According to the Food and Drug Administration, now your dog has hope to lose weight. On Friday, they approved the first weight-loss drug for canines. Yes, you read that right, dogs can now lose weight from drugs. What’s next? Botox for the Shar-Peis?

The drug is called, Slentrol, from the pharmaceuitcal company, Pfizer Inc. It is a once-a-day liquid medication to curb the appetite of obese canines…

“This is an additional tool in a weight-loss program,” said S. Kristina Wahlstrom, a veterinarian and Pfizer’s group director for U.S. companion animal operations.

Excess pounds have become a serious dilemma for dogs, with one study showing that nearly half of the middle-aged — over 4, in dog years — have a weight problem, said Kathy Michel, associate professor of nutrition at the University of Pennsylvania veterinary school.

But should a flabby Fido be on a diet drug?

People, not dogs, are often the problem behind paunchy pooches, Michel said.

“A lot of dog owners have to recognize that they equate love and affection with sharing food with a pet,” she said. “They are concerned that if they don’t feed them from the table, they won’t love them anymore.”

Celebrity dog trainer David Reinecker said that if owners would take time to exercise their pets, the need for doggie diet meds would be scarce.

“This is ridiculous,” he said, fresh from a run Friday with client Arnold Schwarzenegger’s two dogs. The governor, who recently broke his leg skiing, was away in Sacramento being inaugurated.

“Dogs got to run, they have to smell, they have to play,” Reinecker said.

And if Slentrol — which will cost between $1 and $2 a day when it comes out later this year.

What’s your opinion? Personally, I think it’s just another lazy option that people have instead of getting off their butts and walking and exercising. Sound off in the comments!

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