2024 Winter Holiday Hours & Shipping Schedule

With the holiday season approaching, our pharmacy will have abbreviated hours and shipping schedules. While VetRxDirect.com is available 24 hours a day for online order placement, please pay particular attention to pharmacy hours and shipping schedules, especially if you rely on our pharmacy for insulin or other temperature-sensitive products. While we always ship every package as soon as possible at VetRxDirect, please consider ordering early to avoid the holiday shipping rush, and please allow extra time for delivery and postal delays on orders placed in the upcoming weeks. This season, our pharmacy will be closed with no shipping or receiving on December 25th for Christmas and January 1st for New Year’s Day.

VetRxDirect’s Winter Holiday Pharmacy Hours:

  • Wednesday, December 25: CLOSED Christmas Day
  • Thursday, December 26: Resume normal business hours.
  • Wednesday, January 1: CLOSED New Year’s Day
  • Thursday, January 2: Resume normal business hours.

VetRxDirect’s Winter Holiday Shipping Schedule:

  • Thursday, December 19: Last day to ship refrigerated orders until 12/26/24.
  • December 20-25: No temperature-sensitive orders shipped.
  • Wednesday, December 25: CLOSED Christmas Day
  • Thursday, December 26: Last day to ship refrigerated orders until 1/2/25.
  • December 27-January 1: No temperature-sensitive orders shipped.
  • Wednesday, January 1: CLOSED New Years Day
  • Thursday, January 2: Resume normal shipping policies.

*Prescription orders, including temperature-sensitive drugs, can only ship after approval from your veterinarian. Visit our website for more information.

Please feel free to leave us a text message or send us an email at info@vetrxdirect.com. We’ll do our best to return your call or send replies during our next business day after your message.

We wish you and your pets a safe and happy holiday season!

~The VetRxDirect Pharmacy Team

Zenrelia Relieves Itching & Allergic Skin in Dogs

What is Zenrelia?

Zenrelia, ilunocitinib, is a new prescription medication for dogs over the age of 12 months that helps control itching caused by allergic dermatitis and control atopic dermatitis. Ilunocitinib, the active ingredient in Zenrelia, works by blocking cytokines, which are the source of triggering itch and inflammation in the body. Therefore, it helps reduce your dog’s sensation of itch. It may be used for short-term treatment or long-term term therapy. Ilunocitinib is an immune suppressant drug called a synthetic Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. Zenrelia is an unflavored oral tablet that is given once daily and can be given with or without food. It does not contain pork, beef, soy, lactose or dairy. Learn more about Zenrelia’s FDA approval. Zenrelia begins working after the first dose, and most dogs see improvement in itching from day one.

Zenrelia at VetRxDirect

Zenrelia is available in scored tablets in four strengths: 4.8 mg, 6.4 mg, 8.5 mg, and 15 mg. Each tablet strength is available in 10 and 30 count blister packages and 90 count bottles.

What is the difference between Zenrelia and Apoquel?

Zenrelia and Apoquel are the same class of drug, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, and they have the same indications for treatment. However, they contain different active ingredients. Apoquel contains oclacitinib, and Zenrelia contains ilunocitinib.

What are the possible side effects of Zenrelia?

The most common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Dogs should be up to date on vaccinations prior to starting treatment with Zenrelia. Dogs should not take Zenrelia for a period before or after vaccination. If your dog takes Zenrelia, it is important to discuss your dog’s vaccine schedule with your veterinarian. Because Zenrelia is an immune suppressant medication, dogs should be monitored for the development of infections because it may increase the chances of developing an infection.

What is atopic dermaitis in dogs?

It’s not unusual for dogs to have an occasional itch here and a scratch there, but if your dog has consistent problems with scratching, licking, rubbing, biting, and chewing to relieve the itching, it might be a sign of a bigger problem. Just like us, dogs can develop allergies to certain foods or substances in the environment, including insect bites, pollen, mold, and types of grass and trees. Allergens are proteins that, when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin, cause an immune reaction. Atopic dermatitis is an allergic skin disease where allergens in the environment cause an allergic reaction of the skin. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition that can be inherited and is more common in certain breeds of dogs. The treatment of atopic dermatitis may involve multiple methods, including avoiding allergens, bathing or topical treatments, medications to relieve itching, and allergy immunotherapy. While commonly overlooked, itching is a medical condition that requires a proper diagnosis to treat the true cause of the itch effectively. Consulting your veterinarian is important to determine the true cause of the itch and what treatment can best help your pet.


