TV Pill Peddlers Ads don't tell the whole truth

For the price  of any pet med from Hillchester Animal Hospital, please submit the form to the right (including species and weight)

Here are 3 facts that the TV Peddlers of Pet Pills (that operate “gray market” Online Pet Pharmacies) really don’t want you to know. Before you buy pet meds online, ask yourself one question:  “Why?”  If your answer is

1)     I believe that I am buying the “same pet medications as my local Vet  sells”.

There are several ways to lie to someone. The one that peddlers use is the “half truth”. The heartworm pill box may be the same as the local vet’s, but the whole truth is that the WARRANTY IS VOID if you buy your pet’s heartworm preventatives online.

Let me translate that into USD (United States Dollars for non-Ebay users). In order to “save a dollar today” by buying from an online gray market pet pharmacy,  you are risking around a thousand dollars if you pet contracts heartworm disease.

2)     I buy Heart Worm Preventatives online to avoid a Veterinary office visit.

Your dog or cat  must be have an annual heartworm test before popping a pet pill. If you do not have your dog or cat tested for heartworm disease, you COULD REALLY HARM YOUR PET.  No visit. No prescription.  No heartworm preventatives can legally be sold.

3)     I buy pet medications online to save money on my total Veterinary costs.

Money from pet drug sales and Veterinary Services built your local animal medical center. This is really a zero sum game. Any money taken from drug sales must be added to the price of Veterinary Services in order for the DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) to stay in business.

You pet’s doctor has made a BIG investment in a local pet health care facility that is used to immediately treat your sick or injured pet.

The TV Peddlers of Pet Pills made a BIG investment in TV ads.

Who do you trust with your pet’s health?

Schedule an appointment online at www.HillchesterAH.com

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Antibiotic ear drops are generally used to treat a bacterial ear infection, also known as bacterial otitis externa. Topical preparations are available as single medications or as combinations; common antibiotic preparations include neomycin, gentamicin, polymyxin B, enrofloxacin and silver sulfadiazine. These medications may also be combined with antifungal agents and/or corticosteroids.

How do I give this medication?
“Give this medication for as long as prescribed by your veterinarian, even if it appears the pet’s ear is better.”

Instill this medication in your pet’s ear(s) as directed by your veterinarian. Read the label carefully.
Give this medication for as long as prescribed by your veterinarian, even if it appears the pet’s ear is better. This will help to ensure the infection is completely cleared up.
Check the label to determine if the medication needs to be shaken before administration.
Your veterinarian may request that you clean the ear before applying this medication.
DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed.
DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.
Try not to miss giving any doses.

What if I miss giving a dose?
Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?
Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Follow manufacture’s recommendations. Generally, this medication is stored in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places.

Are there any potential side effects?
These medications are generally well tolerated when applied topically. If your pet’s ear gets worse or becomes red and irritated contact your veterinarian.
Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Are there any possible drug interactions?
Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving your pet.
Quite often, your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and sometimes a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.
This client information sheet is based on material written by: Rita Ozolins, B.Sc, Phm
© Copyright 2009 Lifelearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license.

Schedule an appointment online at www.HillchesterAH.com

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Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid is a synthetic penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat infections caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. This medication may be used to treat urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections and periodontal (gum) disease in dogs caused by susceptible organisms. The clavulanic acid is a beta-lactamase inhibitor; it has been added to the amoxicillin to protect the antibiotic from certain enzymes that may destroy the amoxicillin before it can kill the bacteria.

How do I give this medication?
“Give this medication to your pet for the entire time prescribed by your veterinarian, even if it appears the pet is feeling better.”

Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
If using the liquid form of this medication, shake well before measuring the dose and measure the dose with reasonable care.
Give this medication to your pet for the entire time prescribed by your veterinarian, even if it appears the pet is feeling better. This will help to ensure the infection is all cleared up.
This medication may be given to your pet with or without food.
DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed.
DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.
Try not to miss giving any doses.

What if I miss giving a dose?
Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?
“Discard any unused liquid after 10 days.”

Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Store capsules and tablets in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
Store the liquid medication in the refrigerator. Keep the liquid medicine from freezing. Discard any unused liquid after 10 days.
Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

What are the potential side effects?
Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid may cause stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea. If stomach upset occurs, try giving the medication with food. These symptoms may go away during treatment. If these symptoms continue, contact your veterinarian.
The following reactions are rare, but if the pet experiences an allergic reaction such as irregular breathing, rash, fever, puffiness and swelling around the face contact your veterinarian immediately.
Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Are there any possible drug interactions?
Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving your pet.
Quite often, your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and sometimes a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
The following drugs can potentially interact with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid: blood thinners, dipyradamole, inflammation or pain medicine (except narcotics), pentoxifyline, sulfinpyrazone, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, tetracycline, aminoglycosides, cephalosporins and probenecid.
Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

This client information sheet is based on material written by: Rita Ozolins, B.Sc, Phm
© Copyright 2009 Lifelearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license.

Schedule an appointment online at www.HillchesterAH.com

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Acetaminophen may be used in dogs to relieve pain and reduce fever. This medication should NEVER be given to cats, since it is highly toxic to them.

How do I give this medication?
Give this medication to your dog as directed by your veterinarian.
READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
Do not give the medicine more often than directed.
Try to give this medication at about the same time each day.
DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed

What do I do if I miss giving a dose?
Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?
Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

What are the potential side effects?
There is a chance that the dog may experience some stomach upset. If this occurs, try giving the medication with food.
If given for a long time, the veterinarian may monitor liver and kidney function and do some blood tests.
Other side effects may occur, if you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Are there any possible drug interactions?
Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.
Quite often, your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, even if a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
If given in large doses, acetaminophen may increase the affect of blood thinning drugs (e.g. coumarin).
Use of acetaminophen with other pain medication (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen) may lead to kidney problems.

This client information sheet is based on material written by: Rita Ozolins, B.Sc, Phm
© Copyright 2009 Lifelearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license

Schedule an appointment online at www.HillchesterAH.com

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