed unwanted kilos.  

Posting to Instagram Stories on Tuesday, the former Sunrise host shared a video of the five-year-old dog walking on an underwater treadmill.  

The pudgy pooch, who suffers from arthritis in his elbows and knees, slowly waked through the shallow water as Samantha coaxed him forward with a treat. 

Samantha also uploaded a photo of Banjo in the water tank taken from the front, adding the tongue-in-cheek caption: ‘Will work for treats… [laughing-crying emoji]’. 

She followed this up with a photo of Banjo at home, sleeping up on his bed as he recovery from what would have been an exhausting day.   

Water treadmill therapy is used when animals have joint or muscle injuries that prevent them from exercising on dry land.

Exercise is going swimmingly! Posting to Instagram Stories on Tuesday, the former Sunrise host shared a video of the four-year-old dog walking on an underwater treadmill

Motivation: Samantha also uploaded a photo of Banjo in the water tank taken from the front, adding the tongue-in-cheek caption: ‘Will work for treats… [crying-laughing emoji]’

Rest: She followed this up with a photo of Banjo at home, sleeping up on his bed as he recovery from what would have been an exhausting day

In August, Samantha revealed to fans that Banjo uses the device ‘a few times a week’, but did not specify whether the purpose was for rehabilitation or weight loss. 

Critics have previously accused Samantha of overfeeding Banjo, with some claiming the dog looks far too large for his species. 

Fans have long expressed their concerns for Banjo, who appears far larger than an average dog of his species, imploring Samantha to feed him less and take him for outdoor play more often. 

Big boy: In 2019, Samantha raised eyebrows when she shared an Instagram photo of Banjo lazing on the couch

In 2019, Samantha raised eyebrows when she shared an Instagram photo of a portly-looking Banjo lazing on the couch. 

The photo showed Banjo sprawled out on the couch, with his legs lazily dangling off the side, and his head appearing to be buried against the arm rest.  

A Sydney-based veterinarian told Daily Mail Australia at the time that the dog appeared ‘overweight’ based on his appearance in a photo.  

‘A good weight loss diet is super important for this dog’: A Sydney-based veterinarian told Daily Mail Australia at the time that the dog appeared ‘overweight’ based on his appearance in a photo

‘A good weight loss diet is super important for this dog,’ the vet – who did not want to be named – told Daily Mail Australia.  

‘Just like humans, they are prone to osteoarthritis, increased joint pain from excess weight and heart disease.’

In June 2021, Samantha described Banjo as ‘a 50 kilogram weighted blanket’ during an interview with The Kyle And Jackie O Show. 

Heavy: In June 2021, Samantha described Banjo as ‘a 50 kilogram weighted blanket’ during an interview with The Kyle And Jackie O Show

A healthy weight for male Labradors is around 30 kilos. 

Sam welcomed Banjo into her life in December 2016, revealing at the time her new pup was the ‘best’ Christmas present to herself ever.

Banjo has since made regular appearances on her social media pages, and even boasts his own popular Instagram account.

The pooch also made several appearances on Sunrise during Sam’s tenure as host, and featured as ‘best man’ at her recent wedding to Richard Lavender. 

By her side: Sam welcomed Banjo into her life in December 2016, revealing at the time her new pup was the ‘best’ Christmas present to herself ever