This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health.

2024 Thanksgiving Hours and Shipping Schedule

VetRxDirect will be closed on Thursday, November 28th, for Thanksgiving Day.

Our pharmacy will have abbreviated hours and shipping schedules. While VetRxDirect.com is available 24 hours a day for online order placement, please pay particular attention to our hours and shipping schedule, especially if you rely on our pharmacy for insulin or other temperature-sensitive products. Due to the holiday shipping rush, please consider ordering early to allow extra time for any postal delays.

2024 Thanksgiving Pharmacy Hours:

  • Thursday, November 28: CLOSED.
  • Friday, November 29: Open regular business hours 9:00 am – 5:00 pm CST.

2024 Thanksgiving Shipping Schedule:

  • Monday, November 25: Last day to ship temperature-sensitive orders this week*
  • Wednesday, November 27: No temperature-sensitive orders will ship.
  • Thursday, November 28: CLOSED.
  • Friday, November 29: No temperature-sensitive orders shipped.
  • Monday, December 2: Resume normal shipping policies.

*Prescription orders, including temperature-sensitive drugs, can only ship after approval from your veterinarian. Prescription authorization must be obtained before 3 PM CST to be shipped the same day.

You may leave us a text message or send us an email at info@vetrxdirect.com anytime. We’ll return your message during our next business hours.

On behalf of the VetRxDirect pharmacy team,

Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Cutania Skincare by VetNova

Cutania at VetRxDirect

Cutania is a broad line of skincare formulas for local and general skin and haircoat problems in dogs and cats. The Cutania product lineup consists of shampoos, sprays, wipes, and dips that help combat a range of skincare concerns, including excess oiliness, yeast, and bacterial infections, parasitic infections, as well as daily skincare. Cutania is a brand manufactured by VetNova, a company founded by veterinarians that prioritizes quality, safe, and effective products to improve the health and welfare of companion animals. Without antibiotics or prescription ingredients, VetNova is focused on developing supportive and effective solutions without the effects of drugs. Learn more about VetNova.

The Cutania MalaBath and Cutania MalaSpray line has antimicrobial properties to help combat yeast overgrowth caused by Malassezia, and aid in the treatment of yeast infections and dermatitis. They help relieve excess scaling and oiliness, and exfoliate the skin to eliminate dead skin cells and promote the renewal of the skin cells. Cutania MalaBath and MalaSpay also contain ceramides to restore the skin barrier and promote a healthy skin barrier function. Cutania MalaBath and MalaSpray do not contain antibiotics or antifungals, instead use boric acid and glycolic acid. Both formulas are also free from phosphates, parabens, and DEA. MalaSpray offers a convenient, leave on spray for use between baths, or for animals that are difficult to bathe. MalaMath and MalaSpray are also conveniently sold as DUO pack.

Cutania Skin Control Wipes at VetRxDirect

Skin Control Wipes are natural, antiseptic, and healing wipes that can be used to cleanse skin over the entire body. Designed to cleanse tear stains, skin folds, facial wrinkles, mouth and vulvar skin folds, ear flaps, paw pad areas, genital and perianal areas, and more. These wipes are not only made from durable, high-quality fabric but also super saturated to meet tough cleaning needs. Cutania Skin Control Wipes have a gentle formula and a pleasant scent. They may also be used to cleanse skin erosions, superficial wounds, and hot spots. Active ingredients include Boric and acetic acid for provides degreasing, and drying actions. Aloe and Chamomila help to help support skin regeneration, and witch hazel as an astringent.

Cutania Lime Sulfur Dip at VetRxDirect

Cutania Lime Sulfur Dip s an antimicrobial and antiparasitic solution designed to fight off parasitic skin infections and infestations. The product is particularly beneficial for treating demodectic mange infections, ringworm infections and lice infestations. In addition of killing mites, lime sulfur is powerful against bacteria and fungi.

VetNova TrisEdta Wipes at VetRxDirect

Cutania Tris EDTA Wipes are cleansing, antimicrobial wipes that help inhibit biofilms and defend against bacterial skin conditions. These wipes are soft and gently formulated wipes for tough cleaning of damaged skin. Designed to cleanse superficial, deep, and chronic pyodermas, skin erosions, superficial wounds, and irritated skin. Active ingredients include Tris-EDTA, Tromethamine, Chlorhexidine, Benzyl Alcohol, & Disodium EDTA for their antiseptic, anti-biofilm, antifungal, alkaline properties, and preservative properties. It also contains glycerine to moisturize damaged skin.

