FDA Approves the First Drug for Obese Dogs

Dog obesity is on the rise...but help is on the way - or so says drug giant Pfizer. A new therapy to help manage obesity in overweight dogs is now available from your veterinarian. Slentrol, a prescription drug manufactured by Pfizer, was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of obesity in dogs. According to drug literature, Slentrol promotes weight loss by reducing appetite and fat absorption.

A veterinarian will determine whether the dog should be treated, based on the dog's weight and general health. Adverse reactions associated with treatment with Slentrol include vomiting, loose stools, diarrhea, lethargy and loss of appetite.

To discourage human use, the label of Slentrol includes the standard warning:

"not for use in humans"

The label further cites the adverse reactions associated with human use, including abdominal distention, abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, headache, nausea and vomiting.

Walking the dog never sounded so good.