Dogs on Wegovy? Trials planned for implant to help overweight pets

Where humans lead, their dogs tend to follow - now it seems that may apply to weight-loss wonder drugs.

- Nicola Davis

Medications such as Wegovy have become ubiquitous among people hoping to shed pounds quickly. But businesses keen to cash in on the science behind the weight-loss jabs are now investigating other applications for the drugs, and our four-legged friends could be the next in line.

The active ingredients in the drugs mimic a hormone called GLP-1, which makes people want to eat less. One biotech firm has announced trials for an implant that reproduces the effect in dogs, with the aim of bringing it to the market as soon as 2028.

While experts say such medications could be beneficial for some overweight animals, their use outside humans is not without complication or the potential for controversy.

What is not contentious is that pet weight is a real problem. Neutering, age, a lack of activity and overfeeding are among the factors that can contribute. According to a 2024 report by the trade body UK Pet Food, 50% of dogs and 43% of cats are overweight.