Dog obesity is a frequent problem among household pets that receive too little exercise or more food than they require to sustain themselves. While canine obesity is a curable and preventable condition, many dogs develop this health problem over the course of their lifetimes. Obesity can alter your pet's life and overall health significantly, and may lead to heart problems, organ diseases, diabetes, joint problems and a host of other serious medical conditions. Slentrol is one of the leading drugs available today to combat dog obesity.
Slentrol Overview
Slentrol, otherwise known by its chemical name dirlotapide, is a protein inhibiting drug that prevents your pet's body from receiving certain chemicals. This effectively reduces your pet's appetite, prompting him to eat less food. As his body ingests fewer calories, this helps him to begin to lose weight. As with other dietary medicines in pets and humans both, Slentrol is not intended to be a complete and immediate cure for obesity in pets. Rather, you must combine Slentrol with appropriate diet and exercise programs in order to see the desired effects of the drug.
Treating Your Dog with Slentrol
Slentrol is a powerful medicine that is available through veterinary prescription only. Because it is expensive and carries the risk of a variety of side effects, many veterinarians will attempt to correct your pet's obesity through behavioral and environmental changes before prescribing the drug. If your pet is severely obese, to the point where his immediate health is at risk, your veterinarian may recommend Slentrol right away.
The dosing of Slentrol is a complicated process, and it is crucial that you provide your pet with an accurate dose of the medicine at all times. For the initial month of treatment, your pet receives a fixed dose of the medicine regularly. Following the first month, when it is clear that your pet will not suffer negative reactions to the drug or other undesired effects, the exact dose depends upon his age, breed, prior health condition, other medicines, and the desired final weight and speed of weight loss. Your veterinarian will help to determine the proper dose of the medicine. Feeding your dog additional and excess doses of Slentrol may cause severe negative reactions.
Side Effects
Slentrol should only be used in dogs. It is not suitable for cats or other animals, and may prove fatal or extremely harmful to other pets. Among dogs, the following side effects are common:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite or anorexia
- Lethargy and drowsiness
- Liver damage
Slentrol may react negatively with other medicines in your pet's system, so it is crucial that your veterinarian be aware of all other preexisting health conditions and medicines that your pet has taken before you begin giving him Slentrol.
Along with a proper diet and regular exercise, Slentrol can dramatically improve your pet's weight and overall health in just a few months. The long term benefits of using this drug effectively are enormous, and returning your dog to a healthy weight can help to extend his mobility and lifespan by years.