Having survived Black Friday, we are now in the heart of the holiday shopping season. While the malls are sure to be busy, many will be burning up the internet with online shopping. It’s easy and convenient to fill our carts from the comfort of our couches, but let’s take a moment to address buying veterinary drugs and supplies from online sources and big box stores.
Relationships are critical for pet care
The veterinary client-patient-doctor relationship is critical to the overall well-being of your pet. A complete medical record for each pet enables the doctor to know all treatments that have or are being given to their patient. When you bypass your vet, you may save a few dollars but you create a void in the pet’s medical record. Most of the primary veterinary pharmaceutical companies do not sell their products to online pharmacies, big box stores or other non-veterinary outlets. These companies will only support products sold by a veterinarian.
For example, Zoetis, a global animal health company, has a policy ” to sell our prescription medications for dogs and cats exclusively to licensed veterinarians.” There has been a serious problem with counterfeit products being sold to trusting and unsuspecting pet owners. Learn more about this at fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/ResourcesforYou. At Sylvania Vet, we have a copy of the Zoetis letter regarding non-veterinary selling of prescription products – just stop in and ask and we’d be happy to share it with you!
Inspected and certified
Inspections of the three area AAHA-certified hospitals occurred late last month. SylvaniaVET has had a triennual inspection and certification since 1978. If a vet practice is not certified by the American Animal Hospital Association then they are never inspected by any organization for meeting even minimal standards of care. Yes, you read that right! The State of Ohio does not inspect veterinary practices. AAHA hospitals meet over 900 criteria of excellence in providing patient care and client service.
FEAR FREE MOMENT FOR YOUR PET:
Bring your dog to their visit hungry and feed its meal from a baggie of food while you travel and wait for the exam. Play quiet or classical music on the radio. Ask about using Adaptil for your dog who stresses when traveling or visiting the vet, kennel, groomer or trainer.
