First Drug Treat Obesity in Dogs

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), in 2002 there were more than sixty-two million dogs in the United States. A growing number of dog owners feed their dogs to much food, scraps or treats. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said five percent of American dogs are obese (twenty percent more than dog ideal weight) and twenty percent are overweight (seventeen million dogs according to American Veterinary Medical Association). The FDA said in an E-mailed statement: "dog obesity appears to be increasing." Stephen Sundlof director of FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine said: "Veterinarians are well aware that overweight pets are higher risk of developing various health problems, from cardiovascular conditions to diabetes to joint problems." Other related dog obesity health problems include arthritis, hip dysplasia, high blood pressure, skin problems (Excessive skin accumulate fat deposits can often attribute to increase dirt, bacteria and other harmful organisms) and cancer. Exercise and play are more difficult or impossible. Attributing to obesity in dogs Michael Filippo, spokesman for the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) said: "It's a lot about lifestyle. More people have pets but they don't have a yard. People don't have the time to run around and play with dogs and get exercise."

Certain breeds of dogs are more susceptible to obesity, including basset hounds, beagles, dachshunds, and Labrador retrievers. A Purina fourteen year Life Span Study of Labrador Retrievers, provided evidence to show, when these dogs maintained twenty-five percent fewer calories than control dogs, had fifteen percent longer median life span. A veterinarian can provide information regarding a given dog (pet) preferred or desired exact weight or body condition.