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A DRUG FOR WEIGHT LOSS IN DOGS |
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Pfizer has come out with a drug that helps dogs lose weight. The drug is called Slentrol and it comes in pill form and is given to dogs once daily. The mechanism of action is quite simple---it decreases the appetite of the dog. Unfortunately, this drug is available in the U.S. but not yet in Canada. I am sure that it will eventually get here but in the meantime, dogs that are overweight can certainly get onto weight loss programs that are effective without the medication.
Achieving weight loss in dogs is similar to achieving weight loss in people. Anything that can be done to increase the metabolic rate is helpful. Exercise is extremely important but so is the number of daily feedings a dog receives. Rather than one large feeding per day, if a dog receives 2 or 3 smaller feedings, then the metabolic rate will increase and so will the daily calories the dog burns. The food fed is also a key point to weight loss. Many people feed their dogs “weight control” diets which are formulated to help prevent weight gain, but they are not very good at getting dogs to lose weight. Veterinarians can prescribe diets which are formulated for weight reduction. But even when dogs are fed these diets, owners must be careful of the amounts fed per day. Once again, veterinarians can help with this aspect of the diet.
Treats for a dog on a diet are not out of the question but they must be low calorie and they must be rationed each day. If I have placed one of my canine patients on a weight reduction diet, then I prefer to prescribe the treats myself. That way, I will know the exact daily caloric intake of my patient.
Getting a dog to lose weight is not always easy, but it pays off big time. Lean dogs tend to have longer and healthier lives.
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