Your Pets Medicine – Your Veterinarian Or The Internet? (The Conclusion)
If you remember the post regarding your pet’s medicine from a week ago, I showed you how you could possible save on your pet’s medicine by getting your veterinarian to price match your pet’s medicine from the internet.
I also promised to provide you even more information why buying your pets medications online may not be the way to go. Here goes …
Did you know that many products and medications for pets have a guarantee if administered through a licensed veterinarian? Did you also know that most of these guarantees are void when purchased from online retailers? Make sure you read the fine print or check with the retailer if you decide to purchase this way. Get your answer in writing from the retailer or the company who manufactures the product.
A good example would be two owners who give their dogs’ heartworm preventative. Both love their pets and work hard to maintain their dogs’ health and nutrition. Both give the heartworm preventative regularly as prescribed.
Dog owner #1 buys his pets medicine (in this case heartworm preventative) online. Dog owner #2 buys his through his dog’s veterinarian. Let’s say in this particular case, both owners’ dogs test positive for heartworms. Although rare, it can happen.
Dog owner #2′s veterinary bill for heartworm treatment will be paid by the manufacturer as outlined in their guarantee. Why? Because it is documented in his dog’s medical records by his veterinarian.
Dog owner #1 does not have such a luxury. He has to pay the bill entirely out of pocket because he purchased his pets medicine online.
What makes the difference in the two? The manufacturer’s guarantee does! Go to this link (http://www.interceptor.novartis.us/dog/en/about.shtml) and scroll down to the bottom where it says, “Novartis 100% Satisfaction Guarantee to Veterinarians.”
Read that section in its entirety.
Get the picture? Which dog owner will you be?
The guarantee also applies to other products besides heartworm medication. If your dog has a reaction or if for some reason you are unhappy with your pet’s medicine, good luck getting a sympathetic ear from the online vendor!
If you are still determined to go online to buy your pets medicine, check the packaging. Make sure it has the proper expiration. Make sure it is in the correct language. Read the instructions and conditions. And make sure the contents look in satisfactory condition.
To summarize, who do you think really cares about your pet? It should be an easy answer … your veterinarian.
In fact, any decision regarding your pet’s safety and well being should be deferred to professionals.
Feb 06, 2007 | | Dog Health
Your Pets Medications – Your Veterinarian Or The Internet?
Ask your veterinarian to price match your pets’ medications you find on the internet.
I don’t know of any veterinarian who wouldn’t price match medications for your pets or at least work with you … if you are a loyal client.
Don’t expect to just walk into a clinic you’ve never been to before and ask them to price match your pets’ medications. You have to establish a relationship with them first.
Here is the process.
Go to the website where you found the medication for pets you want to buy. Enter what you need in the shopping cart. Go far enough into the checkout process where you have a total listed (do not actually purchase the product.) Be sure each of your pets’ medications are listed with the price. INCLUDE THE SHIPPING INFORMATION (that is only the right thing to do). You could also just print the information off the main product screen as long as the shipping information is included somewhere on the page.
Print this off and take it to your vet. Make sure that the order has a date on it as they probably won’t honor anything that wasn’t printed out during the last few days. Tell them what you have and ask them if they could help with the price on your pets’ medications.
The best possible scenario is that they match your pets medications price or becomes more competitive. If not, you have some decisions to make.
Do you really believe the online pet medications companies care as much about you and your pet as your vet does? Trust me, I have a licensed vet tech acquaintance that has had to speak to pet medications customer service representatives on more than one occasion.
Veterinarians and their staff work hard to establish relationships with their clients. When you buy your pets medications from them not only do you get the product (heartworm tablets, flea prevention, arthritis medication, whatever) but you also get the advice and knowledge that comes along with it.
Sure, buying something for a cheaper price is a right you have as a consumer. But have you thought about WHY it’s cheaper? Many times cheaper isn’t necessarily cheaper. That extra money you spend is paying for professionals’ advice and guidance. It could end up saving your pet’s life!
In my next dog health article, I will provide you even more information why buying your pets medications online may not be the way to go.
Jan 25, 2007 | | Dog Health
It can only happen in the western world. If being overweight or obese is one of your dog’s health problems, there is an answer.
It’s called Slentrol and its made by Pfizer. The FDA approved Slentrol last Friday.
Can you believe it? You can now take your dog to the vet and have him or her take a pill and lose weight.
Whatever happened to portion control, reduction in snacks and exercise? Yes, dogs are suffering the same misfortune their owners are – laziness and no time.
Except in this instance, the owners are at fault.
I know there may be situations where an obese dog may need this medication, but I hope and pray veterinarians will use this drug wisely and not succumb to pressure from pet owners.
As a dog trainer, I see alot of overweight dogs. How do I address this when it is one of my client’s dog’s health problems? We discuss diet, beginning an obedience program or just taking a 30 minute walk every day. It works wonders … for all involved!
Note: One other solution to get your dog more exercise is to consider an electronic fence. :)
Jan 08, 2007 | | Dog Health, Dog News