See Fido fetch a weight loss pill

From the I can't believe I'm writing this department: Here's an update on Slentrol. You probably already read Jonathan's post on the news, in January, of the FDA's approval of the drug; it's a weight loss pill for dogs. Yes, you read it right. It is, in fact, a weight loss pill for your precious pooch!

And shockingly, it seems that (even with a backlash) Americans who are too busy or too lazy to walk their dogs are actually turning to the new, experimental drug (which was released in June 2007) to help Fido lose the unwanted pounds.

Generally speaking, if your dog is overweight it's not usually from lack of exercise, but more from the food that he eats. And, evidently you've forgotten that your dog can't open the refrigerator or open a box of biscuits. In fact, your dog can only eat what you feed him, and when you feed him. So sadly (and more importantly) you're dog doesn't have a problem... you do! And, if we can't keep our animals from overeating how can we possibly hope to prevent ourselves from overeating?

So instead of sitting on our fat derrieres drugging our devoted pets with poison, perhaps we should investigate the obesity epidemic in America a little further.

The best part: The prescription drug can (and will) produce some unfortunate side effects, including loose stools, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite.

If you can't tell, I feel strongly about this...not only is this silly, but it's outrageous! It's one thing to say that you can't control how you eat, but it's quite another to say you can't control what you give to your dog.

And, please before giving this to your dog read the fine print. Like most weight loss drugs it is actually touted as being part of a bigger diet and exercise plan.

If you've turned to Slentrol for your dog, I'd love to hear your comments.