dog diet drug :(

[Glacier]

(dogs aren't even fat-prone, just by not leaving their food out all day you can make them lose wieght. )

That's not neccessarily true. I have a dog who is overweight by about 10 pounds. We've run every test known to man, including a full thyroid panel read by several thyroid experts, full blood screens, x-rays, you name it, we've done it for Muskwa. He has several classic hypothyroid symptoms, but perfectly normal thyroid function--perfectly normal everything actually. He gets 2 cups a day of a prescription diet food, no treats, no bones, nothing else. Gets plenty of exercise. He hasn't lost an ounce in months. Last week we consulted a canine nutritionist who said that in some dogs there is no physical reason for the weight gain, their metabolism is just messed up. Could be aging, could be why he's always been a strange eater, could be just the way Muskwa is. He's the kind of dog that this type of drug might be a good thing for. I wouldn't use it--the side effects don't sound promising and I like to see a lot of research before I trust something on my critters.

[finn's mom]

He's the kind of dog that this type of drug might be a good thing for. I wouldn't use it--the side effects don't sound promising and I like to see a lot of research before I trust something on my critters.

See, now in a situation like that, if the veterinarian and owner both agree, I think it could be a good idea! I'm sorry to hear that you've not found anything to help him, though. But, yeah, the side effects sound worse than being a few pounds overweight. If a dog was severely obese, it might be worth the chance, but, ten pounds on a large dog doesn't sound severe (I could be wrong, but, ten extra pounds on Finn never seemed to be life threatening...which reminds me, Finn finally is back to a good weight!)

[Glacier]

If a dog was severely obese, it might be worth the chance, but, ten pounds on a large dog doesn't sound severe (I could be wrong, but, ten extra pounds on Finn never seemed to be life threatening...which reminds me, Finn finally is back to a good weight!)

My vet isn't terribly concerned. She told me if I had brought in a basset hound with the same symptoms she would have laughed at me, but an overweight husky is more unusual! She said to just keep up his diet, get him as much exercise as possible and we'll just monitor his weight. If he keeps gaining, then it might be a bigger concern.

I'd like to get the weight off because he's 9 years old now. As he ages, I don't want him to have any extra problems with his joints because of the weight.

[lizbud]

I could see using that new med if it helped a dog lose weight faster.
I think it would help a dog live a longer, happier life if used to get a dog
down to an acceptable weight & then continue with proper feedings and
stop the medicine.

[finn's mom]

My vet isn't terribly concerned.

I'd like to get the weight off because he's 9 years old now. As he ages, I don't want him to have any extra problems with his joints because of the weight.

Very true. I know I watched my old little dog, Bruno, really closely when he got older. I wish you guys the best of luck, at least in helping him not gain more.

[CathyBogart]

0-0 Just think how much good could have been done if the money it took to develop this had gone into researching a disease or a medical problem. *sigh*

I could forsee using something like this if....say....I were given my mom's neighbor's lab. The poor guy is DISGUSTING...I've never before seen a dog with fat rolls....and I would want to help him shed the weight quickly and safely. I would definitely have to talk it over with my vet though, this pill sounds a bit scary.

[Chilli]

I would be insanely hesitant to use such a pill, eventhough my own dog is grossly overweight(yeh, I admit it... I can't stand it, but the whole family has to cooperate before we are able to get him back on track.).

Think about it. How many times have you heard of diet pills for humans that ended up not being safe? If its so common in pills for humans, I sure wouldn't take that chance with my own dog.