VetRxDirect carries all Cutania and other VetNova products on our website.


This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health.

Felanorm Oral Methimazole for Cats

What is Felanorm for Cats?

Felanorm, methimazole, is a recently approved prescription medication used for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats. Felanorm is the first generic methimazole oral solution approved by the FDA for use in cats with hyperthyroidism. Learn more. This medication works by blocking thyroid peroxidase, an important enzyme for producing thyroid hormones. By inhibiting this enzyme, Felanorm allows cats who produce unusually large amounts of thyroid hormone to go back down to normal levels and live a better life. 

Felanorm at VetRxDIrect
  • Felanorm is a honey-flavored oral solution containing the active ingredient, methimazole.
  • It is is typically given every 12 hours.
  • It can be given with or without food.
  • Felanorm is available in a 30 mL bottle or a 100 mL bottle.
  • It contains a 1-mL dosing syringe that is marked per milligram for easy dosing.

Warning Signs of Hyperthyroidism in Cats

Hyperthyroidism is caused by the thyroid gland producing too much thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed more commonly in older cats and certain breeds of cats. Some common warning signs include:

  • Weight loss
  • Increased appetite
  • Increased thirst
  • Restlessness
  • Rapid heart rate

Side Effects of Felanorm for Cats

Methimazole is usually well tolerated in cats, but side effects can occur. Some common side effects of Felanorm include: changes in appetite (increase or decrease), lack of energy, vomiting, diarrhea or loose stool, skin lesions, itching, and abnormal vocalizations. Cats taking this medication should receive regular checkups with their veterinarian and be monitored for side effects.

Does Felanorm Methimazole for Cats Require a Prescription?

Felanorm can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed veterinarian. This is because professional veterinary expertise is necessary to diagnose hyperthyroidism in cats and to determine whether methimazole is the right treatment. Continued veterinary check ups are necessary to ensure the dosage remains suitable for controlling the cat’s hyperthyroidism, as this condition can progress over time.


About the Author

This article was written by VetRxDirect pharmacy intern Mitch.

My two cats are Rigby (left) and Gus (right). They are both five years old and are each other’s best friends. Gus likes to steal whole slices of pizza when no one is looking and likes smelling stinky shoes. Rigby likes sneaking into places and is VERY friendly/chatty. -Mitchell, PharmD Candidate 2025, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy

2024 Labor Day Holiday Shipping Schedule

Labor Day Dog

VetRxDirect will be closed to observe Labor Day on Monday, September 2nd, 2024.

Our pharmacy will have abbreviated hours and shipping schedules. While VetRxDirect.com is available 24 hours a day for online order placement, please pay particular attention to our hours and shipping schedule, especially if you rely on our pharmacy for insulin or other temperature-sensitive products.

  • Thursday, August 29: Last day to ship temperature-sensitive orders this week.
  • Friday, August 30: No temperature-sensitive orders will ship.
  • Saturday, August 31: Regular pharmacy hours. No orders will ship.
  • Sunday, September 1: CLOSED.
  • Monday, September 2: CLOSED.
  • Tuesday, September 3: Resume normal hours and shipping policies.

*Prescription orders, including temperature-sensitive drugs, can only ship after approval from your veterinarian. Prescription authorization must be obtained before 3 PM CST in order to be shipped out on the same day. Visit our website for more information.

Please feel free to leave a message or send us an email at info@vetrxdirect.com anytime. We’ll do our best to return your call or send replies during our next business day after your message.

Have a safe and Happy Labor Day!

-The VetRxDirect Pharmacy Team

Apoquel Chewable for Itchy Dogs

POV: Your dog has a terrible itch, and you always find them licking and chewing the itch with no relief. Why are they itching so much? Itchiness, or pruritis, is a very common problem in dogs. It can be caused by a number of factors, and allergies can be one of them. Depending on the type of allergies, certain prescription medications or treatments can be prescribed by a veterinarian to help alleviate symptoms that come with allergies. Some medications usually prescribed for relieving itch include steroids, antihistamines, and medicated topical solutions like shampoos, creams, and sprays. These are the usual medications and treatments that are thought about when we think of itch, but there’s another option that you may not know about. Introducing Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable.

