Experts Raise Alarm Over Ozempic Use in Pets

Veterinary experts are expressing concern over the rising interest in using human weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic (semaglutide) on cats and dogs. The drug, widely used by people for diabetes and weight management, has not been approved for animals and may pose serious health risks. 

Ozempic belongs to a class known as GLP-1 medications, which reduce hunger and slow digestion. While this mechanism helps people lose weight, specialists warn that pets respond differently. Animal health researchers report that side effects can be more severe in pets, including vomiting, dehydration, lethargy, stomach problems, or dangerously low blood sugar. In some cases, experts believe that unregulated use could affect kidney or liver function. 

The growing interest in adapting human medicines for pets is linked to a global rise in obesity among cats and dogs. Industry data shows that over 60% of pets in developed countries are overweight, driving demand for fast solutions. Companies in the biotech sector have started exploring animal-specific drugs, but these products are still in trial stages and require further safety testing. 

For now, veterinarians emphasize that pet obesity should be handled through vet-approved diet plans, portion control, and exercise, not human drugs. Specialists warn that using unapproved medicines may bring more harm than benefit and could delay proper treatment. According to experts, only licensed animal therapies with proven safety should be used to support healthy pet weight loss.