Dante Carrillo
Obesity in dogs is a common problem, with an estimated 25 to 40 percent of dogs in the US considered overweight or obese. This can lead to serious health issues such as osteoarthritis, cardiac disease, and respiratory problems. While some people might opt for weight loss supplements for their dogs, such as L-carnitine and fish oil, there are also prescription medications available. Slentrol (dirlotapide) is a medication designed to help manage canine obesity and is the only drug shown to be safe and effective. It works by inhibiting an intestinal enzyme, which triggers a hormonal response that signals to the brain that the dog is full. It is important to note that Slentrol should be used as part of a comprehensive weight management program that includes diet and exercise, and under the supervision of a veterinarian.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are there diet pills for dogs? | Yes, there are pills like Dirlotapide and Slentrol that are specifically designed for dogs. |
| How do they work? | Dirlotapide inhibits an intestinal enzyme (MTP, or microsomal triglyceride transfer protein), which normally aids in the absorption of fats in the intestinal cells. Slentrol is prescribed as part of an overall weight management program that incorporates a complete and balanced canine diet and physical activity. |
| Are they safe? | Dirlotapide is the only drug that has been shown to be safe and effective. Slentrol is generally considered safe but may have side effects like vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. |
| Are there any alternatives? | Yes, there are weight loss supplements like L-carnitine and fish oil that have shown promise in treating obesity in dogs. Chitosan, a dietary supplement derived from crustaceans, may also aid in weight loss by reducing the absorption of fat in the body. |
| How to determine if a dog needs to lose weight? | A body condition score (BCS) can be used to assess if a dog is underweight, overweight, or healthy. Vets can also check for underlying health issues that may be causing a dog's poor body condition score. |
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What You'll Learn
- Dirlotapide: the only drug shown to be safe and effective for dogs
- Slentrol: a medication to help manage canine obesity
- Body condition score: a way to determine if your dog is too skinny, too overweight, or just right
- Supplements: L-carnitine and fish oil may aid weight loss in dogs
- Commercial diets: a recommended way to feed dogs
Dirlotapide: the only drug shown to be safe and effective for dogs
Obesity in dogs is a serious issue, with an estimated 25 to 40 percent of dogs in the U.S. (approximately 17 million) being overweight or obese. This can lead to various health issues such as osteoarthritis, cardiac disease, respiratory conditions, dermatological problems, and compromised immune function. While there are weight loss supplements such as L-carnitine and fish oil that have shown promise in treating obesity, the only drug specifically developed and deemed safe and effective for dogs is dirlotapide, marketed as Slentrol.
Dirlotapide acts by inhibiting an intestinal enzyme (MTP, or microsomal triglyceride transfer protein), which normally aids in the absorption of fats in the intestinal cells. As the ingested but unabsorbed fat accumulates in the intestinal cell, it triggers a hormonal response that signals the brain to stop eating. Essentially, it tricks the brain into feeling full after a smaller meal, thereby decreasing the dog's food intake.
Slentrol is available by prescription and should be used as part of an overall weight management program that includes a nutritionally balanced diet and increased exercise. It is important to note that Slentrol is not a cure for obesity. The decreased appetite experienced when dogs are treated with dirlotapide is temporary and only lasts for 1-2 days after stopping the medication. To maintain weight loss, adjustments in diet and physical activity must be continued even after discontinuing the drug.
Side effects of dirlotapide are typically mild and can include vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. It is not recommended for dogs with liver disease, Cushing's disease, or those receiving corticosteroids, or for growing, pregnant, or nursing dogs. Additionally, pre-existing ophthalmic or endocrine diseases should be managed before initiating treatment with Slentrol.
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Slentrol: a medication to help manage canine obesity
Obesity in dogs is a serious medical condition that can lead to osteoarthritis, cardiac disease, respiratory conditions, heat or exercise intolerance, dermatological problems, compromised immune function, and increased surgical and anesthetic risks. In the United States, an estimated 25 to 40 percent of dogs (approximately 17 million) are overweight or obese.
Slentrol (dirlotapide) is the first FDA-approved medication for the management of canine obesity. It is available by prescription in the United States and was developed by Pfizer Animal Health to address the unmet need for a medication to help veterinarians and pet owners better manage canine obesity.
Slentrol acts locally in the gut to reduce appetite, increase fecal fat, and produce weight loss. It inhibits an intestinal enzyme (MTP or microsomal triglyceride transfer protein), which normally aids in the absorption of fats in the intestinal cells. As the ingested but unabsorbed fat accumulates in the intestinal cell, it triggers a hormonal response that signals the brain to stop eating, tricking the brain into feeling full after a smaller meal.
The effectiveness of Slentrol for weight management was confirmed in two controlled, multi-site field studies using client-owned dogs. In a four-month Slentrol weight-loss study, 97.8% of dogs that completed the study lost weight, with a mean weight loss of 11.8%. The treatment plan is designed to achieve a weight loss of approximately 3% per month, a safe and responsible rate.
It is important to note that Slentrol should be used as part of an overall weight management program that includes a nutritionally balanced diet and exercise. It should not be used in cats or dogs with liver disease or those that have been taking steroid treatments for a long time. The most common side effect is vomiting, and other potential side effects include diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
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Body condition score: a way to determine if your dog is too skinny, too overweight, or just right
While there are diet pills for dogs, such as Dirlotapide, which inhibit an intestinal enzyme to aid in the absorption of fats in the intestinal cells, there are other ways to determine if your dog is too skinny, overweight, or just right. This is where the Body Condition Score (BCS) comes in. BCS is a way to check if your dog is too skinny, too heavy, or just right. It allows you to determine how much fat your dog has compared to the muscles and bones that make up their body structure.
