A biotech firm has announced trials for a dog implant that mimics the effects of weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy, potentially bringing the treatment to market by 2028. The implant contains a GLP-1 mimic called exenatide, which suppresses appetite, and is designed for dogs that struggle with obesity.
Pet obesity is a growing concern in the UK, with a 2024 report by UK Pet Food revealing that 50% of dogs and 43% of cats are overweight. Excess weight can lead to health issues including diabetes, arthritis, and cancer, and shorten pets' lifespans. Currently, vets recommend increased exercise and prescription diets as first-line treatments.
Dr Eleanor Raffan, a veterinary surgeon at the University of Cambridge, advises owners to try diet and exercise modifications first. However, she notes that if those fail, GLP-1 mimic drugs could be a reasonable option, provided they undergo rigorous clinical trials. A key advantage of the medication is that it helps owners resist 'pester power' from food-obsessed pets.
But experts caution that appetite suppression could mask signs of illness. Dr Raffan warns that if cats stop eating due to sickness rather than the drug, they risk developing hepatic lipidosis, a life-threatening condition. Michael Klotsman, CEO of Okava, the company developing the implant, says owners should expect their pets to eat appropriate portions without excessive begging, rather than losing interest in food altogether.
