U.S. health officials have approved the first prescription weight-loss drug aimed at treating Americans’ increasingly plump pooches, the Food and Drug Administration said on Friday.
The drug, Pfizer Inc’.s Slentrol, helps decrease appetite and fat absorption to help the roughly 5 percent of U.S. dogs that are obese lose weight, the FDA said. Another 20 percent to 30 percent are overweight, it added.
"This is a welcome addition to animal therapies because dog obesity appears to be increasing," said Stephen Sundlof, head of FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine.
Also known as dirlotapide, the once-daily liquid can also cause various side effects, including vomiting, loose stools, diarrhea and lethargy.
Americans own 65 million dogs, according to the Humane Society of the United States, and about 39 percent of U.S. households have at least one.
Like their human counterparts, overweight dogs are also at risk for developing diabetes, heart trouble, joint problems and other complications, the FDA said.
At the same time, two-thirds of Americans are also overweight or obese, government statistics show.
But Slentrol is not for human use and will carry warnings to discourage people from using it, the FDA said.
Humane Society spokeswoman Stephanie Slain said while dog owners can have busy schedules they should first work with a vet to curb food portions and increase exercise before using drugs.
"Our fear is that people are trying to find an answer that seems easy to them but that is not the best solution for their dog," she said.
Owners could also hire dog walkers and include pets in family activities such as a walk during children’s soccer practice, Slain added. "If you’re going to spend 15 minutes, spend it walking your dog instead of cleaning up diarrhea," she said.
The drug will only be available through veterinarians later this spring, Pfizer said, and will be given orally at various doses. Dogs should be weighed every month and, if needed, have the drug amount changed to maintain weight loss, the FDA added.
In a statement, Pfizer said Slentrol can give vets an additional tool to help manage weight but can also make it easier for owners to help feed their pets less.
While diet and exercise can work, Pfizer said, it can be too hard.
"Many dog owners experience frustration with these measures because of lack of time to exercise their dogs, and difficulty restricting food and treats," the company said in a statement.
According to the FDA, Pfizer recommends using Slentrol for three months, but the company said duration will depend on the amount of weight loss needed.
The drugmaker did not immediately return a call seeking comment on the drug’s price or potential sales.
