Dot-Pharmacy Ensures Safe Online Medications For Pets

VetRxDirect has continually held the Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites™ (Vet-VIPPS) seal, a rigorous accreditation program through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®). The Vet-Vipps seal ensured animal owners they were buying safe medications and medical devices from a licensed, regulated pharmacy. Due to the increase of online fraudulent and criminal activity, the pharmacy websites could display fake certification logos and were selling counterfeit, unapproved, and potentially dangerous medications to consumers. As a continued effort to protect consumers and their pets, the Vet-Vipps program was merged and replaced by the NABP .pharmacy verified websites program. We encourage you to learn more about the Vet-VIPPS merge by visiting the NABP website.

What is .pharmacy?

.pharmacy is a program that verifies safe and legitimate pharmacy websites. It also develops a set of strict standards and policies with NAPB and the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) to ensure online sites are legal and appropriately regulated. The goal is to protect people and animals from potentially dangerous medications and to give you a peace of mind when buying online:

How Do I Know An Online Pharmacy Is Safe?

Protect yourself and your pet by looking for .pharmacy in the website address/URL or by checking the .pharmacy website registry to make sure that your pet’s online pharmacy is accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). Simple as that!

Dedicated to Safety

By registering with the .pharmacy program, VetRxDirect proudly demonstrates to our clients the continued commitment to high-quality pharmacy practices and excellence in pharmaceutical care for your pets. VetRxDirect is also an accredited compounding pharmacy.

Part of a Team of Professionals

A Team of Professionals

Most of us consider our pets part of the family and give them healthy food, exercise, toys, and — of course — lots of love. (Admit it, you let Fluffy sleep on the bed, right?) Part of being a great pet parent is ensuring your dog or cat gets quality health care so she can enjoy many healthy years by your side.

5 Pet Health Care Basics:

  • Regular veterinary check ups
  • Immunizations
  • Preventative medications (as needed)
  • Prompt medical attention in case of illness or injury
  • Quality, accurately dosed medication dispensed for animals (as needed)

Learn more about veterinarian recommended guidelines at AVMA.org:

 

Your veterinarian is always the first – and best – health care resource

for your pet.

 

And when your veterinarian gives you a prescription to fill or you need a special supplement for your pet, we’re here to help. Our licensed pharmacists and pharmacy technicians work with you and your veterinarian to dispense the right medication for your pet quickly, conveniently — and always at a fair price.

 

VetRxDirect PawVetRxDirect is part of the professional team

keeping your pet healthy.

Prescriptions – People are required see a doctor before they can get a prescription. The same goes for pets. You need to see a veterinarian who can diagnose your pet and then write the correct prescription for her. If you’d like us to fill it, your veterinarian can fax us the prescription directly and we’ll dispense the medication to you. We keep any refills on file for your convenience.

Nutritional supplements – We proudly stock many nutritional supplements and some of the newest nutraceuticals on the market. While most don’t require a prescription, we highly recommend checking with your veterinarian before you give your dog or cat anything new.

Special products – We also stock many specialty and hard-to-find products and medications most veterinarians don’t carry because of cost or space constraints. If your pet needs a special product from VetRxDirect, check with your veterinarian first, and then place your order with us. And we’re always happy to answer your questions about medications or how to use special medical equipment.

You, your veterinarian, and VetRxDirect — we’re the best, most professional team for keeping your pet healthy!

Have a great holiday weekend,

Wes

Preventing and Treated Ear Infections in Dogs

Dog EarsNew dog owners often wonder why their adorable new puppy or dog can’t stop scratching at his ears. Could it be fleas or ticks? Yes, it could be all of the above! But more often than not, incessant itching and scratching in the ear area is caused by an infection.  In fact, according to a recent survey conducted by Veterinary Pet Insurance, ear problems are the second most common reason dog owners bring their pets to the vet.

Causes of Ear Infections in Dogs

There are many reasons dogs get ear infections, which is what makes them so difficult to diagnose.  In most cases, yeast or bacteria are to blame. But infections can also be precipitated by mites, trapped water, hair growth and even tumors in the ear canal.

Activities that put dogs at an elevated risk of this painful disorder include frequent bathing, swimming, and improper cleaning routines that can lead to ear infections. Pet lovers must always remember that a dog’s ear is not like ours! The canine’s plunges downward from the opening and then goes horizontally, which is why water and debris can easily get lodged in there.

