A new drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration gives veterinarians another tool to manage obesity in dogs.
When people insist their faithful canine companions are large boned, thick coated or pleasingly plump, they're ignoring the fact that two out of five dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. But now pet owners can face the problem head on with an innovative new drug from Pfizer Animal Health (New York) that
promises to safely manage canine obesity when other methods are impractical or ineffective.
The drug Slentrol, approved in January by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will be available by prescription this spring. It decreases a dog's appetite, thereby reducing its food intake and making it easier for owners to develop healthier feeding behaviors and attitudes. The drug is given once a day as an oral solution. The duration of treatment depends on the amount of weight to be lost.
In today's hectic world, it's a challenge for many dog owners to find time to ensure their pets get adequate exercise. And in our culture, we often equate food with love without being aware of potential adverse health consequences. For both pet owners and veterinarians trying to manage a dog's weight, these habits can be a source of genuine frustration.
In development for more than five years, Slentrol may improve a dog's quality of life by making exercise and play easier, and may help reduce other serious health problems associated with obesity, such as arthritis, heart disease, respiratory conditions and cancer.
Nearly 17 million dogs in the United States are struggling with weight problems, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
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