According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), in 2002 there were more than 62 million dogs in the United States. A growing number of dog owners feed their dogs too much food, scraps or treats. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said five percent of American dogs are overweight (twenty percent more than the dog's ideal weight) and twenty percent are obese (seventeen million dogs, according to American Veterinary Medical Association). The FDA said in an e-mail statement: "The dog obesity appears to be increasing." Stephen Sundlöf director of FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine said: "Veterinarians are well aware that overweight pets are at greater risk of developing various health problems, from heart disease to diabetes to joint problems. "Other dog obesity-related health problems include arthritis, hip dysplasia, high blood pressure, skin problems (excessive skin collected fat deposits can often attribute to increase the dirt, bacteria and other harmful organisms), and cancer. Exercise and play are difficult or impossible. Attributable to obesity in dogs Michael Filippo, spokesman for the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), said: "There is a lot about lifestyle and more people have pets but they do not have a garden, people do not have time to run around .. and play with dogs and get exercise. "Some dog breeds are more susceptible to obesity, such as Basset Hounds, Beagle, Dachshund, and Labrador retrievers. A Purina fourteen years of life study of Labrador retrievers, as evidence to show, when these dogs are maintained twenty-five percent fewer calories than the control dogs, fifteen percent longer median lifespan. A veterinarian can provide information about a particular dog (PET) preferred or desired exact weight or body condition.In January 2006, The Food and Drug Administration approved the first dog prescription weight loss drug Slentrol (dirlotapide) manufactured by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Incorporated, after five years of study. Estimate cost owners about one to two dollars per day (According to AVMA Americans spend almost $ 40 billion per year on their dogs and other pets.) According to Pfizer spokesman said: "It will be released only with veterinarians and are expected to be available in spring ( 2007). "The label on the medication, instructing dog owners as part of the total weight loss program, providing a balanced diet and exercise. Bob Fautex, a spokesman for Pfizer said: "Pfizer originally studied medicine for use in humans to lower cholesterol The company discovered it could use in dogs and gave up on people .." Stentrol works by reducing appetite and fat absorption to give weight loss. In addition, triggers liquid medicines a feeling of fullness. A dog owner's veterinarian determines the drug dosage, depending on weight and adjust the dose as the dog weight loss progresses. Given an initial dose (once daily) for the first fortnight. Proposed by Pfizer, after the dog reaches the desired weight, the medication should continue for three months, while the ideal level of food and exercise is determined. The medication is given directly or added to dog food. Known side effects: loose stools, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy and anorexia. The drug is not recommended for dogs with liver disease or who may be long - term corticosteroid therapy. A warning shall be placed on Slentrol by Pfizer, warn against human use of the drug, and should not be used for cats. Also, keep this and all drugs out of reach of children. In the case of human use, symptoms include: diarrhea, abdominal distention and pain, headaches, nausea and vomiting.In 2005, Pfizer Animal Health a leader that develops and markets pharmaceuticals and vaccines for pets and livestock (including beef and dairy cattle and pigs), sales $ 2.2 billion.
