I'm extremely pleased to report that 1-800-PetMeds pharmacy has been certified as an accredited pharmacy by the National Association of Pet Pharmacies (NAPP).
NAPP is "an independent and impartial organization established with the mission of ensuring the validity of pet pharmacies selling medications in the United States".
Similar to VIPPS, NAPP has certified that 1-800-PetMeds is licensed or authorized to dispense in all states that require licensure. Their website provides a list of the 1-800-PetMeds license numbers in those states, as well as a link to the regulatory agency for pharmacies in those states. In addition, the NAPP certifies the the products dispensed are EPA- or FDA-approved for sale in the United States.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month
My apologies for not contributing since June. However, a discussion regarding Diabetes mellitus (Diabetes) and Diabetes awareness is a great way for me to begin writing again.
We hear and read time after time about the increased prevalence of Diabetes in the human population. Some causes can be attributed to a sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, diets full of carbs and starches as well as larger portions, all leading to an obese population.
This blog is really about pets, and in the dog and cat population, Diabetes is one of the most common endocrine disorders. Symptoms of Diabetes include increased thirst, hunger and urination, weight loss, and lethargy. In dogs, untreated Diabetes can cause rapid cataract formation. In cats, undiagnosed Diabetes can lead to diabetic neuropathy which is evidenced by the cat walking on it's hock (plantigrade posture). The incidence of Diabetes in the dog population has grown from 19 in 10,000 dogs 30 years ago to 58 per 10,000 as of 1999. In the cat population, the incidence of Diabetes can range from 1 in 50 to over 1 in 400 depending on the population studied.
Diabetes is easily diagnosed through a simple blood test and is most commonly categorized as Type I and Type II. Type I occurs mostly in dogs and is treatable with insulin. Type II occurs mostly in cats and is treatable with oral medication, although some cats are treated with insulin.
1-800-PetMeds carries a full line of products necessary for the treatment of Diabetes, as well as
a monitor to measure how effective treatment is. Here is a list of the products that we carry:
We hear and read time after time about the increased prevalence of Diabetes in the human population. Some causes can be attributed to a sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, diets full of carbs and starches as well as larger portions, all leading to an obese population.
This blog is really about pets, and in the dog and cat population, Diabetes is one of the most common endocrine disorders. Symptoms of Diabetes include increased thirst, hunger and urination, weight loss, and lethargy. In dogs, untreated Diabetes can cause rapid cataract formation. In cats, undiagnosed Diabetes can lead to diabetic neuropathy which is evidenced by the cat walking on it's hock (plantigrade posture). The incidence of Diabetes in the dog population has grown from 19 in 10,000 dogs 30 years ago to 58 per 10,000 as of 1999. In the cat population, the incidence of Diabetes can range from 1 in 50 to over 1 in 400 depending on the population studied.
Diabetes is easily diagnosed through a simple blood test and is most commonly categorized as Type I and Type II. Type I occurs mostly in dogs and is treatable with insulin. Type II occurs mostly in cats and is treatable with oral medication, although some cats are treated with insulin.
1-800-PetMeds carries a full line of products necessary for the treatment of Diabetes, as well as
a monitor to measure how effective treatment is. Here is a list of the products that we carry:
- Healthy Glucose Multivitamin
- IPet Glucose Monitoring Kit for Dogs and Cats
- IPet Test Strips
- Glipizide 5mg Tablets
- Vetsulin (for dogs and cats)
- PZI Vet Cat Insulin
- U-40 Insulin Syringes for Vetsulin and PZI Vet
PZI Vet Insulin has been discontinued by the manufacturer, and will no longer be carried once supplies have run out.
Friday, August 1, 2008
PZI-VET and Vetsulin Insulin
On April 8, 2008 IDEXX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that they were discontinuing production of PZI-VET. PZI-VET a brand of U-40 Protamine Zinc Insulin was FDA approved for use in cats. There are still supplies at the retail level. However, once those supplies run out, PZI-VET will no longer be available. That's the bad news.
The good news is that Vetsulin, manufactured by Intervet/Schering-Plough, which was previously approved for use in dogs only, has received FDA approval for use in both dogs and cats.
PZI-VET and Vetsulin are not the exact same insulin. PZI-VET is protamine zinc insulin, whereas Vetsulin is porcine zinc insulin suspension.
As cats are moved from PZI-Vet to Vetsulin, the dose of Vetsulin will need to be adjusted and monitored by the veterinarian.
As cats are moved from PZI-Vet to Vetsulin, the dose of Vetsulin will need to be adjusted and monitored by the veterinarian.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Keep Pets Safe From Fleas and Ticks
On March 19, 2008, 1-800-PetMeds issued a press release providing specific recommendations for pet owners to prevent flea and tick infestation on their pets.
