If you are considering ordering your pet's medication online, please read what the ASPCA says about online pet medications. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) does not recommend that pet parents forgo purchasing pet drugs on the Internet altogether, but encourages the active participation of your veterinarian in any decision to medicate your pet. “All pet drugs should be prescribed by a veterinarian after an in-person physical exam, and should either be purchased from that veterinarian or out sourced to a reputable pharmacy, whether on- or off-line,” says Dr. Camille DeClementi, ASPCA Senior Director of Medical Records. Tips for Buying Pet Drugs Online Order from a Web site that belongs to a Vet-VIPPS accredited pharmacy. Vet-VIPPS—the Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites is a voluntary accreditation program of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). NABP gives the Vet-VIPPS seal to online pharmacies that dispense prescription animal drugs and comply with NABP's strict criteria, including federal and state licensing and inspection requirements, protecting patient confidentiality, quality assurance, and validity of prescription orders. Look for the Vet-VIPPS seal displayed on a pharmacy's Web site or check with NABP5 (click on "Accreditation Programs") to find out if a pharmacy is Vet-VIPPS accredited. Because this is a new program, begun in 2009, a small number of pharmacies are currently Vet-VIPPS accredited. Order from an outsourced prescription management service that your veterinarian uses. These state-licensed Internet pharmacy services work directly with the veterinarian, require that a prescription be written by the veterinarian, and support the veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Ask your veterinary hospital if it uses an Internet pharmacy service. Pharmacies that are currently Vet-VIPPS accredited: 1-800-PetMeds Drs Foster & Smith Pharmacy PetCareRx, Inc SmartPak VetCentric VetRxDirect
Do you know that you should not give your cat milk every day? According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) most cats like milk, but do not need it if properly nourished. Also, many will get diarrhea if they drink too much milk. If it is given at all, the amount should be small and infrequent. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says, unless they are spoiled or moldy, milk, cheese and other dairy foods are not considered to be poisonous to pets. However, cats do not possess significant amounts of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk. Feeding milk and milk-based products to cats can actually cause them to vomit or have diarrhea, which in severe cases could lead to inflammation of the pancreas. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to check with your veterinarian before offering any “people food” to your pets. Listed below are some of the foods that you should never give your cat: Bones from Fish or Poultry - Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system Canned Tuna (for human consumption) - Large amounts can cause malnutrition, since it lacks proper levels of vitamins and minerals. It can also lead to thiamine deficiency in cats. Chocolate and Cocoa contain a chemical called theobromide that can adversely affect the heart, lungs, kidney and central nervous system. Citrus oil extracts - Can cause vomiting. Cats are more sensitive than dogs. Dog Food - If accidental ingestion, will not cause a problem; if fed repeatedly, may result in malnutrition and diseases affecting the heart. Fat Trimmings - Can cause pancreatitis. Fish (Raw, Canned or Cooked) - If fed exclusively or in high amounts can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. Milk and Other Dairy Products - Some adult cats and dogs may develop diarrhea if given large amounts of dairy products. Mushrooms - Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death. Onions and Garlic (raw, cooked, or powder) - Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions. Persimmons - Seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis. Raw Eggs - Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella. Rhubarb Leaves - Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems. Salt - If eaten in large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances. String - Can become trapped in the digestive system; called a "string foreign body." Table Scraps (in large amounts) - Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced. They should never be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed. Sugary Foods - Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus. Yeast Dough - Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines. Macadamia Nuts - Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle. Human Vitamin Supplements Containing Iron - Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys. Grapes, Raisins and Currants - Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys. Baby Food - Can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to cats . Alcoholic Beverages - Can cause intoxication, coma, and death. Poison Control Hotline 888-232-8870 (TOLL FREE) For anyone who may not know, the poison control number charges you $35. This goes to pay the vet in case of a phone consultation. If you ever have to call, make sure to have credit card ready. Follow Us!
Cats can get sick all the time with many of the same ailments as pet parents. However, symptoms for cats can be much different than they are for humans. Our cat symptom checker is a great way to figure out what may be wrong with your feline friend. When cats become sick, they can’t tell us with words. Instead, cat parents need to be vigilant, keeping an eye out for any symptoms that could point to illness. It also helps to stay ahead of the curve by giving them preventative medication like Advantage Multi for cats. This useful chart breaks down cat symptoms by area of the body, then tells you what each symptom could mean. Our cat symptom checker is a good place to get started identifying what could be wrong with your cat, but always contact your veterinarian for final diagnosis and treatment solutions. To read more on this story, click here:Cat Symptom Checker: Match Your Cat’s Symptoms to Health Conditions
Do you know that you should not give your cat milk every day? According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) most cats like milk, but do not need it if properly nourished. Also, many will get diarrhea if they drink too much milk. If it is given at all, the amount should be small and infrequent. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says, unless they are spoiled or moldy, milk, cheese and other dairy foods are not considered to be poisonous to pets. However, cats do not possess significant amounts of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk. Feeding milk and milk-based products to cats can actually cause them to vomit or have diarrhea, which in severe cases could lead to inflammation of the pancreas. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to check with your veterinarian before offering any “people food” to your pets. Listed below are some of the foods that you should never give your cat: Bones from Fish or Poultry - Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system Canned Tuna (for human consumption) - Large amounts can cause malnutrition, since it lacks proper levels of vitamins and minerals. It can also lead to thiamine deficiency in cats. Chocolate and Cocoa contain a chemical called theobromide that can adversely affect the heart, lungs, kidney and central nervous system. Citrus oil extracts - Can cause vomiting. Cats are more sensitive than dogs. Dog Food - If accidental ingestion, will not cause a problem; if fed repeatedly, may result in malnutrition and diseases affecting the heart. Fat Trimmings - Can cause pancreatitis. Fish (Raw, Canned or Cooked) - If fed exclusively or in high amounts can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. Milk and Other Dairy Products - Some adult cats and dogs may develop diarrhea if given large amounts of dairy products. Mushrooms - Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death. Onions and Garlic (raw, cooked, or powder) - Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions. Persimmons - Seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis. Raw Eggs - Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella. Rhubarb Leaves - Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems. Salt - If eaten in large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances. String - Can become trapped in the digestive system; called a "string foreign body." Table Scraps (in large amounts) - Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced. They should never be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed. Sugary Foods - Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus. Yeast Dough - Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines. Macadamia Nuts - Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle. Human Vitamin Supplements Containing Iron - Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys. Grapes, Raisins and Currants - Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys. Baby Food - Can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to cats . Alcoholic Beverages - Can cause intoxication, coma, and death. Poison Control Hotline 888-232-8870 (TOLL FREE) For anyone who may not know, the poison control number charges you $35. This goes to pay the vet in case of a phone consultation. If you ever have to call, make sure to have credit card ready.
