Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Save Money When You Buy Pet Meds Online

By Martina Garrett


Pets are family members too. For health and comfort, they have an ongoing need for flea and tick medications, first aid supplies, and/or heartworm preventative, Sometimes they get sick and need prescription medication to get well. Veterinarians can supply most prescription and non-prescription medications. Retail outlets sell non-prescription supplies. Another option is to buy pet meds online. From the comfort of your home compare prices and order supplies.

Most online companies have a wide variety of drugs readily available to fill your pet's prescription needs. Generics may be available. It's convenient. Order from your computer at home at any time of the day or night. Online pharmacies will set-up an automatic renewal plan for refills. For additional cost savings, buy a 12 month supply of preventative medications like heartworm and flea and tick treatments.

Exercise caution in your search. As with any other endeavor, there are disreputable services that will sell expired or counterfeit medications. Look for a reasonable price from a company that is licensed by their state board. Ask to speak with a licensed pharmacist and be sure their contact information is real. Check shipping charges when comparing prices.

Before giving your pet medication ordered through an online service, check that the medication received is the medication ordered. Both type and dosage information should match the prescription. Read the insert that came with the meds. Know the signs of an adverse drug reaction, always a possibility with a new drug. Call your vet with questions or concerns before administering medications.

Check accreditation before ordering from any online provider. Make sure they're licensed by the state in which the company is located. Pet pharmacies in the US may also be Vet-VIPPS accredited. It's voluntary and requires the company to be licensed in all the states where they do business. This accreditation must be renewed annually. PCAB is a voluntary accreditation for compounding pharmacies, also with stricter requirements than state licensing demands.

Prescriptions can be faxed or mailed. You can request the prescription be mailed to you, or you can have it sent to your veterinarian who can check the order for accuracy. Most orders will be filled and shipped the day you place the order. Communicate and ask questions of your veterinarian. He or she may have a recommendation for an online pharmacy.

Sometimes pets need medication that is commercially produced for people only. It needs to be reformulated to an appropriate form and dose for a pet. Some pets don't like taking pills. Getting medication for a chronic condition into an uncooperative pet can be a daunting task. Compounding pharmacies reformulate medicine into appropriate dosages and flavored forms like a liquid gel or bite-sized capsule. They make bitter pills taste like fish, chicken, chocolate, or fruit. Some meds can be reformulated into an easily administered gel rubbed inside a pet's ear.

It's convenient and inexpensive to buy pet meds online. Most orders will be filled the same day and shipped promptly. Providers will contact you when it's time to refill a prescription. While you're shopping, you'll find that most companies also sell treats, vitamins, shampoos, and even toys. Don't get careless with your pets health. Your companion animal needs regular check-ups, especially when on prescription medication.




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