Q&A Feature Now Available on VetRxDirect Product Pages

Go ahead. Ask us anything!

Q&ANew today, VetRxDirect now offers a question and answer tab on all product pages. Ask us any product specific question and a VetRxDirect representative will get back to you with an answer within one business day.

Want to know about an ingredient found in the product, the number of doses in a syringe or if the packaging of a product has changed? Go ahead and utilize the Q&A tab to ask these or any other product questions about any of the products we carry.

VetRxDirect views the Q&A feature as an opportunity for our users and our staff to learn everything there is to know about every pet medication in our inventory. We look forward to helping you find the answers to any of your product questions.

Treatment for Asthma in Cats

A serious respiratory disease in human beings, asthma also affects our pets. Of course the condition is more difficult to diagnose in our furry friends, especially if they’re cats. Swallowing and coughing up their own hairballs is quite common for felines. And since coughing and wheezing are the two most common symptoms of feline asthma, the disorder is difficult to detect until your pet has a major asthma attack.

Only about one percent of cats suffer from feline asthma, which is about seven times less than the asthma rate for human beings. However, most veterinarians agree that the rate is likely much higher than the stated number for cats, as most of them have yet to be diagnosed. So, how can you tell if your cat has asthma before it’s too late?

It is also important to note that asthmatic attacks can be caused by indoor allergens, such as carpet deodorizers, aerosol sprays, kitty litter dust, and tobacco smoke. So, if you cat starts hacking away shortly after you start using a new housecleaning or freshening product, stop using it and take your animal to his doctor for testing. Additionally, if your cat coughs and wheezes incessantly when the seasons changes, particularly in the spring, it may be the result of seasonal triggers.

If the attack is properly treated, your pet should make a full recovery. However, he will not be out of the proverbial woods. Feline asthma is a chronic condition that is characterized by chronic, often seasonal attacks. The diseases cannot be cured, but treatment for asthma in cats starts with the right prescription medications. What are they?

Ventolin HFA (albuterol sulfate) Treatment for Asthma in Cats

If your pet has been diagnosed with feline asthma, it is imperative you have an AeroKat aerosol chamber and albuterol inhaler on hand should your cat suffer a sudden, acute respiratory attack. The active ingredient in most of these inhalers is call albuterol sulfate, which is a bronchodilator that makes it easier for air to make it into and out of your cat’s lungs.

Although this prescription medication can be expensive, it should only be used as needed; in other words, it should last a long time. Like any new medicine, make sure you speak to your veterinarian before you administer it. If he or she gives you the greenlight, only use this product when your cat is in the midst of an asthma attack. This drug is not a curative that must be taken every day, but rather an emergency medication that may have serious side effects when it is administered on a regular basis.

Your pet’s veterinarian may also prescribe Flovent (fluticasone), a corticosteroids, which is used daily as a treatment for asthma in cats. While fluticasone may help prevent the symptoms of asthma in your cat, this drug does not cure asthma and should not be used during an asthma attack. The above described drug albuterol should be used during an asthma attack in cats.

Cyclosporine Capsules and Liquid for Cats

Designed to treat a wide range of immune diseases, including allergies and overactive immune system, Cyclosporine is a possible alternative to steroids, which generally have a longer list of side effects. Available in both liquid and capsule form, this perscription medication has proven highly effective at treating feline asthma and preventing serious respiratory attacks. It may also help heal atopic dermatitis and anal fistulas in pets.

Theophylline for Cats

Any cat that suffers from incessant coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath or labored breathing can safely and regularly take Theophylline tablets. This prescription medication helps relax the air passages of the lungs, making it easier for your pet to breathe in and breathe out. It should be administered on a daily basis before or after meals, or as directed by your veterinarian. Do you best to follow the dosing schedule to the letter, but never, ever double dose if you happen to miss one.

Place Your Paw Over Your Left Eye…

Most dog owners want the best care for their canine friends. Their time with us seems short compared to our own lives, so giving them all our love and care become central while living with us. When it comes to caring for their eyes, most people never give it a second thought until we start to notice significant changes to their behavior.

