Ozempic For Pets?

What's the future of pet obesity?

February 03, 2025

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Issue #149

February 3rd, 2025

Veterinary costs up 60% over the past decade

Veterinarians nationwide reported that corporate managers pushed clinics to focus on profit, encouraging them to see more pets, order more tests, and upsell services.

Pet insurance could help you offset some of these rising costs, with some providing up to 90% reimbursement.

View Money’s top pet insurance picks to see plans starting at only $10/month.

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Quick Hits:

Approximately 60% of cats and dogs in the United States are classified as overweight or obese, according to a 2022 survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.

If you have a dog, you know that their appetite knows no bounds. As long as there is food around, they will devour it. It doesn’t help that they give you those puppy dog eyes 10 seconds after just finishing a massive bowl of dog food, acting like they’re starving.

The reality is that much like in humans, excess weight in pets can lead to a host of serious health concerns, including diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular complications, and a reduced lifespan. Veterinarians typically recommend a combination of diet modifications and increased physical activity to help pets shed extra pounds. However, maintaining a structured weight-loss routine for animals can be challenging for some pet owners.

In recent years, GLP-1 receptor agonists, widely recognized for their success in human weight management, have piqued the interest of pet health researchers. Originally designed to treat Type 2 diabetes, drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy have gained immense popularity as weight-loss aids for humans. The question is: Could similar GLP-1-based treatments be developed to combat obesity in pets?

A handful of companies are actively investigating this possibility. Among them, Okava Pharmaceuticals and Vivani Medical are collaborating on an implant designed to administer GLP-1 drugs to cats. Their initial study, conducted last year, demonstrated promising results. The Vivani Medical-designed implant facilitated a weight loss of at least 5% in cats over 112 days.

OKAVA Pharmaceuticals is not the only player in this space. Better Choice recently leaped into the fray, acquiring Aimai Pet Healthco Inc., a company specializing in research and development. Better Choice intends to invest up to $1.5 million to develop a GLP-1 pet treat.

This is not the first attempt at introducing pharmaceutical weight-loss solutions for pets. Back in 2007, Pfizer received FDA approval for Slentrol, a prescription weight-loss drug for dogs. However, after Pfizer divested its animal health division into Zoetis, Slentrol was discontinued due to limited market demand. At the time, many pet owners did not perceive obesity as a medical condition requiring pharmaceutical intervention.

Although not GLP-1 related, Hill’s Pet Nutrition has partnered with the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) to introduce Hill’s Pet Nutrition Weight Care Program, aimed at combating pet obesity. This is one of many worldwide initiatives by large pet companies to find ways of reducing pet obesity through various channels.

What are these drugs?

GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic (semaglutide) and Wegovy, function by mimicking incretin hormones that naturally regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. These drugs slow the emptying of the stomach, creating a prolonged sensation of fullness and reducing overall food intake. Given their effectiveness in humans, researchers are now evaluating whether these mechanisms can be harnessed to assist overweight pets.

Challenges of Developing Weight-Loss Drugs for Pets

Despite the potential promise of GLP-1 drugs in pet weight management, several significant challenges must be addressed:

  • Species-Specific Metabolism – Dogs and cats have unique metabolic pathways that differ from humans, meaning a drug that works effectively in people may not yield the same results in pets.

  • Dosage and Safety Concerns – Determining the optimal dosage for pets is crucial, as incorrect administration could lead to adverse effects such as hypoglycemia, nausea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal discomfort.

  • Behavioral Differences – Unlike humans, who often overeat due to emotional factors, pets typically eat based on instinct. This fundamental difference in feeding behavior may influence the efficacy of GLP-1 treatments.

  • Regulatory Hurdles – The approval process for veterinary drugs is stringent. Any new GLP-1-based pet treatment must undergo rigorous clinical trials to meet FDA guidelines before gaining commercial approval.

Market Potential

The U.S. pet industry is thriving, with expenditures poised to surpass $140 billion in the coming years. As pet owners increasingly prioritize advanced healthcare solutions, demand for pharmaceutical treatments tailored to companion animals is on the rise. Among the most pressing (and lucrative) concerns? Obesity-related health issues, which drive up veterinary costs and open the door for a pet-specific GLP-1 drug, are potentially a game-changer for both animal health and pharmaceutical bottom lines.

Of course, navigating regulatory hurdles and proving efficacy won’t be a walk in the dog park. But for companies that succeed, the rewards could be substantial. The market is eager for innovation, and a well-positioned pet obesity drug could carve out a significant competitive advantage.

That said, there’s a wildcard in play. The rise of healthier, premium pet foods and an increasingly educated consumer base might shift the industry away from pharmaceutical solutions altogether. With more pet owners embracing a holistic approach, balanced diets, and regular exercise, we may be looking at a future where dogs and cats maintain their weight the old-fashioned way. In that case, GLP-1 drugs for pets could end up less of a blockbuster breakthrough and more of a historical footnote in the evolving pet health landscape.

This is a brand new segment where we talk about pet health. This week Marisa Hoskins talks about senior pet health.

Senior Pet Spotlight: Nutrition as the Foundation for Healthy Aging

The journey of aging alongside our pets brings unique challenges, but proper nutrition can make all the difference. As a certified canine nutritionist, I've seen how targeted dietary changes can transform senior dogs' lives - something I witnessed firsthand with my rescue Kalinda, who went from barely walking to thriving through nutritional intervention.

For senior pets, protein quality becomes crucial - not just quantity. I recommend easily digestible proteins like gently cooked turkey and fish, combined with natural anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric. The key is maintaining lean muscle mass while managing inflammation through diet. Including joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin from whole food sources can help maintain mobility.

Pet professionals should recommend splitting daily portions into smaller, more frequent meals for better digestion. Additionally, incorporating omega-3-rich foods like sardines can help support cognitive function - something I've implemented with Kalinda to help maintain her mental sharpness into her golden years. Regular monitoring and adjusting portions is crucial, as seniors often need fewer calories but more targeted nutrition.

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