Of all the wonderful things we do for our pets, the one thing many of us do not do is take proper care of our pets teeth. It's not that we are lazy, or uncaring, it's just that it's not the most convenient, or easiest thing to do. After all, brushing or rinsing your pets teeth does take work.
However, dental care is not just about brushing. It's also about regular veterinarian visits to check on the dental health of our pet. It's about using products such as C.E.T. Chews, C.E.T. Toothpaste, and C.E.T. Rinse in a three stp process that is vital to the dental health of our pets.
This is National Pet Dental Health Month. Let's remind ourselvesthat it's just as important to take care of our pets teeth, as it is to give them their monthly heartworm preventative.
For more information regarding National Pet Dental Health Month please read our Press Release
Visit 1-800-PetMeds for more information regarding Dental Products
Friday, February 22, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
After I give the medication, then what?
How a medication works and how it is excreted from the body is a complicated topic. However, I believe consumers need to be informed and, therefore, I'm going to try and explain the process as simply as I can.
Medications undergo a process called biotransformation. For example:
Medications undergo a process called biotransformation. For example:
- An active drug such as phenobarbital is converted, prior to excretion, to an inactive metabolite: hydroxyphenobarbital.
- An active drug such as primidone is converted, prior to excretion, to an active metabolite: phenobarbital.
- An inactive drug such as codeine is converted, prior to excretion, to an active metabolite: morphine.
It is either the active drug, or the active metabolite of the drug, that actually does the job it was intended to do, in the body.
Drugs eventually need to leave the body and the majority do so through the kidneys in urine. However, other drugs are excreted by the liver in bile .
Water soluble drugs are excreted through the kidneys either unchanged (ampicillin), or having been changed in the liver first (Rimadyl, Novox).
Other drugs pass through the liver and are excreted from the liver in bile. Bile enters the digestive tract and the drugs are eliminated via the feces. Examples are: ketoconazole (Nizoral).
As you can see the liver and kidneys play a major role. That's why it's important to make sure that these organs are functioning properly. In some cases, blood tests need to be performed before beginning drug therapy, and depending on the drug, during therapy to make sure there is no damage being done to the liver or kidney. When giving the pet more than one medication, kidney and liver health becomes even more important.
I'll try and expand on this subject in future entries.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Understanding Pharmacy Terms
There are times when medications are available in different dosage forms but the differences are not really understood. So here are the definitions of certain terms commonly used in pharmacy.
Chewable tablet (Chew tab) - a tablet that should be chewed, not swallowed whole.
Tablet - a medicine taken by mouth that is swallowed whole.
Caplet - a tablet that must be swallowed whole, but it's oblong shaped for ease of swallowing.
Softgel -a gelatin capsule usually containing a liquid.
Sprinkle Capsule - a capsule that is meant to be opened and sprinkled on food.
Scored - the tablet (or chew tab) can be split in half.
Double scored - the tablet can be split into quarters.
Suspension - a liquid that must be shaken well prior to use.
E.R. (ER) - Extended Release
Otic - for the EAR
Ophthalmic (Ophth.) - for the EYE
Topical - applied to the skin
Let me know if I can help with any other terms.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Setting the record straight
PetMed Express, Inc., d/b/a 1-800-PetMeds (PetMeds) is a mail order pharmacy licensed or authorized to dispense prescription medications to all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Like many retailers, PetMeds maintains a web site (http://www.1800petmeds.com/) which allows consumers the opportunity to order products from the convenience of their home and have the order shipped directly to them, which is especially convenient in this time of rising gas prices.
PetMeds sells two types of product:
1. Over-the-counter (OTC) which requires no prescription from a veterinarian, and
2. Prescription medication (Rx) that does require a prescription from a veterinarian.
OTC items include, but are not limited to Frontline and Frontline Plus, Advantage, K-9 Advantix, Cosequin, Synovi, and GlycoFlex.
Prescription medications include, but are not limited to Heartgard Plus, Interceptor, Iverhart Plus, Advantage Multi, Rimadyl, and Deramaxx.
Prescription medications will only be sent to a consumer if PetMeds receives a prescription from a veterinarian with whom there is a Veterinarian-Client-Patient relationship (typically meaning the pet has been examined within the previous year). Our pharmacists can get this prescription by calling the veterinarians office, by the veterinarian faxing a prescription to PetMeds, or by having the client mail the written prescription received from their veterinarian to us.
PetMeds has a 100% satisfaction product guarantee and all of our products are the same exact medications sold by veterinarians.
PetMeds sells two types of product:
1. Over-the-counter (OTC) which requires no prescription from a veterinarian, and
2. Prescription medication (Rx) that does require a prescription from a veterinarian.
OTC items include, but are not limited to Frontline and Frontline Plus, Advantage, K-9 Advantix, Cosequin, Synovi, and GlycoFlex.
