US approves weight-loss drug for obese dogs
WASHINGTON, Jan 5 (Reuters) - The first prescription weight-loss drug to treat Americans' increasingly plump pooches won U.S. approval on Friday, aimed at millions of overweight dogs with busy, treat-giving owners.

The drug, Pfizer Inc.'s (PFE.N: Quote, Profile , Research) Slentrol, decreases appetite and fat absorption to help obese dogs lose weight, the FDA said. Roughly 5 percent of U.S. dogs are obese and another 20 percent to 30 percent are overweight, it added.

"This is a welcome addition to animal therapies because dog obesity appears to be increasing," said Stephen Sundlof, head of FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine.

Also known as dirlotapide, the once-daily liquid can also cause various side effects, including vomiting, loose stools, diarrhea and lethargy.

Americans own 65 million dogs, according to statistics cited by the Humane Society of the United States, and about 39 percent of U.S. households have at least one.

Veterinarians generally consider dogs that weigh 20 percent more than their ideal weight obese, the FDA said.

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