Apoquel Chewable at VetRxDirect
Apoquel at VetRxDirect

What is Apoquel & Apoquel Chewable?

Apoquel, oclacitinib, is a prescription medication for dogs that helps control itching from allergies and other skin conditions. Oclacitinib, the active ingredient in Apoquel, works by blocking cytokines, which are the source of itching and inflammation in the body. In some dogs, it may provide relief in as little as 4 hours with complete relief in 24 hours. It may be used long-term for chronic skin issues or short-term to treat flare-ups in dogs that are at least 1 years old. This medication is generally well tolerated, and side effects are usually minimal but can occur. Apoquel has been on the market for a while, but the manufacturer recently released a chewable formulation. The chewable tablets are pork-liver flavored and some people have found it easier to administer the medication since they are flavored.

At VetRxDirect, we now supply both the tablet and chewable tablets! Before using this medication, it is recommended to speak with your veterinarian about your dog’s condition to see if Apoquel would be a good fit. 

The month of August is known as Itchy Pet Awareness Month, which aims to promote dog and cat skin health and your pet’s health and happiness. While commonly overlooked, itching is a medical condition that requires a proper diagnosis to effectively treat the true cause of the itch. Learn more about Itchy Pet Awareness and Solutions on our other blog!


About the Author


This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health.

Epicur Compounded Medications at VetRxDirect

Epicur at VetRxDirect

VetRxDirect now offers prescription compounded medications from Epicur Pharma. Epicur Pharma is a 503B compounding facility that manufactures high-quality, reliable, potent medications. Following FDA-enforced regulations, Epicur medications are verified through stability and sterility testing. Epicur is committed to drug consistency and quality and patient safety.

As an FDA-registered 503B facility, Epicur manufactures drugs with reliable quality, potency, and sterility with every batch. The regulations for 503B compounded medications reflect current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), the same regulations in place for human pharmaceuticals. Learn more.

Why are Compounded Medications Used for Dogs and Cats?

Some medications required for treating medical conditions in dogs and cats are not commercially manufactured and, therefore, must be compounded. Medication dosages for dogs and cats can vary widely depending on the condition they are prescribed for. With current commercially available medications and products, tablets or capsules may need to be split to achieve veterinary dosing, which creates non-uniform dosing. The use of compounded tablets helps to eliminate the need to split doses. Animals may not tolerate the commercially available medication due to the method of administration (oral, topical, etc), flavor, or inactive ingredients. The use of compounded medications helps provide medications that can be administered by the owner.

  • The medication needed for the treatment of a certain medical condition is not commercially available and must be compounded.
  • The medication strength needed to treat a medical condition is not available and must be compounded.
  • The animal requires a different route of administration (oral tablet, oral suspension, transdermal, flavored, unflavored, etc).
  • The animal has allergies to certain ingredients or flavorings.

VetRxDirect offers a range of prescription compounded medications from Epicur Pharma, including ophthalmic eye medications.

Epicur Budesonide at VetRxDirect

Budesonide Compounded Mini-Med for Dogs and Cats

Corticosteroid tablets used to treat inflammatory intestinal
diseases. Mini-Med tablets are scored and unflavored for easy dosing.

Epicur Cidofovir Ophthalmic at VetRxDirect

Cidofovir Compounded Ophthalmic

Antiviral eye drops used to treat viral eye infections caused by
feline herpes virus.

Epicur Cisapride at VetRxDirect

Cisapride Compounded Mini-Med for Cats

Tablets used to treat constipation and gastrointestinal disorders. Mini-Med tablets are scored and unflavored for easy dosing.

Epicur Cyclosporin at VetRXDirect

Cyclosporin Compounded Coconut Oil Ophthalmic

Eye drop used to treat dry eye and immune-mediated
eye conditions. The coconut oil base is non-irritating.

EDTA Opthalmic at VetRXDirect

EDTA Compounded Ophthalmic

Prescription eye drop used to treat corneal calcium
deposits.

Tacolimus Ophthalmic at VetRxDirect

Tacrolimus Compounded Ophthalmic for Dogs

Immunosuppressive eye drop used to treat immune-related
eye conditions.

Theophylline X for Dogs and cats at VetRxDirect

Theophylline X Compounded for Dogs and Cats

Extended-release tablets for asthma and certain types of
heart conditions.


