Ozempic-style appetite-suppressing drugs are coming for our dogs.

Headlines are already calling them “Pawzempic” — implants that promise to “fix” the so-called canine obesity epidemic by turning off your dog’s hunger. But here’s the thing: our dogs don’t feed themselves.

In this FETCH First Friday episode, we dive beneath the headlines to explore what this trend really reveals — not just about pet health, but about us as guardians, consumers, and culture-makers.

Because when we reach for a jab before we ask deeper questions, we risk missing the truth: obesity isn’t the root cause — it’s a symptom.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

* The rise of “Pawzempic” → How GLP-1 drugs work, what’s being developed for dogs, and why the marketing is so seductive

* The root causes of canine obesity → From ultra-processed pet food to lack of enrichment, environmental stress, and even our own emotional projection

* The microbiome connection → Why weight is about more than calories, and how gut health shapes metabolism, inflammation, and wellbeing

* The deeper questions → Are we unconsciously transferring human struggles with weight, control, and shame onto our dogs? What happens when we silence natural hunger cues instead of listening to them?

* A different path forward → Species-appropriate fresh food, microbiome-friendly choices, emotional co-regulation, and practical, natural ways to support your dog’s health — without shame or shortcuts

Why This Matters

This isn’t just a conversation about weight loss. It’s about the stories we’re told — and sold — about our dogs, our bodies, and what “health” really means.

It’s about reclaiming our role as guardians, not consumers. About moving from control to connection. 

And about creating a life where our dogs thrive because we’re finally willing to ask:

✨ What’s actually causing imbalance?


✨ Who profits when we medicate the symptoms instead of healing the system?


✨ And how can we step back into relationship — with our dogs, with food, and with ourselves?

Your dog isn’t broken. But the systems around them often are.

Grab your copy of our guide to speaking with your vet, which is included in our free FETCH Starter Pack: https://www.learnfetch.com/pages/fetch-starter-pack

Join FETCH First Light, our free Facebook group for like-hearted guardians 

https://facebook.com/groups/fetchfirstlight

WSAVA Body Condition Score Guide: https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Body-Condition-Score-Dog.pdf

If you would like to attend the Mind Body Spirit Festival in Birmingham UK November 14-16th, and would like to receive a 25% discount on one-day standard tickets, you can use the following affiliate link and discount code at checkout! 

Full disclosure, as exhibitors at the festival, Stacey Renphrey and I receive a commission, at no cost to you, when you purchase your tickets using this affiliate link.

Affiliate Link to Purchase Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mind-body-spirit-festival-nec-birmingham-2025-tickets-1091070704849?aff=learnfetch

Discount Code: NEC-25EXHIFAM

Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.