First Drug Treat Obesity in Dogs

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), in 2002 there were more than sixty-two million dogs in the United States. A growing number of dog owners feed their dogs to much food, scraps or treats. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said five percent of American dogs are obese (twenty percent more than dog ideal weight) and twenty percent are overweight (seventeen million dogs according to American Veterinary Medical Association). The FDA said in an E-mailed statement: "dog obesity appears to be increasing." Stephen Sundlof director of FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine said: "Veterinarians are well aware that overweight pets are higher risk of developing various health problems, from cardiovascular conditions to diabetes to joint problems." Other related dog obesity health problems include arthritis, hip dysplasia, high blood pressure, skin problems (Excessive skin accumulate fat deposits can often attribute to increase dirt, bacteria and other harmful organisms) and cancer. Exercise and play are more difficult or impossible. Attributing to obesity in dogs Michael Filippo, spokesman for the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) said: "It's a lot about lifestyle. More people have pets but they don't have a yard. People don't have the time to run around and play with dogs and get exercise."

Certain breeds of dogs are more susceptible to obesity, including basset hounds, beagles, dachshunds, and Labrador retrievers. A Purina fourteen year Life Span Study of Labrador Retrievers, provided evidence to show, when these dogs maintained twenty-five percent fewer calories than control dogs, had fifteen percent longer median life span. A veterinarian can provide information regarding a given dog (pet) preferred or desired exact weight or body condition.

In January 2006, The Food and Drug Administration approved the first dog prescription weight-loss drug Slentrol (dirlotapide) manufactured by Pfizer pharmaceuticals Incorporated, after five years conducting studies. Estimate cost pet owners about one to two dollars a day (According to AVMA Americans spend almost 40 billion dollars a year on their dogs and other pets.) According to a Pfizer spokesperson said: "It will be dispensed only be veterinarians and expected to be available in the spring (2007)." The label on the medication, instructs dog owners as part of the overall weight loss program, provide a balanced diet and exercise. Bob Fautex, a spokesman for Pfizer said: "Pfizer originally studied the drug for use in humans to lower cholesterol. The company discovered it could be used in dogs and gave up on human use." Stentrol works by reducing appetite and fat absorption to produce weight loss. Furthermore, liquid drug triggers a feeling of fullness. A dog owner's veterinarian will determine the drug dosage, depending on weight and adjust the dosage as the dog weight loss progresses. Given an initial dosage (once daily) for the first fourteen days. Suggested by Pfizer, after the dog reaches the desired weight, the medication should continue for three months, while the best level of food and exercise is determined. The medication is given directly or added to the dog food. Known side effects include: Loose stool, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite. The medication is not recommended for dogs with liver disease or receiving long -- term corticosteroid therapy. A warning label will be placed on the Slentrol by Pfizer, warning against human use of the drug, and shouldn't be used for cats. Also, keep this and all drugs out of reach of Children. In case of human use symptoms include: Diarrhea, abdominal distention and pain, headache, nausea and vomiting.

In 2005, Pfizer animal Health is a leader, developing and marketing medicines and vaccines for companion animals and livestock (including beef and dairy cattle and swine), sales of $2.2 billion.