Symptoms of Ear Infections in Dogs

In addition to scratching and itching, a dog with an ear infection may also shake his head, as if he is trying to get water out of it. In some advanced cases, there may be an unpleasant odor that can be detected even from a distance. But those are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. The following is a brief list of common symptoms for canine ear infections:

  • Redness (due to scratching)
  • Swelling
  • Yellow, brown, or bloody discharge
  • Hair loss around the ear (also do to scratching)
  • Scabby skin near the ear flap
  • Bad balance while walking
  • Diminished hearing
  • Disorientation

At-risk breeds for Ear Infections

Although any dog can get an ear infection at anytime, certain breeds are more susceptible to the ailment than others. A short list of breeds that are prone to ear infections includes: Springer Spaniel, Shar Pei, Basset Hound, Beagle, Labrador, and Cocker Spaniel, just to name a few. The reason these pouches have more ear problems than other dog breeds is often attributed to sensitive skin on the inside of their ears and ear canals.

Prevention of Ear Infections in Dogs

If you own a water dog, one that swims like an Olympian and loves the water, make sure you dry their ears after each and every swimming session. Using cotton balls, simply wipe the opening gently, which should be enough to remove surface moisture and prevent infection. You may also be able to use a drying solution, if your veterinarian says it’s okay. A drop or two of white vinegar can also help prevent “swimmer’s ear” in our canine friends. But once again, make sure you speak with your dog’s doctor before you administer anything.

For dogs that don’t swim but are merely bathed on a regular basis, you can keep water out of their sensitive ears by inserting cotton balls into both ear canals. Just be gentle and don’t push too hard. All you have to do is cover the opening and your dog should be okay during an ordinary bathing session.

Treatment of Ear Infections in Dogs

There are many inexpensive and effective treatments for canine ear infection on the market today. One of our favorites is Tri-otic Ointment for Dogs. A safe and readily available generic form of Otomax, this medication provides quick and soothing relief to red, swollen, itchy ears.  It does this by attacking the bacteria and yeast that caused the infection, thereby reducing inflammation and itching. How does it work?

Tri-otic Ointment combines three powerful antimicrobials into a single solution that treats ear infections. These ingredients work together to stop the yeast and bacteria from spreading and quickly eliminate any sign of the infection in no time.

As with any prescription medication, always follow dosing directions to the letter.  Even when a dose is missed, never double up or administer more than is directed, unless your veterinarian approves it. Don’t hesitate to contact us!

Have a great Halloween,

VetRxDirect

October is National Pet Wellness Month

Halloween is right around the corner, meaning little ghosts, zombies, and vampires will be out and about. You know what’s really scary? Skipping an annual wellness exam with your pet’s veterinarian! Getting an annual wellness exam for your pet is important for the same reason that regular checkups are essential for humans – they help to find problems before they start. They can also help to identify conditions and illnesses early on, when chances for treatment and cure are often times dramatically better.

To stress the significance of health care for pets, VetRxDirect joined the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and other prominent veterinary groups in promoting National Pet Wellness Month in October. But the importance of wellness exams doesn’t end with the month.

Pet Wellness Month
The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends pet owners schedule examinations twice a year as well as regular wellness screenings including urinalysis, blood count, blood chemistry, thyroid hormone testing, and parasite and heartworm checks. If it’s been more than six months since your pet’s last checkup, schedule a wellness visit with your pet’s veterinarian today.

To celebrate and help raise awareness of the importance of pet wellness, we’re offering a limited time 15% OFF coupon with the code WELLNESS for use at our online store.* Hurry! This coupon expires Halloween at Midnight.

Does My Dog have Canine Bronchitis?

Believe it or not, asthma is not a condition reserved for humans alone. Often referred to as dyspnea or allergic bronchitis, one percent of dogs are reported to have this ailment, but the actual amount of sufferers is estimated to be much higher as this condition often goes overlooked by owners and medical professionals alike. After all, it is hard to diagnose (the patient can’t elaborate on the details after all), and is frequently mistaken for other issues like heartworm disease.

As a concerned pet owner, what should you look for? The symptoms your dog experiences is not too unlike what you, yourself would experience. He will cough and wheeze, and may even experience shortness of breath. During extreme bouts, your canine friend may have spasms and constrictions in his upper airways, at which you should seek immediately medical attention. What causes such symptoms? The surrounding environment may be the guilty culprit. Allergens like plants, pesticides and pollution may irritate your dog’s inhalation outside and, when inside, common causes are cigarette smoke, carpet deodorizers and different cleaning products. Yes, eliminating specific factors may help, but pinpointing the exact cause can be extremely difficult and protecting your companion with relieving measures is a must. After all, there is no cure or permanent removal for allergic canine bronchitis.

