Beware of buying your flea/tick products and heartworm preventative online!!!

I am a veterinary technician in Minnesota. I went to school for 2 years and completed an internship at a hospital where I now work. So, I think it’s fair to say I’ve got the education to comment on this topic.

Pet Meds is the biggest online pet pharmacy, and we’ve all see the commercials. What you don’t know is how Pet Meds gets their medications. Pet Meds approaches veterinarians and asks them to order a large quantity so the vet can sell the excess to Pet Meds. This is ILLEGAL in the United States and if it is found that a veterinarian is doing this, they can lose their licenses. Many have in the past. Pet Meds is also not regulated by any entity, and has no licensed veterinarian on staff.

There are other reasons to be wary of purchasing online, not just from Pet Meds.

1. Did you know that a large quantity of pet prescription medications sold online are expired and thus not effective?

2. Are you aware that drug interactions are VERY common and have led to death in pets because there are no licensed veterinarians checking each request?

3. Most pet medications sold online come from overseas where manufacturing is NOT regulated. How are you supposed to trust that what’s in the product is actually there if there is no regulation?

4. Do you know that heartworm testing for you dog is important BEFORE starting heartworm preventative? Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitos. Microfilaria (the larval stage) is injected by the mosquito and travels to the heart where it grows into adult heartworms. These adults can be up to 12 inches long. They reduce the amount of space in the heart, making it pump less blood and destroys the tissue. When you give heartworm preventative to an animal who has heartworm, it can cause death. Think about it… if a 12 inch long worm dies in the heart, it’s going to be pushed out by the the blood flow, blocking the arteries. NOT something you’d want to happen to your furry friend.

5. No medication is 100% effective, but in rare cases an animal on heartworm preventative can become infected. Did you know that if you can prove that you have bought heartworm preventative at a veterinarian that most companies that manufacture heartworm preventative will pay for the treatment???? That cost is anywhere up to $2000 for hospitalization, exams, and the drugs needed to destroy the adult heartworms, plus other things like blood transfusions, xrays, and nursing care. You do NOT have this option when purchasing online.

6. Your veterinarian also has the most up-to-date information on these products. Some products are taken off the market due to them being harmful to your pet. Some medications are proven to cause death, liver failure, kidney failure, skin reactions, and anaphylactic shock. Is your online pharmacy going to warn you when new information comes out? Highly doubtful.

***So, please… be careful and cautious when dealing with online pharmacies, people selling on ., or others. Your vet is the best place for the information and products you need for your dog or cat and can tailor them based on the needs of your pet. If cost is an issue for you, get a written prescription and check at other licensed hospitals and clinics in your area, since prices can differ clinic to clinic.UPDATE: Please see my guide about the ONLY reputable pharmacy now available to purchase medications online for your pet.