Unless we take our friend to the veterinarian, how else can we check our dog’s eyesight? You can try using a standard eye chart by hanging it low on the wall and getting your dog to tap the floor with their paw — five times for the letter E – but this may be a challenge, even for a border collie (we kid, of course). But seriously, there are ways we can check our canine’s eyesight at home without incurring the expense of a veterinarian.

At one time, dogs were thought to see only in black and white; we now know that is not the case. Dogs actually see colors like yellow, blue, and grey in varying degrees, but to a much lesser extent than their human counterparts do. Checking their eyesight is not as difficult as it may seem, in fact, it can be similar to ways we check our own eyesight.

Start by relaxing your dog. If your dog is hyperactive, wait until they are tired. Hold your pooch gently by its ear in a bright light and take a close look at each eye. You want to look for scratches, cloudiness, obstructions, or anything that appears unordinary. Glaucoma, cataracts, and conjunctivitis are all problems dogs can develop and require immediate attention by a professional. If all looks fine, let’s move on to the next test.

Dogs see best in low light. They are predators by nature and are designed to function in low light settings. They also have great mapping skills and can memorize a room’s layout quickly so we have to come up with a way to fool them. It sounds rather cruel, but if you suspect your dog is losing its eyesight, the best way to check is to set up an obstacle course in a dark room. Use chairs, books, tables, whatever you have available, and place them in areas that your dog normally travels without obstruction. If your dog maneuvers these objects well, try again in a brightly lit room. Getting the same results in both lighting conditions mean that your dog has either great eyesight, or poor eyesight if they stumbled, or you just filled the room with so many objects no one could maneuver it without tripping over something.

If you suspect your canine friend did poorly on this test, it is best to have your veterinarian look at your dog’s eyesight. Do not leave it be or else serious, irreversible damage could occur. It is possible that you do not realize your dog has poor eyesight until you perform this test or take them to a new location and observe them stumbling around objects.

If you have a puppy, checking his eyesight is just as important as it is in an older dog. Get someone to hold the puppy and stand in front of them holding a favorite treat or toy in your hand. Hold the toy in front of your puppy at a distance of about 6 feet and slowly move it from side to side. Your puppy should follow it by turning its head. Any sign of impairment should bring about a trip to your vet for further testing.

Ocu-Glo Group

Dogs are our best friends, and members of our family. They take care of us in ways no human could possibly do so why not take a few minutes to check your dog’s eyesight. Your furry companion may benefit from routinely taking a natural supplement that benefits eyesight; Ocu-GLO Rx vision supplement for dogs incorporates twelve different beneficial nutrients like Omega-3 and grape seed extract to strengthen this important sense. Consult with your veterinarian, and you may be pleasantly surprised in your dog’s sight and behavior. So give your dog the treat of good eyesight!

Announcing EpiCor for Pets

Have you heard the buzz about EpiCor? Visit your local nutrition store or the vitamin
aisle at your supermarket and you’ll see lots of products containing EpiCor, a
revolutionary, natural, dietary ingredient that helps balance the human immune
system and keep it healthy.

People all over the country take EpiCor because its special blend of vitamins, protein,
fiber, amino acids, metabolites, and antioxidants helps fight off infections and keeps
them healthy. The central ingredient in EpiCor is based on a proprietary fermentation
technology that’s been used by millions of people for more than 70 years.

EpiCor for Pets - Coming Soon!Good news! Soon your dog can get all the health benefits of EpiCor with new EpiCor
for Pets. This great product contains the same, clinically proven ingredient as EpiCor
for humans so you know it’s safe and effective. EpiCor for Pets is like a supercharged
multi-vitamin for your canine companion. The natural supplement strengthens your
dog’s immune system keeping it healthy and ready to fight off immune system
challenges. The formula comes in an innovative, easy-to-use pump liquid, just add EpiCor for Pets to your dog’s food following the label’s instructions.

