Concerns about corpulent curs and portly pooches have seized popular imagination, not to mention the marketplace. At $2 a daily dose, Slentrol, manufactured by Pfizer and the world's first prescription weight-control drug for dogs, now has the Food and Drug Administration's blessing for use by the nation's 17 million fat dogs, or nearly 30 percent of the canine population.
A second medication -- R-salbutamol -- is under development in Australia. Dogs down under are losing weight, though having some flushing of the ears, said lead researcher Calvin London, a veterinarian. The potential canine weight loss market in the U.S. alone is $200 million a year, he said.
But why stop with dog diet pills?
Pfizer announced yesterday that it had developed something called BARC, or body assessment rating for canines, -- a lifestyle survey for dog and master to take, presumably together.

Orlando Fringe Festival Enjoys Record Setting Year

Musicians, comedians, actors and exhibitionists from across the globe took the stage for the most successful Orlando Fringe Festival in its sixteen-year history.

Pet insurance may be necessary during summer months

Animal lovers in the UK are being encouraged to take out sufficient cover to protect their pet from the problems which might occur in the summer months.

According to Tesco Personal Finance, the number of pet insurance claims is likely to rise during the summer months.

The group estimates that the number of claims rose by six per cent during May and June 2006, potentially caused by the stiflingly hot early summer weather.

With consumers more likely to take their pet outdoors in the summer, pets may have a greater chance of being involved in road traffic accidents or even getting sunburnt, Monica McCormack, a spokesperson for Tesco Personal Finance said.

Ms McCormack said: "We really see an instance of higher claims when the sunny weather comes in and people are outside more with their dogs.