Excessive weight can shorten a dog's life by up to two years, impair its quality of life, and contribute to medical problems such as heart and lung disease, arthritis and joint problems, as well as diabetes. Owners who are concerned about their dog's weight are being encouraged to visit the vet. Vets say that excessive weight is a clinical issue; owners are usually advised to reduce the animal's weight, through a combination of exercise and diet. For those dogs, which do not respond to diet and exercise, clinical help is now available through the vet in the form of a weight loss product. The product works by decreasing the dogs' appetites, making it easier for owners to introduce new long-term diet and exercise behaviours. The drug was introduced to the US eight months ago and is just being launched in Europe. Produced for Pfizer