‘Pet Pals TV’: Weight loss drugs and their effects on pets
Jan 18, 2025
Pet Pals TV: Weight loss drugs and their affects on pets
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Each and every week, “Pet Pals TV” shares a fun, interesting, and informative story about our-four legged and furry friend population.
On the latest “Pet Pals TV,” host Patty Spitler was joined by Tom Dock, the communications manager for Noah’s Animal Hospitals, to talk about the dangers that weight loss dogs have on pets.
“There’s been several cases of pet sitters who are giving their pet employers drugs like Ozempic to the dog or the cat,” Dock said.
Pets can need some drugs, such as insulin, but Dock says that some people are taking pet drugs because they’re cheaper.
“If you get put on Ozempic or something like this, one of these semi-glutides, these things are supposed to be given once a week These dogs and cats are getting it once a day or more,” Dock said.
Pets can get hospitalized from these drugs. Even if they chew on Ozempic pens, it can cause serious side effects like vomiting and diarrhea.
“Our dogs, the way that they process these kinds of things and work the insulin isn’t the same as us. And so they have to be hospitalized, usually several days worth of hospitalizations,” Dock said.
If you are concerned about your pet’s weight, talk to a veterinarian about a proper diet for your dog or cat, an exercise plan, and easing your furry-friend into it.
For more information, watch the video above.