Online Pet Meds--Purchase With Care
By Arlo the Hound with Help from Honor Tarpenning
These days it is so easy to find literally anything you’re looking for online. Among the modern conveniences we enjoy as a result of the internet is the ease of acquiring Rx pet meds. However, one must be careful where these meds are acquired. According to www.fda.gov “FDA has found companies that sell unapproved pet drugs and counterfeit pet products, make fraudulent claims, dispense prescription drugs without requiring a prescription, and sell expired drugs.” Your best choice is to get a prescription from your vet and buy from a reputable, American company that works directly with a licensed pharmacy.*
“No Prescription Required”
According to www.fda.gov, one should never purchase prescription pet medications from a site that indicates that no prescription is needed. “A foreign or domestic pharmacy may claim that one of its veterinarians on staff will ‘evaluate’ the pet after looking over a form filled out by the pet owner, and then prescribe the drug. ‘A veterinarian should physically examine an animal prior to making a diagnosis to determine the appropriate therapy.’”
NSAIDs
Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs should not be available online without a prescription. If an online pet meds retailer claims to provide this class of medications without a prescription, it is a red flag indicating you are looking at a disreputable company.
According to www.fda.gov “dogs should undergo blood testing and a thorough physical examination before starting NSAIDs, dogs should be monitored by a veterinarian while they are taking NSAIDs, veterinarians should discuss possible side effects of NSAIDs with the owner, [and] the prescription should be accompanied by a Client Information Sheet that explains important safety information to the owner”
Heartworm Preventatives
Before your vet prescribes a heartworm preventative, he will test your dog for heartworms. Giving a dog a heartworm preventative when he has heartworms can lead to dire results. Do not trust any company that is willing to sell you a heartworm preventative without a prescription from your vet.
Banned Drugs
Buying from a non-US company means you’re buying from a company that is not restricted by the FDA or United States laws. Many of these companies will sell you drugs which have been banned in the US to protect the safety of you, your family, and your pet. They may also sell drugs that presume to be comparable to products found in the US, but with further investigation you will find that they contain banned ingredients that could be detrimental to your pet’s health. There is the possibility you could be buying counterfeit or expired meds as well.
Cheaper—But at What Cost?
Companies outside the US can afford to be significantly cheaper because they do not have to conform to FDA rules and standards. Their products do not undergo the same extensive testing for safety and efficacy as US pet meds. At the very least these products might not work at all, and there’s a chance they could be dangerous or even deadly to your pet.
Incomplete labeling
Many pet meds retailers outside the US provide drugs which they claim to be the same products as are available in the US, however they have omitted certain safety warnings on the labeling. These products might also have incomplete instructions, dosages, and ingredient and side effect lists.
Keep your dog safe by only purchasing pet meds from a reputable retailer who works with a licensed pharmacy.*
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s Tips on how dogs benefit humans.
* NextDayPets.com works with a licensed veterinary pharmacy to provide essential veterinary medicine directly to your door at substantial savings. Our home delivery pharmacy has state licensed staff including a board certified pharmacist as well as a full time veterinarian and veterinary technician.
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