Overweight Dogs

According to data from the American Veterinary Medical Association, about 40% of dogs in the United States are overweight (5-20% over ideal weight) or obese (20% or more over ideal weight).

While over the counter (OTC) weight reduction products such as Vetri-Lean Plus Chewable Tablets have been on the market for a while, earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Slentrol (dirlotapide) manufactured by Pfizer Animal Health. Slentrol is the first, and only, veterinary approved obesity drug for use in dogs in the United States. Slentrol is available as a 5mg/ml solution intended to be given to dogs once a day as part of an overall weight management program that includes proper diet and physical exercise. Slentrol reduces a dog's appetite and therefore causes the dog to eat less. How it reduces the dog's appetite is not fully known but it's proposed that the reduction of fat absorption in the gut signals the dog that it's not hungry. Slentrol should not be used in dogs undergoing corticosteroid therapy or those with liver disease. The most common side effects in dogs are vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, and anorexia. While these symptoms usually disappear within two days the veterinarian should be contacted if these symptoms continue.

Slentrol should not be used in cats.

Slentrol should never be taken by humans.

Dog owners giving Slentrol to their pet will need to have regular evaluations of their pets progress by the veterinarian.