Prescription medications include, but are not limited to Heartgard Plus, Interceptor, Iverhart Plus, Advantage Multi, Rimadyl, and Deramaxx.
Prescription medications will only be sent to a consumer if PetMeds receives a prescription from a veterinarian with whom there is a Veterinarian-Client-Patient relationship (typically meaning the pet has been examined within the previous year). Our pharmacists can get this prescription by calling the veterinarians office, by the veterinarian faxing a prescription to PetMeds, or by having the client mail the written prescription received from their veterinarian to us.
PetMeds has a 100% satisfaction product guarantee and all of our products are the same exact medications sold by veterinarians.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Pet Nutrition
The results of a recent survey by Nestle Purina PetCare Co. were published in the magazine, PetAge.
According to this survey, 90% of pet owners always try to purchase foods with the most health benefits for themselves. 82% look for foods with the most wholesome ingredients for their pets.
Antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids are the leading nutrients pet owners want for themselves and for their pets.
To quote the article:
According to this survey, 90% of pet owners always try to purchase foods with the most health benefits for themselves. 82% look for foods with the most wholesome ingredients for their pets.
Antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids are the leading nutrients pet owners want for themselves and for their pets.
To quote the article:
- High Quality Protein. While 83% of respondents buy foods with high quality protein for themselves, 91% rank protein as the most important nutrient to consider when buying pet food.
- Omega-3 fatty acids. More than 80 percent believe omega-3 fatty acids are among the most essential nutrients in food for themselves and their pets.
- Antioxidants. Ninety percent always look for foods rich in antioxidants for themselves and their pets.
- Vitamin A. A total of 79% said Vitamin A, which promotes good vision, is an important nutrient in their food, and 74% said it was important in their pets' food.
Some additional data from the article includes:
- More than 75% of respondents consider natural ingredients important in their food, and more than 65% search for natural ingredients in pet food.
- Thirty-one percent said natural ingredients dictate what they buy for their families, and 38% said the same for the food they buy their pets.
1-800-PetMeds has a food called 1-800-PetMeds Eat Great. Be Well. Dog Food. How does this product measure up to what these consumers want in a pet food?:
- High Quality Protein: The main ingredient in 1-800-PetMeds Eat Great. Be Well. Dog Food is chicken.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Natural ingredients as a source of Glucosamine and Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Antioxidants: Natural ingredients including Vitamin E.
- Vitamin A: Contains Vitamin A
1-800-PetMeds Eat Great. Be Well. Dog Food is 100% nutritious with no artifical ingredients or fillers. It is NOT made from wheat or corn. 1-800-PetMeds Eat Great. Be Well. Dog food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for all life stages.
For information about the products 1-800-PetMeds carries, visit the 1-800-PetMeds website. Follow this link for a complete list of ingredients, for 1-800-PetMeds Eat Great. Be Well. Dog Food.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Newly Released Medications - 2
In my previous blog regarding new products, I discussed a product called Reconcile and today I want to discuss another new medication called Vetmedin.
Vetmedin (pimobendan) is a medication that is used in dogs for the management of the signs of mild, moderate or severe congestive heart failure due to conditions called atrioventricular valvular insufficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy. Vetmedin treats these conditions by increasing the heart's ability to pump blood. Vetmedin works by opening the blood vessels that take blood away from the heart thereby reducing the work the heart does to pump blood. Vetmedin also opens the blood vessels that return blood to the heart thereby reducing pressure on the heart.
Vetmedin is available in 1.25 and 5mg scored chewable tablets and is FDA approved for use only in dogs 6 months of age or older. It should not be used in humans. The total daily dose should be divided into two portions. The portions should be given 12 hours apart.
Vetmedin does have the potential for side effects such as: loss of appetite, tiredness, diarrhea, labored breathing, weakness, and incoordination. In some cases the pet may develop an allergic reaction with symptoms including facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock or seizures. If an allergic reaction should occur, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Vetmedin does interract with other medications and you should consult your veterinarian before using Vetmedin with verapamil, propranolol, theophylline and pentoxyfiline.
There is more information regarding Vetmedin on the 1-800-PetMeds website and the pharmacists on staff areavailable to answer questions as well.
Vetmedin (pimobendan) is a medication that is used in dogs for the management of the signs of mild, moderate or severe congestive heart failure due to conditions called atrioventricular valvular insufficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy. Vetmedin treats these conditions by increasing the heart's ability to pump blood. Vetmedin works by opening the blood vessels that take blood away from the heart thereby reducing the work the heart does to pump blood. Vetmedin also opens the blood vessels that return blood to the heart thereby reducing pressure on the heart.
