Warnings
Avoid foreign-run online pet medication companies, as they are not regulated by the FDA.
Do not purchase brand new medications for your pet to try without your veterinarian’s recommendation. This can result in adverse health reactions in your pet.
Tips
The FDA recommends that you purchase heartworm medications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs exclusively through your veterinarian or a prescription, as opposed to an online outlet. Your veterinarian must make a proper diagnosis through blood tests before any medications are administered, reports the FDA.
As health care costs increase, so do your pet’s veterinarian costs. Pet medications that you would normally buy through your veterinarian’s office can also be found through online pet medication stores, such as 1800PetMeds.com. These medications are often available at a lower cost, making them more appealing to consumers. Although such pet medications are available for purchase without a prescription, there are precautions you must take when purchasing your pet’s medications on your own.
Look through your pet’s medical history. Make note of past drug history as well as any drug allergies that your pet may have.
Decide what type of medication you are in need of and why you do not need to purchase it through your veterinarian. For instance, your pet may regularly take an allergy medication that you recently discovered you can purchase cheaper on your own, without a prescription.
Search for a reputable pet medication outlet online. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that you find one that is certified through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Look for a “VIPPS” seal on the website. According to the FDA, this indicates that the site is a “Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site."
Contact the company if you are unsure of its certification. The FDA warns that purchasing pet medications through unverified sources can result in expired or even counterfeit products.
Verify that the company has a secure checkout in which you input your personal credit card, address and contact information. Usually a legitimate site will be “Veri Sign Secured.” Do not provide any information unless you are certain that the website is legit.
References
Tips
- The FDA recommends that you purchase heartworm medications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs exclusively through your veterinarian or a prescription, as opposed to an online outlet. Your veterinarian must make a proper diagnosis through blood tests before any medications are administered, reports the FDA.
Warnings
- Avoid foreign-run online pet medication companies, as they are not regulated by the FDA.
- Do not purchase brand new medications for your pet to try without your veterinarian’s recommendation. This can result in adverse health reactions in your pet.
Photo Credits
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Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
Writer Bio
Kristeen Cherney began writing healthy lifestyle and education articles in 2008. Since then, her work has appeared in various online publications, including Healthline.com, Ideallhealth.com and FindCollegeInfo.com. Cherney holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication from Florida Gulf Coast University and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in English.
