Dangers of Online Pet Medication Pharmacies

Use Caution when Buying Prescription Pet Medications Online

Their commercials would have you believe that you're just throwing your money away if you buy your prescription medications, heartworm and flea preventatives from your veterinarian. But online pet pharmacies have some drawbacks that you should be aware of. You still need a prescription from your veterinarian in order to get your medications. Some pharmacies use questionable products. If you purchase non-prescription medications from an online pet pharmacy, make sure to talk with your veterinarian first to avoid harmful medication interactions.

An online pet pharmacy is like any other type of pharmacy. You can't order any medications you want; you still need a prescription from a licensed veterinarian. As explained by the American Veterinary Medical Association, "Veterinary prescription drugs are to be used or prescribed only within the context of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship." This means that you and your pet must have a valid relationship with a veterinarian in order for them to prescribe medication for you. The exact laws vary slightly from state to state, but most veterinarians require a yearly exam to prescribe medication for a pet.

At the veterinary hospital I work at, we occasionally get faxes for pet pharmacies requesting medication for animals we have never examined, or haven't examined in five years or more. These requests will be denied, if they are responded to at all.

How online pet pharmacies fill prescriptions

When you place your online order you will be asked for information about your veterinarian. The pet pharmacy will then fax or call (or both) your veterinarian to request approval for the prescription. The veterinarian will approve or deny the request. How long this may take will vary from one veterinary practice to another.