Does Your Doggie Need a Diet?

Have you seen this? The FDA has approved the first drug to fight obesity in dogs -- first question, where's the human equivalent? -- called Slentrol and made by Pfizer. The liquid drug will be available by prescription through your vet for $1 to $2 per dose, beginning in the spring.

A couple of caveats: Don't try it on your fat cat -- the anatomy of dogs and cats are far too different -- and it's not for people either. If you do try it, you face such unpleasant reactions as abdominal distention, abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, headache, nausea and vomiting.

The FDA says Slentrol works by reducing the amount of fat a dog can absorb, so the pooch feels full and he eats less. Throw in more exercise, and -- voila -- doggie loses weight. (Hmmm, sounds familiar.)

Now, to the dog above. That's Becky Jones from the United Kingdom and her 4-year-old labrador Chubby Charlie in a 2001 Getty Images photo. Chubby Charlie was forced to go on a crash diet after hitting 168 pounds. Wow.

Do you have a fat dog at home? Would you use Slentrol on him or her? Vets, do you think the drug sounds like you'll prescribe?

Send photos of your overweight pooch and I'll post them here or on the Delaware Pets site.