Vetmedin is available in 1.25 and 5mg scored chewable tablets and is FDA approved for use only in dogs 6 months of age or older. It should not be used in humans. The total daily dose should be divided into two portions. The portions should be given 12 hours apart.
Vetmedin does have the potential for side effects such as: loss of appetite, tiredness, diarrhea, labored breathing, weakness, and incoordination. In some cases the pet may develop an allergic reaction with symptoms including facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock or seizures. If an allergic reaction should occur, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Vetmedin does interract with other medications and you should consult your veterinarian before using Vetmedin with verapamil, propranolol, theophylline and pentoxyfiline.
There is more information regarding Vetmedin on the 1-800-PetMeds website and the pharmacists on staff areavailable to answer questions as well.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Why Do I Need a Prescription for My Pet's Medication?
Like any other pharmacy, 1-800-PetMeds sells pet supplies and medications that can be either over the counter (OTC), where NO prescription is required or prescription (Rx) where a prescription from the veterinarian IS required.
Examples of OTC medications include flea and tick products such as K-9 Advantix, Frontline TopSpot, Frontline Plus, and Advantage.
Examples of medications that require a prescription include heartworm medications such as Heartgard Plus, Iverhart Plus, Revolution, Interceptor and Sentinel, pain relievers such as Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Previcox and Metacam and medications such as Soloxine, methimazole and antibiotics.
I'm often asked the question - "Why do I need a prescription if my vet gives it to me without a prescription?" That's an excellent question and is best answered by comparing the situation to human medications.
When we need to see a doctor, and the doctor determines that we need a medication, a prescription is given to us. We then go to our local drug store and the pharmacist fills the prescription for us. Or, we use a mail order pharmacy, so we mail the prescription away to the mail order pharmacy and a pharmacist fills the prescription and mails it to us.
However, there are doctors that sell prescription medications in their offices. They are allowed to do so because their doctors license allows them to. So instead of giving you a piece of paper (the prescription), you get the medication itself.
The same situation exists in veterinarians offices with the exception that while doctors are used to giving prescriptions to patients to be filled at the drug store, veterinarians are used to having their customers buy from them.
When a vet examines a pet and makes the determination that a prescription medication is necessary to either prevent a disease (such as heartworm medication), treat a condition (such as thyroid medication) or cure a disease (such as antibiotics), the pet owner has the right to fill that prescription at the pharmacy of their choice. They do not have to buy the medication from the veterinarian.
What is meant by "the prescription"? Prescriptions can be written on paper. Prescriptions can be given over the telephone from the vets office to the pharmacy and prescriptions can be transmitted by fax from the vets office to the pharmacy. So when I say the vet should give you a prescription, it can be by either of those means. If you are at the vets office, ask for a written prescription. You can then mail it to us and our pharmacists will process it. Otherwise, we will gladly call or fax your vet in order to fill your prescription need.
Examples of OTC medications include flea and tick products such as K-9 Advantix, Frontline TopSpot, Frontline Plus, and Advantage.
Examples of medications that require a prescription include heartworm medications such as Heartgard Plus, Iverhart Plus, Revolution, Interceptor and Sentinel, pain relievers such as Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Previcox and Metacam and medications such as Soloxine, methimazole and antibiotics.
I'm often asked the question - "Why do I need a prescription if my vet gives it to me without a prescription?" That's an excellent question and is best answered by comparing the situation to human medications.
When we need to see a doctor, and the doctor determines that we need a medication, a prescription is given to us. We then go to our local drug store and the pharmacist fills the prescription for us. Or, we use a mail order pharmacy, so we mail the prescription away to the mail order pharmacy and a pharmacist fills the prescription and mails it to us.
However, there are doctors that sell prescription medications in their offices. They are allowed to do so because their doctors license allows them to. So instead of giving you a piece of paper (the prescription), you get the medication itself.
The same situation exists in veterinarians offices with the exception that while doctors are used to giving prescriptions to patients to be filled at the drug store, veterinarians are used to having their customers buy from them.
When a vet examines a pet and makes the determination that a prescription medication is necessary to either prevent a disease (such as heartworm medication), treat a condition (such as thyroid medication) or cure a disease (such as antibiotics), the pet owner has the right to fill that prescription at the pharmacy of their choice. They do not have to buy the medication from the veterinarian.
What is meant by "the prescription"? Prescriptions can be written on paper. Prescriptions can be given over the telephone from the vets office to the pharmacy and prescriptions can be transmitted by fax from the vets office to the pharmacy. So when I say the vet should give you a prescription, it can be by either of those means. If you are at the vets office, ask for a written prescription. You can then mail it to us and our pharmacists will process it. Otherwise, we will gladly call or fax your vet in order to fill your prescription need.
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