Helpful websites for pet owners | Pet Peeves
I was talking to a pet owner just the other day and recommended Cytopoint, an injection that alleviates itching in allergic dogs. I left the room to get a pamphlet on the drug, and by the time I came back, the owner had already researched it on their phone and said that they wanted to try it on their pet.
There was a time when veterinarians lamented the use of the Internet by owners. It was jokingly said that the pet owner trusted the Internet over what the veterinarian with years of study and experience would recommend. Now, veterinarians recognize it as a tool for owners to become better informed. There is still a lot of bad information out there, but that is true for any information source.
The key is to locate trusted websites that are sanctioned by the veterinary community. Veterinarians want their pet owners to have sources that are accurate and safe.
For instance, pet owners today want to use online pharmacies to order medications. How do you know that an online pharmacy is safe? Be sure it is accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. The NABP is an impartial, professional organization that supports the state boards of pharmacy in protecting public health.
On the pharmacy’s website, look for the Verified Internal Pharmacy Practice Site symbol. It is a light green box, often at the bottom of the Web page. Examples are chewy.com and petmeds.com. A list of pharmacies that are compliant with the NABP can be found at safe.pharmacy/buying-safely/#USvets. Don’t use their search tool. For some reason, every pharmacy I typed into the search tool was declined. Go to the actual list and look up your pharmacy, or, again, look for the symbol on the pharmacy’s Web page.
While we are on the topic of medications, goodrx.com is a great website to visit if you are going to get a prescription for your pet filled at a local pharmacy. Just know that some pharmacies won’t honor the GoodRX price for pets, so give them a call before going to fill the prescription.
When looking for dental products to help keep your pet’s teeth clean, watch the label for the VOHC seal of acceptance. The VOHC is a council of nine veterinary dentists and dental scientists who are appointed by the president and board of directors of the American Veterinary Dental College.
A dental product that is submitted for review has its data evaluated to ensure it meets the clinical requirements to receive their Seal of Acceptance. If the product meets the VOHC’s standards for effective plaque and tartar control when used as directed, a VOHC Seal of Acceptance is awarded. The seal can be for plaque, calculus or both. A list of accepted products is available on their website, vohc.org.
When a medical emergency occurs, you don’t want to have to say no to the treatment because you can’t afford it. An emergency visit can cost thousands of dollars. How can you study pet insurance and know if you are choosing the right policy for your pet? I’ve found PetInsuranceReview.com gives you the ability to compare different companies and see reviews for each.
There are so many helpful sites on the Internet. Just be careful. If you are not sure about a website, ask your veterinarian to check it out and give you their opinion.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Helpful websites for pet owners | Pet Peeves
