Weight Loss Treatment for Dogs

PARIS--(Business Wire)--
In the wake of the launch of the Alli weight loss product for humans, dog lovers
are being reminded that there is already a weight loss treatment programme for
dogs which involves pharmacological support.

Pfizer Animal Health has developed an integrated weight management programme to
help veterinary surgeons tackle canine obesity.

In the US, the American Veterinary Medical Association has estimated that
approximately 40% of dogs are overweight (which means 5-20% over their ideal
weight) or obese (which means 20% or more over their ideal weight) and experts
estimate that the situation is similar in the EU.

Excess weight can cause many of the same problems for dogs as it does for
humans, like osteoarthritis and respiratory problems. It may also exacerbate
some pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and
reduce the animal`s quality of life because of its impaired ability to play and
take exercise.

"Even if your dog has just put on a bit of extra weight it could be a health
concern and you should consult your veterinary surgeon, who will be able to
assess the situation and give the best advice on nutrition and exercise, and in
many cases that should rectify the problem," said Olivier Frank, European
Marketing Manager at Pfizer Animal Health.

"Furthermore, veterinary surgeons do now have access to a pharmaceutical-based
treatment programme which can help in cases where nutrition and exercise alone
have not been adequate."

Dogs become overweight for many reasons, including overfeeding, begging, theft
of food and medical conditions which may limit their exercise. Information
available to owners on the web is not always reliable, which is why they are
encouraged to visit their vets for clinically correct advice specific to their
dog.

"There has been a lot of media coverage of Alli and it has raised awareness of
the fact that medicines may play a role in tackling excess weight," said Mr
Frank.

"In the case of our treatment more than 82 % of dogs successfully lost weight."

"Quick weight loss leads to a greater rebound rate, and the key to ensuring long
term success in weight management is to find the appropriate lifestyle that
suits both pet-owner and dog.

"Changing people`s habits and lifestyle is not an easy task, that`s why it is
important that the veterinarian, together with the pet-owner, establishes the
right programme based on the diet and exercise for each dog. The support of our
pharmaceutical treatment allows owners to gradually implement this new lifestyle
with their dogs," Mr Frank said.

The Pfizer canine weight treatment programme is only available on prescription;
for more information pet owners should contact their veterinarian.

ends

Pfizer Animal Health, a business of Pfizer Inc, is a world leader in animal
health, committed to providing high-quality, innovative health products,
including pharmaceuticals and biologicals for livestock and companion animals.
Pfizer Inc, a research-based pharmaceutical company with global operations,
discovers, develops, manufactures and markets leading prescription medicines for
humans and animals.

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Garnett Keeler Public Relations for Pfizer Animal Health
Mike Keeler, +44 (0)20 8647 4467
pr@garnett-keeler.com

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