Pet Meds Blog

1-800-PetMeds is first and foremost a pharmacy. What makes us different from the pharmacy you use for your medications is that we specialize in dispensing medicines for your pet instead of for you.

Because we care about the health and welfare of your pets, we have recently made some important adjustments to the pet information we need from you.

When you look at our “Pet Medical History” page, you will see that we are asking for, and need,  some basic information regarding your pet(s). This includes (for each pet):

• The name of the pet – this goes on the prescription label so you can be sure you’re giving the correct medication to the correct pet.
• The type of pet – is it a dog or a cat. This allows us to catch species errors when medications are ordered. For example, was the order for a medication that can only be given to a dog but our records indicate you have a cat.
• Breed – Some breeds are more susceptible to certain diseases.
• Gender – Some pet medications are intended for use in females only. Some medications should be used cautiously if given to pregnant females, or not given to pregnant females at all.
• Pet Age – Older pets that may have age related kidney or liver conditions may need to have their medication dosage adjusted.
• Weight – We want to make sure the medication we send is correct for the weight of your pet.
• Medical Conditions – These help us understand the medication your pet has been given and helps us prevent giving you a medication your pet should not have.
• Allergies – Tell us what your pet is allergic to. For example, does he/she have flea bite allergies?
• Medications my pet is allergic to – By asking for any drug allergies, we can prevent giving your pet a medication they should not be taking. You can chose up to 4 medications (if your pet is allergic to more than one medication).
• Medications my pet is taking (not purchased through us) – This is important since the medication we are sending you may interact with the medication you’ve gotten somewhere else.

We are hopeful that you will see these questions, and your need to answer them, as a benefit to your pets health.

Have you ever wondered what the most popular pet names are? It turns out that Max, Bella, and Kitty are the most popular names.

According to an Associated Press article published in the Boston Herald, in 2009 Max was the most popular name for male dogs and cats, Bella was the most popular name for female dogs, and Kitty was the most popular name for female cats.

These results, according to the article, were based on an unscientific compilation of 50,000 pets treated at a Boston animal hospital.

I’m sure my Maltese named Max is thrilled to know he’s not unique even though he acts like he is.

Due to a manufacturing issue, the manufacturer of Vetsulin has advised that the Food and Drug Administration has recommended that veterinarians consider transitioning their patients to other insulin products. There has been no recall but supplies will be limited, and it is anticipated that Vetsulin will no longer be available in 3 or 4 weeks.

Prior purchasers of Vetsulin should speak to their veterinarian about an alternative product.  For cat owners, your veterinarian can consider the use of ProZinc although some dosage adjustment may be necessary. For dog owners, there are insulin options available, but your veterinarian will need to decide the appropriate product to use.

If you have any questions, please call our pharmacy department at 1-888-738-6331.

Customers who have a pet or pets with diabetes and are using Vetsulin Insulin should be aware that the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine has issued an advisory regarding Vetsulin.

There is NO recall of this product. However, pet owners are advised to monitor their pets for the following symptoms:

• hyperglycemia
• increased thirst, or urination
• weight loss
• disorientation
• signs of weakness

If the pet has any of these symptoms, pet owners are advised to call the manufacturer’s Technical Services Department at 800-224-5318. Customers should also contact their veterinarian.

Chronic diseases can be defined in different ways. One definition classifies a chronic disease as a condition lasting at least 3 months. Another definition defines chronic disease as a condition that can be controlled but not cured. Either way, a chronic disease requires a commitment to continue therapy for as long as needed, whether three months or for a lifetime.

How is a chronic disease different from an acute disease? Let’s look at a urinary tract infection as one example. The first time your pet develops a urinary tract infection (UTI), the condition is labeled as acute. However, if the pet is subject to repeated UTI’s, then the condition can be defined as chronic. Diabetes is another example of a chronic disease, as are hypothyroid disease and hyperthyroid disease.

For pets subject to UTI’s, care may not be difficult since most UTI’s can be treated and the pet cured within a relatively short period of time. The critical take way point for a UTI is to give any antibiotic that the veterinarian prescribed until it is all used up. You should never stop the antibiotic once the symptoms appear to go away. You may only have knocked the disease on it’s head, you have probably not made it go away completely.

The takeaway point for chronic diseases or illnesses such as diabetes or thyroid disorders is that your pet will require a life long commitment on your part in order for the pet’s condition to be controlled.

None of us want to see our pets fall ill. Unfortunately, just like we humans, pets do get sick. Fortunately for our pets, when they do get sick we have the resources of the veterinarian to determine what’s wrong, the assistance of the pet’s owner to ensure that the pet is treated as directed for as long as is necessary, and the availability of 1-800-PetMeds to provide the prescription medications the veterinarian has prescribed.

1-800-PetMeds can help you take care of your pets by providing you with the most common medications used in treating chronic disease. The PetMeds ^® pharmacy can fill your prescription for antibiotics for a UTI; Vetsulin, PZI Vet, or glyburide for diabetes; Soloxine for hypothyroid disease; methimazole for hyperthyroid disease; or Vetmedin, enalapril, furosemide, or digoxin for congestive heart failure; as well as many other medications for a wide range of conditions.

To further help you understand chronic diseases and to help you in the care of your pet, PetMeds^® website contains a wealth of information that you should find informative.