About the Author

This article was co-authored by VetRxDirect pharmacy intern McKayla.

I have 3 cats, Milo (white and grey), Tripp, and Nyx (all grey). Nyx is known to stick his tongue out when relaxed, he was formerly named Salamander at the rescue shelter because of this,  and all 3 of them love to watch the birds that come to visit our bird feeder. -McKayla, B.A., PharmD Candidate 2025, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy.

This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health.

2024 Independence Day Holiday Shipping Schedule

VetRxDirect will be closed on Thursday, July 4th, 2024, in observance of Independence Day.

Our pharmacy will have abbreviated hours and shipping schedules. While VetRxDirect.com is available 24 hours a day for online order placement, please pay particular attention to our hours and shipping schedule, especially if you rely on our pharmacy for insulin or other temperature-sensitive products.

  • Monday, July 1: Regular pharmacy hours. Last day to ship Visbiome with 2-day shipping.
  • Tuesday, July 2: Regular pharmacy hours. Last day to ship cold pack orders with next-day shipping.
  • Wednesday, July 3: Regular pharmacy hours. No temperature-sensitive orders will ship.
  • Thursday, July 4: CLOSED.
  • Monday, July 8th: Resume normal cold pack shipping policies.

*Prescription orders, including temperature-sensitive drugs, can only ship after approval from your veterinarian. Prescription authorization must be obtained before 3 PM CST in order to be shipped out on the same day. Visit our website for more information.

Please feel free to leave a message or send us an email at info@vetrxdirect.com anytime. We’ll do our best to return your call or send replies within the next business hour after your message.

Have a safe and Happy Fourth of July!

-The VetRxDirect Pharmacy Team

MULTIVA Calming Helps Pets Keep Calm and Relaxed

Multiva Calming

MULTIVA Calming Supplement

The Multiva Calming supplement is designed to help support balanced behavior and a sense of calm and relaxation for dogs and cats who react to environmental stressors. Each calming chew contains a blend of natural, synergistic ingredients to ease the animal into relaxation without sedation or personality changes. Multiva Calming can be used for specific, challenging events or prolonged management to support both dogs and cats with anxiety and fearfulness. This supplement also helps to reduce the effects of stress on your pet’s health and supports functions of the nervous system and cognitive function.

How MULTIVA Calming may be used to help dogs and cats:

Multiva is suitable for short-term and long-term use, making it ideal for a variety of situations in which dogs and cats may feel stressed or fearful. It may also aid in training and behavior modification to help reduce those commonly associated with stress or anxiety-driven events. These behaviors may vary; some common include hyperactivity, pacing, excessive barking or vocalization, urinating, freezing, panting, aggression, self-harm, or physical injury. While Multiva is labeled for dogs and cats of all ages and breeds, it is generally recommended to talk with your veterinarian before using a new supplement.

  • Thunderstorms, fireworks, loud noises, noise sensitivity, or noise phobias.
  • Veterinary visits, grooming, car trips, vacations, or traveling.
  • Separation anxiety, fearfulness, loneliness,  kenneling or boarding.
  • Changes in social environment: introducing new people or pets,  changes in owner schedule or routines.
  • Changes in physical environment: new furniture, remodeling, construction, or moving.
  • Supports behavior management programs.
  • Aids training and behavior modification.

MULTIVA Calming Ingredients: Multiva contains a blend of key plant and milk-based ingredients that work together to create a calming action. It does not contain sedatives or L-tryptophan. The active ingredients, L-theanine, Colostrum, and Vitamin B1, were chosen and developed by the manufacturer VetNova:

  •  L-Theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in green tea. The administration of L-theanine favors states of calmness and relaxation without causing drowsiness,
    reduces episodes of stress, anxiousness, hyperactivity, and irritability, and maintains normal mental alertness, allowing the animal to concentrate and learn.
  • Colostrum has been shown to contain precursors of important neuroactive molecules that can affect alertness, cognitive function, and the level of anxiousness
    in stressed animals. Studies of colostrum given to dogs and cats have shown a reduction in stress and undesired behavioral patterns.
  • Thiamine (Vitamin B1) plays a critical role in the central nervous system, including helping to maintain its normal function, circulation,
    cognitive activity, and brain functions. Thiamine is not stored in the body, and deficiency can occur during stressful situations. Source: www.vetnova.com

This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health.