EpiCor for Pets will be available in four different formulations:

  • Puppy – supports development, rapidly growing joints, and the immune system
  • Adult – supports joints, digestion, gut health, and the immune system
  • Senior – supports aging joints, digestion, and the immune system
  • Allergy – supports digestion and the immune system, builds up immunity for seasonal factors that cause skin irritation

We expect to have EpiCor for Pets in stock by October. Be the first to know when
EpiCor for Pets is ready to ship — sign up for the VetRxDirect EpiCor for Pets newsletter.

EpiCor for Pets is made by True-Dose. If you are attending SuperZoo in Las Vegas this week, plan on stopping by True-Dose’s table at booth #5171. They will be happy to answer any questions you have about any of True-Dose products including EpiCor for Pets.

To your pet’s health!
Wes

Can indoor cats get ticks?

No matter whether your cat ventures outdoors or stays mostly inside your home, they are at risk of tick exposure. Not only do ticks cause extreme discomfort for your pet by burying and biting deep inside their skin, but they can expose them to a wide variety of diseases, such as Lyme Disease and Babesiosis.

Tick prevention measures not only protect your favorite feline from the dangers posed by ticks, they also help to keep them healthy.

Performing a Proper Tick Check

Be sure to regularly check your cat for ticks by running your hands over his/her body, starting at the head, then looking under the collar and inside the groin, as well as beneath the tail and near the anus. Don’t forget to look between your cat’s toes as well as ticks are often compelled to latch on in dark, moist areas. Also, be sure to check both inside and outside of the ears, especially if you’ve noticed your cat shaking his or her head repeatedly.

Thankfully, cat owners also have access to numerous tick preventative and control options that provide protection. Talk with your cat’s veterinarian about the best options for your pet in your area.

Keep your cat protected in the fight against ticks today by checking out some of our popular cat tick preventative and control products below, on sale now at the VetRxDirect pet pharmacy!

Tick Preventive Products on Sale:

Tick Twister PRO Tick Remover
Great tool that allows you to safely remove ticks from your pet no matter the size or location.

Seresto
Collar solution proves reliable flea and tick protection for up to 8 months. Use coupon code: SERESTO during checkout to save 10% on cat and dog Seresto.

Seresto Prevents and Treats Flea and Ticks

Seresto is Now on Sale at VetRxDirect Pet Pharmacy!

FRONTLINE Plus for Cats
Fast-acting, easy to apply topical solution provides your cat with a full month’s worth of protection.

S-Adenosyl 225 Snap Tabs Now Available

 

 

By popular demand, S-Adenosyl [SAMe] for Dogs and Cats Snap Tablets are now in stock and available to ship from VetRxDirect, your pet’s online pharmacy.

S-Adenosyl Snap Tablets are Ready to Ship from VetRxDirectS-Adenosyl has been popular for many years and now the convenience of a snap tablet is available. The patented clover-shaped snap tablet breaks into four equal parts with a the pressure from a single finger. One highly palatable S-Adenosyl Snap Tablet covers a wide range of pet weights.

S-Adenosyl Snap Tab Picture

S-Adenosyl provides a complete liver support formula available for dogs and cats. Ingredients include: S-Adenosyl Methionine, Milk Thistle, N-Acyetyl Cysteine, Taurine, Zinc, B Vitamins, and Vitamins C and E.

Has your pet used S-Adenosyl in the past? Have you considered S-Adenosyl Snap Tablets? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Have a great evening,

Wes

 

Omega Fatty Acids are an Important Addition to Any Diet

“They don’t make ‘em like they used to” is a common catchphrase most of us have heard. It can be applied to nearly any commercial good, from automobiles to appliances and even to homes. But we rarely hear it when discussing pet food, as this is a talking point that is largely ignored. As the nation embraces organic eatables, we are simultaneously serving our dogs and cats less nutritious meals than we did in the past.

