By now, we've all seen advertisements from online companies and retailers promising lower prices on pet medicines. Some even proudly advertise, "No prescription required!" As pet owners ourselves, we understand that every dollar counts when it comes to improving the lives of our furry friends. But are discount online pet pharmacies trustworthy? In this blog, we look at the potential risks of buying pet medications online and red flags to look out for.
#1: Not All Online Pharmacies Operate Legally While some legitimate online veterinary pharmacies exist, many more operate without FDA oversight and regulation. In fact, illegal pharmacies are such a big problem that the FDA has issued warnings about buying pet drugs online. They've even created an online database to help pet owners identify safe online pharmacies and report illegal ones. #2: You Might Not Get What You've Ordered According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), illegal online pharmacies may also sell medications that are "counterfeit, outdated, mislabeled, incorrectly formulated or improperly made or stored." Some of these medications may not even contain the medicine you thought you ordered, which can be extremely dangerous to your pet. Because veterinary clinics purchase medications directly from the manufacturer, they can ensure you're actually getting what you've ordered! #3: Online Pharmacies May Store or Ship Medications Inappropriately Many medications are temperature-sensitive. In order to be effective, they need to be shipped and stored in a climate-controlled environment. Medications stored under improper conditions can have reduced potency and efficacy or even spoil. When you purchase medications from your veterinarian, you're getting a qualified prescriber who can guarantee your pet's medications have been stored and shipped safely. #4: Many Online Pharmacies Can't Offer Guarantees or Warranties Because many online pharmacies buy their products from secondary parties, manufacturers may not stand behind the product's quality or efficacy. What does this mean for you? Consider this example. Suppose you buy and use a monthly heartworm preventative from your vet, but your pet still contracts heartworm. In many cases, the drug manufacturer will help cover the cost of heartworm diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, this same guarantee doesn't apply to medications bought from a third-party online pharmacy. These manufacturer guarantees also provide the peace of mind that your pet's meds are coming from a safe, reputable source. If your pet has an adverse reaction to the medication, your vet can be an advocate on your behalf. #5: Online Pet Pharmacies Don't Know Your Pets One key benefit of getting prescriptions directly from your vet is the professional guidance that comes with it. Your vet knows your pet's medical history, allergies, and specific needs. Vets provide comprehensive care that extends beyond simply dispensing medications. Without wellness exams, follow-up visits, and regular lab work, there's no way to guarantee that your pet is getting the best, most effective treatment. All of the Convenience, None of the Risks At Mountainside Veterinary Hospital, we've partnered directly with trusted drug manufacturers to offer a convenient online pharmacy with all of the perks and none of the risks. We're able to deliver vet-prescribed, manufacturer-guaranteed medications and other essentials right to your doorstep. Plus, with autopay options, you can save on monthly prescription costs. Additionally, each prescription is approved by our team to ensure you get the appropriate medication, dose, and instructions for your pet. Have questions about our online pharmacy? We’re happy to help! Get in touch to learn more about the prescription process, how to order medications, and what guarantees we offer. Comments are closed.
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