The obesity crisis seems to be spreading to the pet population, and now the FDA has approved a drug that cuts the amount of fat dogs absorb from their food and dupes them into feeling full.

The liquid drug, manufactured by Pfizer, works by reducing fat absorption and causing a feeling of fullness.

However, it does have the potential for causing unpleasant side effects, including diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite.

The FDA's approval is being hailed by some as a welcome tool to combat a condition that can be just as unhealthy for pets as it is for people.

Critics, though, are suggesting that it furthers the problem by supporting bad habits such as failing to exercise dogs and giving them too many unhealthy treats.

Slentrol is effective only so long as it's being taken; in other words, it does not provide a long-term cure for obesity.

The drug is not meant for humans or other household pets such as cats.