Pet obesity is an important and very common medical condition with serious health implications.  The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has estimated that there are 41.2 million pet dogs in the United States.  Other sources estimate that 40% of those dogs, approximately 17 million, are overweight or obese.  A recent study conducted by Pfizer Animal Health found that veterinarians consider 47% of their patients overweight or obese, but only 17% of dog owners think the same.  Why the difference?  It could be denial or the difficulty owners have in recognizing when their pets are overweight.  (courtesy of Pfizer Animal Health)

Health Problems Related to Obesity
(courtesy of Pfizer Animal Health)

“So,” you tell yourself. “He likes to eat. What’s the big deal?”

Plenty. Next time he flashes those big brown “I’m soooo hungry” puppy dog eyes at you, consider that a fat dog faces an array of health problems.

He's more likely to be at a greater risk for developing or exacerbating:

Osteoarthritis Cardiac disease Respiratory conditions Heat or exercise intolerance Dermatological problems affecting skin, hair and coat Compromised immune function Increased surgical and anesthetic risks Cruciate/intervertebral disk rupture

Please click on the following links to get more information and helpful charts reagarding your pet's weight loss plan.

Walking for Weight Loss!

Calorie Counting!

Daily Food and Exercise Chart!

SLENTROL

The first FDA approved weight loss medication made just for dogs. 

When our pets are struggling to lose weight and we have ruled out overfeeding, lack of exercise or a medical condition (underactive thyroid) as an explanation, it is not time to give up!  Pfizer Animal Health has developed a new medication called Slentrol to help our pets lose weight.  Slentrol helps dogs lose weight by reducing their appetite.  About 90% of weight loss comes from eating less and about 10% of weight loss comes from less fat being absorbed. 

For more information about Slentrol, please ask any staff member at Hunt Valley Animal Hospital or visit www.slentrol.com