FDA Approves Dog Diet Pills

[Family Ties Forever!]

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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.

[Brian Damage]

This drug may cause

Lack of sleep

Loss of Appetite

and Sexual side effects

[ABlairican Pie]

What's next, the AMA approving dog psychologists and doggie psychic counsellors?


Of course, I wouldn't mind confessing my problems and issues to a dog psychologist.....as long as I got to pay him in Milk-Bone Tarter Control treats and frisbee tosses.

[PlayOn]

This is stupid. Take your dog on walks, and don't over feed him. That's what I do. I wish I could post a picture of my dog, but I'm not computer smart and I don't have picture, so it'd be useless even if I did know how.

[TJL]

I can't wait to see the late night infomercial praising the new doggie diet pills.

"My black lab Chester lost 20 pounds! He's like a puppy again!"

"My Fifi fits into the collar she wore the day I brought her home from the breeder!"

"He looks healthier, he feels better, and he's stopped wheezing when he climbs the stairs!"

[PlayOn]

Originally Posted by TJL

I can't wait to see the late night infomercial praising the new doggie diet pills.

"My black lab Chester lost 20 pounds! He's like a puppy again!"

"My Fifi fits into the collar she wore the day I brought her home from the breeder!"

"He looks healthier, he feels better, and he's stopped wheezing when he climbs the stairs!"

I can imagine the side effects.

May cause:
worms
unhealthy coat (hair)
dryness of mouth
bad taste
nausea
going to the bathroom repeatedly
vomiting


Poor Rover.