There are two recognised BCS scales for dogs: a 5-point scale (scores range from 1 to 5) and a 9-point scale (scores range from 1 to 9). The 9-point scale allows for more subtle distinctions in condition than the 5-point scale. It is important to indicate which scale you are using, as scores will differ depending on the scale. For example, a dog with a BCS of 5 would be obese on the 5-point scale (5/5), but an ideal weight on the 9-point scale (5/9). By providing your score as a fraction, it helps to better explain the score. A good body condition score for dogs on a 9-point scale is a 4 or a 5. On a 5-point scale, this corresponds to a 2.5 or a 3. In other words, dogs should be right in the middle or just slightly on the thin side of whatever body condition scoring system you use.
To assign a BCS score, you must look at and feel your dog. Observe your dog for signs of a healthy weight. Look at your dog from above. Do they have a waistline that curves in, behind the rib cage, like an hourglass? Sit on the floor and look at your dog from the side. Does their abdomen slant upwards between the rib cage and the hind legs (a tummy tuck)? Or do they have a saggy belly? Feel your dog's ribs. Place your thumbs on the backbone and spread your fingers across their rib cage. If your dog is a healthy weight, you should feel a thin layer of fat with the ribs right underneath. Compare it to the feeling of the knuckles on your hand:
- Underweight: The ribs feel like your knuckles when you close your fist.
- Overweight: The ribs feel like your knuckles on the palm side of your hand.
- Ideal weight: The ribs feel like your knuckles when your hand rests on a flat surface.
In a dog with a BCS of 3/5 or 4–5/9, the ribs will be easy to palpate without applying any pressure with your fingers.
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Supplements: L-carnitine and fish oil may aid weight loss in dogs
While there are prescription medications and diet pills for dogs, such as dirlotapide and Slentrol, that aid in weight loss, supplements like L-carnitine and fish oil can also help.
L-carnitine is a vitamin-like compound made in the body from amino acids. It is found naturally in animal-based protein sources such as meat, fish, poultry, and milk. The redder the meat, the higher its L-carnitine content. It has been used to aid fat metabolism in other species, and studies have shown that it helps reduce weight in overweight dogs. L-carnitine attaches to fatty acids, transporting them into the mitochondria of the cell, where they are converted into energy for all tissues, including the heart, liver, and skeletal muscles. This process helps reduce the storage of body fat and the amount of fat in the bloodstream. In a study conducted by The IAMS™ Company, overweight dogs fed a diet supplemented with L-carnitine lost 6.4% of body weight compared to 1.8% body weight loss in the group that did not receive the supplement.
Fish oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which have a direct effect on the mitochondrion, the powerhouse of the cell responsible for generating the body's heat and energy from digested food materials. In a study, obese male beagles were divided into two groups that received two different calorie-reduced diets. One group received beef fat containing only 0.2% Omega-3 fatty acids, while the other group likely received a higher amount.
It is important to note that a healthy, protein-rich diet should provide a dog with the right amount of L-carnitine to maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, some unpleasant side effects such as digestive problems, nausea, loss of appetite, and diarrhea can occur from large doses of the L-carnitine supplement. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult a veterinarian before starting any supplements or weight loss plans for your dog.
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Commercial diets: a recommended way to feed dogs
There are diet pills for dogs, such as Dirlotapide and Slentrol, which are designed to aid weight loss. However, these should be used under the guidance of a veterinarian and as part of a wider weight management programme, including diet and exercise.
Commercial diets are recommended for dogs as they are formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition for your dog's life stage. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has developed nutritional guidelines to ensure that commercial dog foods meet a dog's nutritional needs. These guidelines are the general basis for the nutritional content of commercial pet foods.
When choosing a commercial diet, it is important to select a high-quality food that meets AAFCO standards. The differences between premium and budget foods lie in the quality and source of ingredients. For example, a dry diet that lists corn as the first ingredient may be nutritionally superior to one listing meat first, as fresh meat contains a lot of water, which is lost during processing.
It is also important to consider your dog's life stage when choosing a commercial diet. Puppies require a minimum dietary protein requirement of 22.5% dry matter (DM), whereas an adult dog requires 18% DM. Senior dog diets often have lower calories, higher protein, lower sodium, and fewer carbohydrates.
While commercial diets are a convenient and recommended way to feed dogs, it is important to be cautious with treats. Treats should be limited to no more than 10-15% of a dog's daily calorie intake, as they can throw off nutrient intake. Healthy, low-calorie treats such as carrots, broccoli, and snap peas are good options.
In summary, commercial diets are a recommended way to feed dogs, but it is important to select a high-quality food that meets AAFCO standards and is appropriate for your dog's life stage. Treats should be limited, and healthy options should be chosen to ensure a balanced diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are diet pills for dogs. One such medication is called Slentrol, which is the first medication to manage obesity in dogs. It is available by prescription.
Slentrol is designed to achieve a weight loss of approximately 3% per month, a safe and responsible rate. It decreases the food intake of the dog by decreasing its appetite.
The most common side effect from Slentrol is vomiting. Some dogs may also experience diarrhoea, lethargy, or a complete loss of appetite. If these side effects last longer than two days, a veterinarian should be consulted.
Yes, there are other weight loss supplements that have shown promise, including L-carnitine and fish oil. L-carnitine is an amino acid that has been shown to be effective in treating obesity in dogs and cats. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which may have an effect on "fat-burning" metabolism.
You can determine your dog's body condition score (BCS) by using your hands and eyes. A good body condition score for dogs on a 9-point scale is a 4 or a 5, which corresponds to a 2.5 or 3 on a 5-point scale.
