New anti-obesity medication available soon for paunchy pooch, but K-State veterinarian says there are other ways to help slim pet

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Source: Dr. Susan Nelson, 785-532-4130, snelson@vet.k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, 785-532-6415, ebarcomb@k-state.edu

Thursday, January 18, 2007

NEW ANTI-OBESITY MEDICATION AVAILABLE SOON FOR PAUNCHY POOCH, BUT K-STATE VETERINARIAN SAYS THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO HELP SLIM PET

MANHATTAN -- An anti-obesity drug for overweight dogs that recently got approval from the Food and Drug Administration may soon be on its way to your veterinarian's office.

But there are plenty of other ways to help your dog shed unwanted -- and unhealthy -- pounds. Susan Nelson, clinical assistant professor at Kansas State University's Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, has several solutions.

* Measure the pet's food and follow guidelines according to the animal's size and weight. Leaving the food bowl accessible and full allows pets to eat what they want, when they want it. Nelson said that with the good taste and nutrition of pet foods on the market today also come unneeded calories. She also said to beware of "diet" or "lite" foods because the recommended feeding amounts can be liberal.

* Restrict the amount of treats. Giving your dog a treat feels good, Nelson said, but it may not be in your pet's best interest. She suggests giving vegetables or splitting treats in half.

* Get more exercise -- for your pet's health and your own. Nelson said indoor pets in particular are prone to obesity. But having a big backyard for your dog isn't enough. Dog owners can encourage exercise by playing fetch or taking walks, and cat owners can entice their pets to play using toys like those suspended from a handheld pole or something as simple as wadded paper for the cat to bat around, she said.

Nelson said you can tell if a cat or dog is too plump by running your hands firmly along its sides. If you can't easily feel its ribs the animal probably is overweight.

"The sooner you nip it in the bud, the better," Nelson said. "Addressing the issue when they've gained only a couple of pounds is better than when they've become extremely obese."