I recently came across an article in the March 2010 issue of Veterinary Practice News that listed the top 10 categories of human drugs that are most frequently ingested by pets. According to information supplied by Justine A. Lee, DVM, Dipl. ACVECC, associate director of veterinary services at the Pet Poison Helpline, animal poisonings “are unfortunately very, very common.”

The top 10 human medications most frequently ingested  by pets according to this article are:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Advil, Aleve and Motrin)
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Antidepressants (Effexor, Cymbalta, Prozac, Lexapro)
• ADD and ADHD medications (Concerta, Adderall, Ritalin)
• Benzodiazepines and sleep aids (Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien, Lunesta)
• Birth-control pills (estrogen, estradiol, progesterone)
• ACE inhibitors (Zestril, Altace)
• Beta blockers (Tenormin, Toprol, Coreg)
• Thyroid hormones (Armour dessicated thyroid, Synthroid)
• Cholesterol lowering agents (Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor)

For their health and safety, let’s keep all medications where pets cannot get to them.

Related posts:

1. PetMeds®: Chronic Use Medications for Pets
2. PetMeds®: What are the Pros and Cons of Giving My Pet Pain Medications (Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Novox)?
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According to the American Kennel Club, the top 10 dog breeds in the United States are:

• Labrador Retriever
• German Shepherd
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Golden Retriever
• Beagle
• Boxer
• Bulldog
• Dachshund
• Poodle
• Shih Tzu

Wonder where the Portuguese Water Dog stands? Over the last decade this breed, also according to the AKC, has moved from number 80 to number 60. However, in the last year this breed has moved up 4 spots since Bo moved into the White House.

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I just came across an article that lists the Top 10 most common causes for veterinary visits in 2009.

For dogs, the top 10 reasons were: lower urinary tract/bladder infection, ear infection, skin allergy, skin infection/hot spots, gastritis/vomiting, enteritis/diarrhea, arthritis, soft tissue trauma, non cancerous tumor, eye infection.

For cats, the top 10 reasons were: lower urinary tract infection, gastritis/vomiting, chronic renal failure, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, enteritis/diarrhea, skin allergy, periodontitis/dental disease, ear infection, eye infection.

1-800-PetMeds can supply a full range of prescription pet meds that are used to treat these conditions and non-prescription medications to help maintain your pet’s health.

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I am pleased to announce that 1-800-PetMeds has achieved Vet-VIPPS accreditation by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).

To quote from the NABP website, “The Vet-VIPPS program accredits facilities that dispense prescription drugs and devices for companion and non-food producing animals over the Internet and assures animal care providers that they are purchasing drugs and devices from a facility that meets the licensing requirements of the state in which the facility is based and each state to which it dispenses pharmaceuticals.

Veterinarians and clients can be reassured, as a result of this accreditation, that 1-800-PetMeds meets the highest standards of pharmacy practice.

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1. PetMeds® Pet Pharmacy Certified by LegitScript
2. 1800PetMeds Pet Photo Contest

Vetsulin is no longer available at 1-800-PetMeds. The following information explains why the manufacturer is no longer making this product:

Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, the manufacturer of Vetsulin (porcine insulin zinc suspension) recently sent another letter to veterinarians as a follow up to the Vetsulin Alert/Importance of Diabetic Pet Transition letter that was sent to veterinarians last November. This letter is reminding veterinarians of the dwindling supply of Vetsulin and encourages them to transition their diabetic patients to other insulin products including protamine zinc insulin for cats (ProZinc).

*As a reminder to all PetMeds clients with a diabetic pet, do not switch from one type of insulin product to another unless under the directions of a veterinarian. Changing from one insulin to another may require an adjustment in the dose and/or the use of a different insulin syringe.

I want to make sure everyone currently using Vetsulin to control their pet’s diabetes understands the issue that is impacting them.

As you may know, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine and Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health (the maker of Vetsulin) issued a “Product Alert” on Vetsulin late last year. The issue is with the long-term stability of the product over time. The company is presently working to determine whether there is any significant loss of potency or a delayed onset or extended duration of action. At this time, the company does not believe the efficacy and safety of Vetsulin is affected.

However, all veterinarians have been asked to alert their clients to:

• Monitor their pets on Vetsulin for any unusual signs; and
• Transition their pet to an alternative product as soon as posible

Transitioning your pet as soon as possible is important because Vetsulin will no longer be available in the very near future and all supplies in the U.S. will be depleted while Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health works with the FDA to resolve this issue. Therefore you should make an appointment with your veterinarian immediately so that the veterinarian can initiate this transition process.

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1. PetMeds®: Update on Vetsulin Insulin
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LegitScript is the leading internet pharmacy verification service in the United States. LegitScript is identified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) as the only internet pharmacy verification service that adheres to the NABP’s standards.

I am very happy to announce that 1-800-PetMeds has been certified by LegitScript and we are proudly displaying the LegitScript seal on our online pet pharmacy homepage.

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1. PetMeds® 1800PetMeds Becomes Vet-VIPPS Accredited
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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.

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1. PetMeds®: Chronic Use Medications for Pets
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The American Kennel Club (AKC) has some excellent winter health tips on their website. The AKC reminds us that dogs cannot talk to us when they are sick and as a responsible dog owner, it is important to pay special attention to your dog’s well-being during the winter season. The AKC suggests dog owners remember the following health concerns:

• Antifreeze, which often collects on driveways and roadways, is highly poisonous. Although it smells and tastes good to your dog, it can be lethal.
• Rock salt, used to melt ice on sidewalks, may irritate footpads. Be sure to rinse and dry your dog’s feet after a walk.
• Provide plenty of fresh water. Your dog is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer. Snow is not a satisfactory substitute for water.
• Frostbite is your dog’s winter hazard. To prevent frostbite on its ears, tail and feet, don’t leave your dog outdoors for too long.
• Be very careful of supplemental heat sources. Fireplaces and portable heaters can severely burn your dog. Make sure all fireplaces have screens, and keep portable heaters out of reach.
• Like people, dogs seem to be more susceptible to illness in the winter. Take your dog to a veterinarian if you see any suspicious symptoms.
• Don’t use (human) over-the-counter medications on your dog without consulting a veterinarian.

As a reminder, 1-800-PetMeds does carry prescription and non-prescription medications to treat cough. Our staff can discuss these products with you.

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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.

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Heartgard Tablets, a non-flavored, non-chewable product, has been discontinued by the manufacturer. This product was a great alternative for those dogs with beef allergy that needed heartworm prevention.

If your dog has a beef allergy, and especially if your pet has been taking these tablets, you should contact your veterinarian to discuss alternative heartworm prevention medication.

Heartgard Plus (heartworm and intestinal parasite prevention), and Heartgard Chews (heartworm prevention only)  are readily  available. Only the non-flavored, non-chewable tablet is discontinued.

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1. PetMeds® Heartgard Chewable Tablet Questions
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