Diet Drugs for pets now...

[andtckrtoo]

Okay - am I the only one appalled by this?! If you own a fat dog, you need to get your butt off the sofa and exercise it, not feed it a pill!!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16486821/

Obesity drug approved for dogs — not humans
Medicine could curb appetite, fat absorption if Fido has a little in the middle


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.

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.

 

[MissL]

I agree. If your dog is fat, YOU aren't getting enough exercise! I cannot believe anyone would give their dog diet pills.


MissL

 

[rjroubi]

>I agree. If your dog is fat, YOU aren't getting enough
>exercise! I cannot believe anyone would give their dog diet
>pills.
>
>
>MissL
>
Ditto. How dare anyone give dogs diet pills. Shame on them! They should walk their dog (give them the attention they need!) and they will love you all the more.

 

[pink_fortitude]

What a world we live in. There is something wrong with a country when even up to 35% of its pets is considered overweight!

I do have to admit, though, that it has been really hard with our golden. I walk her and she plays with other dogs, but she does tend to put and keep weight on. We call her our little food whore Wherever there is food, there is Dori :7 but I would never give her a pill, just like I would never take one and my kids would never take one. The lazy way never lasts, and its side effects usually outweigh the benefits in the long run. But you know this will be a hot product. x(

 

[MissL]

>
>I do have to admit, though, that it has been really hard with
>our golden. . . . she
>does tend to put and keep weight on. We call her our little
>food whore Wherever there is food, there is Dori

Yeah, I have the same problem with Miss Dolly. Not sure why. It's a constant battle. She is such a food hound--and a really good little beggar I take her to a park where I can let her run as much as she wants to, but I still have to work at it on the food situation. She is hungry all the time (or tries to make me think she is). I would never, ever give her diet pills, though. Can't even imagine that.

>my avatar is of Lucy comforting Dori after her spaying... if dogs can show this kind of love, just think of what we can >do

I thought I noticed the little shaved belly on Dori so assumed it was a post-surgery pic. What a great pair you have! Am glad Dori is doing okay.

MissL

 

[TeTe]

Our "little" Gracie is the porker of our family! She gets daily walks but was about 10 pounds overweight...we finally put our foot down! We started measuring her food AND limiting treats (she gets only Zukes Hip Action to keep her joints well oiled), and, most of all, we now watch our girls when we feed them to make sure she isn't getting into Gilda's (our other "daughter")food. Last weigh-in was 11 pounds lighter after 6 months of this. She looks better and acts like a young pup again.

 

[2tina72382]

I couldnt believe that I saw something on TV for this!! MOst dogs just need more excercise and less food...My parents dogs are overweight, and I always feel terrible for them because they are overfed and under excercised.
I guess its the american "weigh" isnt it

 

[kathryn]

If you think about it, most pets are eating highly processed food that isn't natural for them. Along with not getting much activity during their day. No wonder they (like most of their people!) are overweight.