Vet Notes : dogs
New Obesity Drug for Dogs
According to a 2002 American Veterinary Medical Association study, 40% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. Pet owners often do not recognize that their pets are overweight, but even if they do, it can be a daunting challenge to help their pet return to healthy, lean body condition. Pfizer Animal Health will soon be launching a medication to help the fight against canine obesity. Slentrol can be used, along with diet and exercise, to help overweight dogs lose weight. The drug works by controlling the appetite and in clinical trials, decreased the amount of food consumed by up to 50%. The medication may not work for all dogs and most dogs will have some vomiting (one or two episodes) when starting the medication. Diet change and retraining may be necessary because once your dog has reached ideal body condition and the medication is discontinued, the appetite comes right back, allowing the weight to come back if you aren't ready.
Dr. Melissa Brookshire
Veterinarian