While dogs of all ages and sizes can experience this condition, most animals develop this disorder in their youth or middle-age. Smaller breeds have an increased likelihood of being sensitive to allergens, partly due to their elevated heart rate and rapid breaths. Who among us hasn’t seen a toy dog gasping with its mouth open as it excitedly wheezes for breath?

There are numerous products to help provide your pooch with health and comfort. It is important to seek the consultation of a veterinarian, who will most likely recommend medications designed to open the air passages to increase the flow of oxygen and lessen the severity of an allergic attack. Commonly, Flovent (fluticasone) needs to be breathed in with the assistance of an aerosol chamber like the Aerodawg.

If you suspect your dog may be experiencing allergic bronchitis, a trip to the veterinarian should happen at once. If it goes untreated for too long, the consequences can be severe if not fatal. After all, oxygen helps your beloved friend’s organs continue to function. So give your canine the easy breathing he deserves and yourself some peace of mind and, if you have your uncertainties, have your dog checked out for this often overlooked ailment.

Have you used Flovent or the AeroDawg with your pet? Tell us about your experiences in the comments section below.

Breathe Easy,

VetRxDirect

 

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.

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.

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

Should I give Heartworm Prevention to my Pet Year Around?

AHS_InfoGraphic

Protect Your Pet – Heartworm InfoGraphic Presented by the American Heartworm Society

One of the most serious diseases your pet can contract, heartworms are transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. If left untreated, the larvae will grow into mature worms that settle in the heart and the lungs. An affected dog or cat will tire easily, cough incessantly, and may succumb to the disease after a long and painful period of time. Because there is only one approved treatment for heatworms in dog and zero in cats, prevention is key.

Heartworm Tests for Dogs and Cats

It is important to start your canine or feline friend on a monthly heartworm preventative. First, your veterinarian may need to test your pet for heartworms before safely prescribing a preventative. Dogs should be tested every 12 months and pets should be on a preventative 12 months a year.

Sentinel is Back!

 

Monthly Preventatives for Heartworm Diesase

Advantage Multi: Available in both feline and canine versions, Advantage Multi protects your pet from heartworm disease and other parasites, including fleas, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. A single dose once a month is all you need to kill these fearsome freeloaders before they mature. Always consult your veterinarian before administering any prescription medication. In most cases, Advantage Multi is completely safe for puppies and kittens over two months old. On rare occasion, an animal may have an underlying health condition that prevents early treatment.  The topical drug is safe, affordable, and easy to apply.

Heartgard Plus: Formulated for dogs, Heartgard Plus kills heartworms, hookworms, and roundworms. These tasty chewables are safe for dogs six weeks or older, although it is important to consult your veterinarian before administering any prescription medication. This goes double if your pet is pregnant or has any underlying medical condition, especially a chronic one.

Like other preventatives, these once-monthly chewables contain FDA-approved drugs to control heartworms and other parasites.

Iverhart Max: Because it is a common disease, there are a number of safe and effective chewables used to prevent heartworm disease in dogs. Iverhart Max tablets are flavored chewable tables sold in monthly doses. In addition to guarding them from heartworm disease, they can also be used to treat hookworm, tapeworm, and roundworm infestations. Although the label says it is safe for dogs eight week of age and older, it is always best to consult your veterinarian before you give your canine friend any drug or supplement. If he has an underlying medical issue, a new medication could cause complications.

How do I Submit a Claim to my Pet Insurance Company?

Recently, VetRxDirect received the following 2 out of 5 star rating review from user evan-990 over at ResellerRatings.com:

“Cannot get them to send me invoices with vets name and date of order. My pet insurance will not accept anything less, so I have been unable to send them claims.”

All of us at VetRxDirect want to provide a pet meds pharmacy where our customers can easily place online orders and receive fast, accurate deliveries at affordable costs without hang-ups.

In response to the above review, VetRxDirect now lists your pet’s name and veterinarian on our mailed invoices. You will now be able to easily submit our invoices to pet medical insurance plans after you receive your pet’s order. Be sure to follow the insurance company’s instructions when submitting claims.

Here is an example of a product line item on VetRxDirect’s improved invoice:

Pet-Vet_Name

All of our invoices clearly display the order date at the top of the page.

If you have any other suggestions or ideas for invoice improvements, please let us know in the comments suggestions below.

Have a great day,

Wes