Most of the dry or canned pet foods that are sold at local supermarkets are heavily processed and contain copious amounts of “filler”, an ingredient that is added to provide dietary fiber and/or bulk. Common examples include corn, soy, weeds, straw, citrus pulp, and cereal by-products. It does not contain any nutritional value, but it helps keep costs low; many animal lovers truly care for their dogs and cats, but rarely have the cash to feed them as if they were human beings.  Gourmet, organic, and specialized pet foods can be more expensive than anything you might feed your child.  It is no wonder then why most pet owners often have to go with the more affordable alternative. What’s more, they shouldn’t feel bad about it! Even though they are heavily processed, these foods are not necessarily unhealthy. With that said, they may lack some of nutrients your cat or dog needs to stay bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, and this is especially true for older pets that naturally slow down as they age. If they do not get the nutrients they need with each meal, they may be more susceptible to age-related injuries and ailments.

Just as their owners do, dogs and cats can benefit from daily nutritional supplements. These pills, tablets, and chewables are designed to make up for a dietary deficiency caused by commercial pet foods, or because they have higher needs for certain nutrients than the average pet. A good supplement can give them everything they need to keep their coats and skin healthy, shinny, and supple.

Derma-3, Optima 365 and True-Dose are Available at VetRxDirectOmega-3s and Omega-6s are the two main classes of fatty acids that help support skin and coat health in our pets. Unfortunately, they are sorely lacking in most commercial pet food brands. The only way to ensure that your furry friend gets enough of them is to feed him dietary supplements on a regular basis, like Optima 365 and Derma-3. These polyunsaturated fats are actually produced in the canine and feline body, but neither makes enough of them to support healthy functions. They must get the remainder from their diets, which may be difficult if you feed them commercial pet food. There are also liquid forms of supplements that will do everything from improve joint health to sooth emotions to have a pet that feel superb on multiple levels.

If your pet is on a diet because he’s overweight or has an intestinal disease that keeps him from absorbing fatty acids as he should, it may cause skin and coat problems. Itching or inflamed skin and a dull coat are the most common symptoms of this physical ailment, whether it is caused by diet or a medical issue. Taking a simple supplement should help him return his skin and coat to their former glory.

How to Treat Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Separation anxiety can not only be frustrating to pet owners, but also dangerous for Dogs. When dogs are anxious and nervous about being separated from owners, they often act out in ways that can cause physical harm to themselves and their surroundings.

Indicators of Canine Separation Anxiety

Some common signs of separation anxiety in dogs include:

  • Excessive drooling
  • Urinating and/or defecating inside the house
  • Barking
  • Floor, door or wall scratching
  • Whining
  • Frequent pacing
  • Engaging in destructive behavior


What Causes Dogs to Develop Separation Anxiety?

Change in Schedule

Similar to humans, dogs are creatures of habit. When that routine and habit cycle is altered, it can cause unease and distress which can lead to the development of separation anxiety.

Moving

Moving into a new household is often a prime trigger of separation anxiety due to the unfamiliar surroundings.

Change in Family Dynamics

If your dog comes from a shelter or a previous home, suddenly entering into your family can trigger the development of separation anxiety.

Treatment of Canine Separation Anxiety

While mild cases of separation anxiety can be treated with counterconditioning and positive reinforcement training, severe cases may require medication to effectively treat. Talk to your pet’s veterinarian for the best combination of training and medication for your dog. VetRxDirect offers a wide variety of popular social anxiety medications on sale now at our store.

Adaptil Diffusers

A dog appeasing pheromone spray or mist solution that works to minimize stress related behaviors.

Fluoxetine Capsules

Same generic drug found in Reconcile. Prescribed to treat a wide range of behavioral problems in pets.

*Prescription required

NurtureCALM Collars

A 30-day solution that provides a superior delivery of pheromones for behavior management.

Urine Marking in Cats

In the never-ending battle of dogs vs. cats, pet owners have taken a strong stand for their favorites. Dog lovers claim that canines are far more affectionate and loyal, while cat lovers stress that felines are more independent and better behaved. There is, of course, no clear victor of which species is better, since all animals are different and, let’s face it, absolutely adorable.

