FDA approves first diet drug for dogs
Dogs that are overweight can now be treated with the new diet drug Slentrol, which got its FDA approval last week.
The new drug,
manufactured by Pfizer Animal Health, is designed to suppress a dog’s appetite
as well as blocking fat absorption from high energy treats. It comes in liquid
form, and is a once a day serving, costing between $1 and $2 daily. The drug is
going to be sold as a prescription and can only be administered under the direct
care of a veterinarian.
Surveys have found that approximately 5% of dogs in the
United States are obese, and another 20% to 30% are overweight.
Medicine, said Slentrol is a “welcome addition to animal therapies, because dog
obesity appears to be increasing.”
manufactured by Pfizer Animal Health, is designed to suppress a dog’s appetite
as well as blocking fat absorption from high energy treats. It comes in liquid
form, and is a once a day serving, costing between $1 and $2 daily. The drug is
going to be sold as a prescription and can only be administered under the direct
care of a veterinarian.
Obesity is growing
problem
Surveys have found that approximately 5% of dogs in the
United States are obese, and another 20% to 30% are overweight.
“The
approval of Pfizer’s medicine proofs that canine obesity is a serious and
widespread issue,” said George Fennell, vice president in the company’s
animal division.
Medicine, said Slentrol is a “welcome addition to animal therapies, because dog
obesity appears to be increasing.”
