In today’s economic climate,
everyone is searching for a great deal.
The internet has created a marketplace where products are readily
available, and because of the multitude of websites offering veterinary
products, a client can usually find a pretty decent price for their flea, tick,
and heartworm prevention. However, many
of these products are intended for sale only to veterinarians, so purchasing
them from an online retailer can be fraught with risk.
Manufacturers generally have
policies limiting the “distribution of…products only to licensed
veterinarians. Therefore, unauthorized
sources of (these) products, including many Internet retailers, do not purchase
(these) products from authorized distributors” (elancopet.com). This means that, when an Internet retailer
obtains this product, it is not subject to storage and handling guidelines as
it would if purchased through a veterinarian. They may have been warehoused in unregulated
storage facilities for extended periods of time at temperatures not recommended
by the manufacturer and could alter the product’s effectiveness. These products come from unethical
veterinarians or foreign sources. The
risk of using foreign-labeled or –produced medications is that their safety,
efficiency and purity are not under FDA or EPA regulation. “Some of the internet sites that sell pet
drugs represent legitimate, reputable pharmacies...But others are fronts for
unscrupulous businesses operating against the law” (fda.gov).
The
primary element missing from the online pharmacy experience is that of the
veterinary professional. When you are
purchasing your product from your pet’s doctor, the veterinary staff is trained
to check for client compliance in testing and dosing the animal. “Testing is important even in dogs regularly
treated with heartworm preventive products due to the occasional reports of
product ineffectiveness…If the test isn’t done, a pet owner could be giving heartworm
preventives to a dog that has heartworms, potentially leading to severe reactions”
(fda.gov). We will make sure the animal has been tested
annually and that the client has been purchasing the product regularly. We can also help guide you in the proper
administration of the product.
Most
clients believe that they have been giving their heartworm and/or flea
prevention without fail, but everyone gets busy in their lives from time to
time and forgets a month (or three). If
that happens, we will be able to recognize the lapse and recommend retesting
before giving a dose. People are often
surprised when we tell them that they have missed a few months of prevention. Believe me when I tell you that this lapse
happens to nearly everyone during the life of their pet. Can anyone really say that they haven’t
missed even one month of prevention for their dog in the dog’s entire average
lifespan of 13 years?
Another aspect of the product
efficacy is that manufacturer’s will guarantee their product ONLY if purchased
through a licensed veterinarian. It
means that should your pet develop an adverse reaction or side effect to one of
these medications when treated according to the veterinarian and manufacturers’
recommendations, patients who have received these medications purchased from a
veterinary hospital will find the drug companies stand behind their product
completely and often give full financial backing for your pet’s testing and
treatment.
Despite all this, we do know that
price can still be a problem (although heartworm prevention by itself is
generally pretty cheap). That is why our
hospital has a policy to match online pricing of products, as long as the price
is not less than what we paid for it (and that should throw up red flags about
where that pharmacy has obtained their product). We also offer veterinary-exclusive
manufacturer rebates and promotions.
Our primary goal is the safety and
health of your pet, and that is why we would prefer you purchase your products
through a veterinarian, who is trained to make the best recommendations for you
and those you love.
“Purchasing
Pet Drugs Online: Buyer Beware.” http://www.fda.gov/downloads/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm115432.pdf
No comments:
Post a Comment