One thing we can say for certain, however, is that cats are easier to house train than dogs.  Puppies generally have to be confined to a small space with newspapers on the floor in order to learn that it’s not okay to go indoors. But most kittens urinate and defecate in their litter boxes from the outset but, of course, there are the exceptions. 10% of felines relieve themselves outside of their litter boxes, which can be quite frustrating and baffling for owners. Take comfort in knowing that this is not a signal of stupidity; in fact, you can argue it means quite the opposite!

If your furry friend is refusing to use its litter box, it may be because the contraption simply does not live up to your cat’s standards. Perhaps it is too large or small, or simply smells quite right. Experiment with size by giving your cat diverse options and seeing which one he or she is drawn to. Stiff joints might be preventing from your cat comfortably climbing into or using the designated space, so make sure to provide selections with varying heights as well. If this does not work, freshen the scent with products like Litter Magnet and you might be pleasantly surprised by how swiftly your genteel feline responds.

Urine Marking BlogWe think of felines as graceful and sly, and yet a shrewd hunter rests beneath your companion’s lustrous coat. Unlike their canine counterparts, many house cats will even pursue their own food! Feral or wild cats mark their territory with urine so, when your domesticated pet sprays about the house, he or she is simply trying to communicate and feel at home. Want to lessen this nuisance?  You can diminish your cat’s territorial instincts by having your pet spayed or neutered. However, if surgery is an option you don’t want to consider, lessen your friend’s exposure to other animals by simply closing the window blinds. Additionally, Feliway is a synthetic cat pheromone that has been proven to relieve stress in cats, making them far less likely to mark their territory.  It must be applied directly to the areas that your cat has marked soon after the incident occurs. Urine-Away Stain and Odor Eliminator will help diminish the smell and, therefore, lessen your cat’s desire to return to the same spot.

If the urination outside the litter box persists, it is important to inform your vet, especially if it comes in the form of puddles on the ground rather than elevated sprays. This could be a symptom of a plethora of possible medical conditions, including bacterial infections, hyperthyroidism, arthritis and cognitive difficulties. A full physical examination will help rule out many of these ailments so you can breathe easy knowing that your feline friend is plenty healthy, if not a wee bit mischievous.

Insulated Cooler Heat Test Performed

That’s Cool

The heat is on which adds a little challenge to shipping temperature sensitive products to our customers around the nation. VetRxDirect is up to the challenge.

Insulated CoolerEnsuring the quality of the products we sell is our top priority. That’s why we ship all temperature-sensitive products for next-day delivery in insulated packaging with ice packs.  Just to be sure our process is working, we tested it. We shipped a series of packages to the desert Southwest where it is hot. Really hot. I’m happy to report our packaging kept the products cool and protected.

Here are some of the other “cool” things we do when it comes to shipping:

  • We check temperatures around the nation every day and package temperature sensitive products according to where we’re sending them so they stay cool or, in the winter, are well insulated from the cold.
  • We provide tracking information on every order so you know when to expect delivery. And we only send next-day orders Monday-Thursday so they don’t get stuck in a warehouse over the weekend.
  • While we offer free shipping on most orders, we do charge a nominal amount to ship temperature-sensitive products because they require more costly packaging and expedited shipping. We’re aware this increases your cost. Please know that we do our very best to keep the cost down on every order by choosing the most cost effective packaging and shipping option.

Here’s how you can help ensure your order stays cool:

  • Use your tracking number to check the delivery status. If you won’t be home when your order will be delivered, please have a trusted person on hand to pick up the package, take it inside, and refrigerate it for you.
  • If you live somewhere with an extreme environment, like Arizona in the summer or Minnesota in the winter, consider purchasing temperature-sensitive products locally during extreme weather months so you don’t have to worry about shipping problems.
  • Even products that don’t require refrigeration won’t do well sitting on a sunny porch for hours. So please check your package tracking and try to get your shipment inside as soon as possible.
  • Most of our packaging is recyclable so please reuse or recycle it.

Stay cool!

Wes