Nothing scares a doctor more than the client that says I found this product online. Today, more than ever before, herbal formulas and supplements are everywhere and are being sold by just about anyone. There are no regulations for these items to be produced or sold to consumers. Online pharmacies are also notoriously under regulated, which leaves the door open for low quality ingredients that may have undisclosed contaminants in them. Just this past week a story came out in USA Today about how Seresto Flea and Tick collars have killed over 1700 dogs and cats in the USA since 2012. These collars were counterfeit collars bought on line! Their packaging and their fake websites look authentic and most pet owners are unaware they are purchasing counterfeit products until it is too late.
I am not saying that all products sold on the internet are toxic but many, if not most of them, are very diluted and use such subpar ingredients that they cannot provide a medicinal effect. They are sold cheaply to undercut the quality products being sold by legitimate good practice manufacturing facilities. These quality manufacturers spend the additional money to purchase third party tested ingredients to guarantee their products are standardized and will provide the medicinal effect that is expected. When you buy something online and its packaging looks just like what you got from your vet or doctor, it does not guarantee what is in the package is the same. Products not purchased from the manufacturer usually have no guarantees. If your pet suffers from an ill effect there is no recourse. Cheaper is not always better, and usually cheaper means poor quality, very dilute product that will waste your money and not help your pet.
The internet is a wonderful thing in many ways but it is also very unregulated and this provides risks that may not be worth taking with your pet’s health.
Please for the safety of your beloved pets, purchase your medications, herbal products and preventatives from your veterinarian or reputable well regulated pharmacies. These products will be authentic and have been handled and prescribed properly. Don’t take any chances!
