News & Politics - FDA Approves Dog Diet Pills

MalloryKeaton · 01-07-2007, 02:00 AM

What do you think about this? Do you think dogs should be given diet pills?

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FDA Approves Doggie Diet Drug

Posted: 3:20 pm CST January 5, 2007

WASHINGTON -- Is your hound round? Too much flab on your Lab? Is your husky, well, husky? A new drug may provide some help.

The government approved the first drug for obese canines on Friday. Called Slentrol, the Pfizer Inc. drug is aimed at helping fat Fidos shed extra pounds.

"This is a welcome addition to animal therapies, because dog obesity appears to be increasing," said Stephen Sundlof, director of the Center for Veterinary Medicine at the Food and Drug Administration.
A dog that weighs 20 percent more than its ideal weight is considered obese. That takes in about 5 percent of the nearly 62 million dogs in the United States. An additional 20 percent to 30 percent are considered overweight.

The liquid drug appears to reduce the amount of fat a dog can absorb. It also seems to trigger a feeling of satiety or fullness, according to the FDA.

The prescription drug also can produce some unfortunate side effects, including loose stools, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite.

And it's not for dog owners. The FDA discourages the drug's use in humans and lists a litany of side effects should anyone ignore that advice. Nor is Slentrol, also called dirlotapide, for use in cats.

In general, dogs need a far fattier diet than humans do to thrive. Fat is an essential source of calories for dogs and is necessary for growth, development, reproduction and healthy skin, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Like all diet drugs, Slentrol is meant to be part of an overall weight management program that includes a complete and balanced diet and exercise, according to its label. Slentrol is not a cure for obesity; its effects cease within a day or two of stopping treatment.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

elisheva · 01-07-2007, 07:56 AM

Or you could just...walk your dog more! Exercise for both; much cheaper with no scary side-effects.

**TheAngel** · 01-07-2007, 09:22 AM

You have got to be kidding me. I know most Americans are too lazy and fat themselves to get off their butts and take out their dogs but still. I can't imagine giving something like that to my animals. My grandparents love feeding my dogs handfuls of dog treats, but I take them out a lot and we go to parks and run and walk and hike with them. It's a great way to work out, is healthy for both, and forms a great bond between pet and owner.

**Lost in Translation** · 01-08-2007, 05:12 PM

I would much rather walk my dog than give her diet pills, but couldn't it be considered a suitable alternative if diet and exercise isn't enough?

I actually don't know much about diet drugs.

**TheAngel** · 01-09-2007, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~ Janet ~ (View Post)

I would much rather walk my dog than give her diet pills, but couldn't it be considered a suitable alternative if diet and exercise isn't enough?

I actually don't know much about diet drugs.

Did you see the list of side effects however? And how many people will misuse that for their dogs like they do for humans. Are we going to see a new rash of super-skinny dogs just like our models? Its not good for a dog to be obese, but it got there in the first place because you didn't exercise it or feed it right. Why should the animal suffer for that.

**Lost in Translation** · 01-09-2007, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheAngel (View Post)

Did you see the list of side effects however? And how many people will misuse that for their dogs like they do for humans. Are we going to see a new rash of super-skinny dogs just like our models? Its not good for a dog to be obese, but it got there in the first place because you didn't exercise it or feed it right. Why should the animal suffer for that.

The list of side-affects doesn't look good but hopefully people will take their dogs off the meds if they're afflicted with the side-effects. And yes, I realize that some people would love to get their dog(s) weight down for image, but I'm hoping that this will be a highly regulated drug. As for exercise, most of the year it's a very good option but in winter when it gets down to -20°C there are some dogs (and people) that can't go outside for a long time.

I'd like to stipulate that I wouldn't use the meds for my dog except as a last resort. I'm just hopeful that these drugs will be used for good and that they will be highly regulated.


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