Does anyone get their dog(s) heartworm preventives from anywhere other then thier Vet?? I saw on Drsfostersmith.com that they sell it for a whole lot less then we pay at the Vet. So I guess I am wondering how safe it is to get it elsewhere? It is the same brand and everything! anyways any info would be helpful!
Not I. I always get them at the vet. I did have a lot left from my angel-girls, so Brekke has been using those (yes, I did check the expiration dates). I got her a year's supply in November, because she's taken them continuously since 2003. I finally decided it was cheaper to keep her on them, than to take them the required time if we travel, and have to take the blood test first and pay for that on a yearly basis. Hopefully someone does order elsewhere and can respond to your question...
I get mine from the vet but Doc. Foster and Smith are supposed to be safe.
Heartguard is by prescription only. My vet would not write the script on the premise that he (or his staff) personally oversees the shipment and dispensing. (of course, he makes the $$, too.) I suppose IF there were such a thing as conterfeit dog meds--and who knows--he guarentees it. Also, if there were a problem n the production of the med I guess they could track the lot and serial numbers and be able to contact us.
Still, with two furkids, it's a bite. (pun intended.) We spent well over $1,000 last year on three pets on regular exams, flea stuff, back injuries, heartguard, shots, toenail choppies, and our kitty that passed away. That doesn't even include stuffies, Kongs, food, and RAWHIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :grin:
I don't get Cajsa's heartworm preventative from her vet but I order it instead. It's the same brand/dose etc. and costs less money even with shipping. The vet has to fax the prescription before I can order it though to ensure there is a legitimate dog who has undergone the proper bloodtests and in need of Heartguard. Although I've not needed to get any more since we changed vets since I'd just ordered it before we switched. I just make sure the package is unopened the package has a lot number/serial number on it for tracking and that it is the same dosage that was needed.
I spoke with our vet about ordering it online. PetMeds or one of those. He said that he would write the prescription but advised me that the vet nor the company can be held responsible if there is a problem. The online meds are purchased in bulk wherever they can get them inexpensively. This is how the savings are passed on to the consumer. Should there be a problem with the medicine the drug company can only be held responsible if the meds were not purchased through a vetrinarian who has seen the animal.
Lots of people do it via the web and I have never heard of a problem. The important thing is that that your furkid gets the preventitive every month. As the mama to a rescue boy that we came very close to losing I cannot stress enough the importance of this....wherever you get them from!
Thank you all for your advise! I will probably talk to my Vet before I decide what to do but she will continue to receive her Heartworm preventive!
I don't give my pupper, Finn (the big Golden boy!) heartworm meds as our vet says it's not an issue where we live. But I will caution you against using Proheart 6...many dogs have died or had adverse reactions from it.
If you want to read more about it go to www.snugharbourkennels.com and check out the topic there. It was written by a gal who lost her Golden not long after his second (I believe) treatment. She has talked to many people all over the U.S. who have lost dogs from this med.