Heartworm Meds, buying online?

[gail pang]

I am just curious as to purchasing HW and thyroid meds over the net.
Anyone out there with any luck from Pet Pharmacopia (sp)? Always looking to save a nickle to spend on them elsewhere. I live in a rather small rural
community so having this delivered is a big help also, considering having to drive to another community , but I have and will continue. Just curious as to
internet med for pets.

Thanks
Gail

[groupieindenial]

There's an online pharmacy I buy from, way cheaper than the vets, but I think you have to be an Ontario resident for Canadian customers, but US can buy. Their pretty cheap! OH, and they have a LOT more other things that aren't listed, so if your looking for something and its not listed, just call them.

http://www.petpharm.org/

[Liza]

It is so much cheaper than buying from the Vets or any dog store here in Victoria. I worked out I save $24 per pack, and as we buy for the whole families dogs we also get free postage.

[MomofSweetPotatoes]

I just want to relate a personal experience. I have 4 dogs. I too thought of buying Heartworm meds over the net, but am glad I chose otherwise. Here goes: I give my boys Interceptor every 30 days. Interceptor says it protects from heartworm, roundworm, hookworm and others. Last month, my oldest tested positive for roundworm. He has since been given drontal and that has eradicated the worms. However, my vet spoke with Novartis, the makers of interceptor. They were not pleased that my oldest got roundworm and have since paid for treatment for roundworm, in 3 doses (initial, at 3 weeks and at 3 months) as well as one other dog (for prophylactic measure) I only need to pay for prophylactic treatment in my other 2, which I will do, just in case. Novartis also went further and gave me a 2 year supply of heartworm pills. Novartis, backs their product 100% when purchased through your vet. Had I purchased the pills on line, I would have saved initially, but in the end I would have paid over $600 to eradicate roundworm in 4 dogs. Just something to think about.

[majicka]

Novartis will also back it up if you buy from 1800 Pet Meds and a few others because it requires your vet to call in a script for heartworm meds.

If you buy your meds thru a place that doesn't require a script all bets are off..I'm always looking to save a few myself especially with 3 dogs, but the recent rash of counterfiet pet meds has me concerned and I will only purchase thru US approved places for my dogs meds.

I've also found that if you buy the larger packages, you get more bang for your buck.

Drs foster and smith has a fantastic online pharmacy for other meds, when I had Bruno who took a slew of heart medications, it really saved me a ton. Do you have a Costco near you? Their prices are also fantastic on (human)meds. Ask your vet to write a script for you and shop around.

FYI, Drs foster and smith is having a fantastic sale on frontline right now and the sunday paper has a coupon for 10% off at 1800 pet meds.

[HerculesMomma]

I think I read somewhere (here?) or heard through my vet that none of the company's will back their products if bought over the internet. I'm not sure what, if any, truth there is in that though. I would call the vet and ask. My vet did mention one time they could give me a prescription to get the heartworm meds over the internet. But I just got it from them.

[HerculesMomma]

Originally Posted by majicka

Novartis will also back it up if you buy from 1800 Pet Meds and a few others because it requires your vet to call in a script for heartworm meds.

If you buy your meds thru a place that doesn't require a script all bets are off..I'm always looking to save a few myself especially with 3 dogs, but the recent rash of counterfiet pet meds has me concerned and I will only purchase thru US approved places for my dogs meds.

Oops, read your reply after my last post. Yes, this is what I understood to be the case since my vet offered me a prescription to get it over the internet. My guess is anyplace that might sell it without a prescription may not be backed then by the manufacturer?

[majicka]

I just called Novartis directly and they ONLY back their product if you purchase it directly thru a vet. I asked them, why do you allow these online companies to sell your product then if you don't back it. They claim it's an unauthorized distribution. To me it doesn't make any sense. For a company such as 1800 pet meds to purchase & distribute such a quantity, I don't understand how Novartis can say it's unauthorized. Doesn't make sense. I'm calling 1800 pet meds to find out.

I just spoke w/ 1800 pet meds, and asked them why Novartis was saying they do not back the product if purchased thru them..1800 pet meds claims they do HOWEVER, in the event they don't 1800 pet meds says THEY will back the product 100% provided that your vet called in a script. In the event your dog contracted heartworm, they would cover the cost of treatment. They are US FDA approved as well as regulated by Florida State. They said they acquire their products thru US FDA licensed wholesalers.

[groupieindenial]

The manufacturers need to say they back up ONLY the vets over on-line suppliers, otherwise clinics will go and start carrying some other manufacturer's product. Who do you think supplies the vet clinics??? These distributors who are now offering products to the public.

[SonnyRott]

I buy my ped meds from 1-800-pet meds. They notify my vet (for prescription items), he mails me the prescrip and I send it to pet meds. The orders arrive prompty. I've never had a problem.

I just ordered from them last night in fact. It is still cheaper, and I don't have to drive to pick up the meds. If your order is over a certain amount, the shipping is also free.

[majicka]

My guess is anyplace that might sell it without a prescription may not be backed then by the manufacturer?


I wouldn't buy heartworm meds from anywhere that doesn't require a script. That worries me that the meds could be counterfiet. If you don't go thru 1800 pet meds, I would call the company you are looking at and ask them what their guarantee is and get it in writing from them.

[carolkasper]

At what age would you start heartworm prevention?

[brunie's mom]

I would think at 8 weeks of age. Pups can get heartworm if they are outside.
Call your vets office and find out.

Gina

[Zephir]

I have always been told to start heart worm meds around 4-6 months of age b/c of the life cycle of the heart worm. There was no need to start before that - by what I was told by the vets, but check with yours to be sure.

[Helen B.]

I used to order at KV vet. I would supply them with the precription and the meds would come in a few day. No shipping charge and after comparing with other mail order meds they were the cheapest. Hope this works.

http://www.kvvet.com/KVVet/product_f...FC51C523DD9DDA