New diet drug helps to slim dogs
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 01/18/2007
sponsored by
Pet owners with fat dogs may have a solution for their pooch's problem.
The Food and Drug Administration recently approved a new diet drug to help aid in weight loss for dogs, because more people are reporting obese pets.
"We are exercising less, which means that our dogs are exercising less," said Dr. Steve Thompson, director of the pet wellness clinic in the School of Veterinary Medicine.
"Dogs are getting well-fed and not enough exercise," he said.
The makers of the diet drug Slentrol have released preliminary information. The oral medication interferes with the absorption of fat in dogs' intestines and is not to be used by people or pets other than dogs.
Slentrol will be available sometime in April by prescription only.
"The biggest issues (with obese dogs) are heart concerns, joint problems and if they develop too much fat, which can make it hard to breathe," Thompson said.
Because there is a lot of competition in the dog food industry, he said many companies focus on taste rather than health.
"In five minutes a dog can eat (its) entire calorie limit for the day."
Thompson said even a few pounds can be significant for small dogs.
Bonnie Vermeire, a junior in the College of Consumer and Family Sciences, said her family's dog, Tobi, is slightly overweight.
"People give him table food; not me, my family," said Vermeire of her 5-pound Yorkshire terrier.
Vermeire said she and her family do not take Tobi for walks for exercise.
"He runs around the backyard," she said.
Alicia Bergery, a sophomore in the College of Liberal Arts, said her dachshund, Francis, who she takes on weekly walks, does not need to lose weight.
"He's perfect," Bergery said.
To help dogs lose weight, Thompson advised to start off by cutting their calorie intake and slowly incorporating exercise.
"It's a challenge; it's a lifestyle change," he said.
There are foods that help aid in weight loss for dogs, Thompson said.
"Like light beer, there are light (dog) foods."
Pet owners can have their dogs' weight assessed at no cost at the veterinary teaching facility in Lynn Hall. This option is available for most pets, including dogs, cats, hedgehogs and rabbits, said Thompson.