NEW DOGGY DIET DRUG

News from the ASPCA:

ASPCA WEIGHS IN ON NEW DOGGY DIET DRUG
The ASPCA celebrates advances in veterinary science that have led to the creation of Slentrol, a “diet drug” for dogs approved January 5 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and expected to be available with a vet’s prescription this spring. Of course, we’d like to remind pet parents that no drug should replace regular diet and exercise programs, and that it is important to work closely with your veterinarian to determine if your pet would be an appropriate candidate for this treatment.

“Slentrol works by reducing a dog’s appetite and fat absorption,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist and senior vice president of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the premier animal poison control center in North America. “As with any weight reduction program, Slentrol should be used as part of an overall weight loss and exercise program monitored by your veterinarian. Slentrol will typically be prescribed for three months, and dogs should be re-examined at that point.”

Dogs are defined as obese if they are 20 percent over their ideal weight. Surveys estimate that five percent of American dogs are obese, and another 20 to 30 percent are overweight. Just as in humans, obesity in dogs can lead to health problems, including joint disorders and diabetes.

“Pet obesity is a growing problem that needs to be addressed,” says ASPCA President, Ed Sayres. “However, we want to make it clear that the ASPCA does not consider medication a substitute for proper diet and exercise. This treatment should be considered only for seriously obese dogs, and only if diet and exercise programs have failed and a pet’s weight is endangering its life.”

Pet parents should be fully informed of Slentrol’s potential side effects and work closely with their vets when administering this medicine. Pet parents should also resist the temptation to pop a few Slentrol themselves, as the drug has been deemed dangerous for humans.

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