In this article, Dr. Michael Dym, 1-800-PetMeds veterinarian, discusses the types of diseases caused by fleas and ticks.
The advantages of using products such as Frontline Plus and K9 Advantix as a means of preventing flea and tick infestations is discussed in this press release.
In this article, Dr. Michael Dym, 1-800-PetMeds veterinarian, discusses the types of diseases caused by fleas and ticks.
The advantages of using products such as Frontline Plus and K9 Advantix as a means of preventing flea and tick infestations is discussed in this press release.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Disaster Plans for Your Pets
I live in southeastern Florida and June 1 marked the start of hurricane season. A few years ago, my wife and I were directly impacted by hurricane Wilma. In 1995, I was a pharmacist first responder when hurricane Andrew devasted the Homestead, Florida area. As a result of these hurricanes, my wife and I make it a point to review our disaster plan. We make sure our property is secure and that extra food, water and other necessary supplies are on hand prior to June 1.
I'm sure we've all read about the disasters affecting the mid-west. Torrential downpours, flooding, and tornadoes have been causing havoc to so many families.
My question to those of you that have not been affected by these disasters is; if an emergency such as flood, fire, tornado, or hurricane were to happen, how prepared are you? If you are not prepared, now is the time to mke sure you have a disaster plan in place and make sure your pets have been included in this plan.
In preparing a disaster plan, you need to consider what needs to be done before, during, and after a disaster. Let's look at these considerations:
Before a disaster strikes:
I'm sure we've all read about the disasters affecting the mid-west. Torrential downpours, flooding, and tornadoes have been causing havoc to so many families.
My question to those of you that have not been affected by these disasters is; if an emergency such as flood, fire, tornado, or hurricane were to happen, how prepared are you? If you are not prepared, now is the time to mke sure you have a disaster plan in place and make sure your pets have been included in this plan.
In preparing a disaster plan, you need to consider what needs to be done before, during, and after a disaster. Let's look at these considerations:
Before a disaster strikes:
- If you must evacuate, take your pet with you, if possible. However, if you are going to a public shelter, know beforehand if the shelter is pet friendly. Not all shelters allow pets. You need to plan in advance for shelter needs for you and your pets.
- Is the pet current on vaccines? Pet friendly shelters may require proof of vaccination.
- Have a current picture of your pet.
- Make sure you have a collar, identification tag, and a leash on hand.
- Have a pet carrier for each pet large enough for the pet to stand in and turn around in.
- Don't forget to include your pet when creating your disaster plan.
During a disaster:
- If the shelter allows pets, bring along the collar with ID and rabies tags, leash, and pet carrier.
- Bring an ample supply of food, water, and food bowls.
- Bring any necessary medications and any specific care instructions.
- Bring newspapers or trash bags for clean up.
After A disaster:
- Pets may need to be reoriented to their home and should be kept on a leash since familiar scents and landmarks may be altered. In addition, pets can be easily confused and become lost.
- Have a picture of your pet with you in case your pet cannot be found after a disaster. Check with local authorities such as animal control to see where animals can be recovered.
- Be aware of behavior changes in the pet as a result of the disaster. Your pet may become aggresive or defensive.
Additional information on a disaster plan for dogs and a disaster plan for cats can be found on www.PetHealth101.com
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
China Earthquake Relief
This morning, I read an article in my local newspaper that mentioned pharmacy students at Nova Southeastern University College of Pharmacy have started a relief fund for victims of the recent earthquake in China. These students are raising money for food, medicine, potable water, blankets and temporary shelter for those who have been affected by the quake. These students will be working with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine to coordinate the relief efforts.
Doctor of Pharmacy students at Nova Southeastern University College of Pharmacy are required to perform 8 clinical rotations during the last year of their six year education. Four of these rotations are required and four are elective. 1-800-PetMeds serves as one of the elective sites and offers a rotation in Veterinary Pharmacy. I am a preceptor for those students wishing to take this elective rotation, and as such, serve as Clinical Affiliate Faculty at NSU College of Pharmacy.
I am proud to be affiliated with this university and equally proud of these students efforts. I know these future pharmacists will be assets to the profession.
Doctor of Pharmacy students at Nova Southeastern University College of Pharmacy are required to perform 8 clinical rotations during the last year of their six year education. Four of these rotations are required and four are elective. 1-800-PetMeds serves as one of the elective sites and offers a rotation in Veterinary Pharmacy. I am a preceptor for those students wishing to take this elective rotation, and as such, serve as Clinical Affiliate Faculty at NSU College of Pharmacy.
I am proud to be affiliated with this university and equally proud of these students efforts. I know these future pharmacists will be assets to the profession.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
1-800-PetMeds Supports Jacksonville, Florida "Fur Ball Gala"
On May 3, 2008, 1-800-PetMeds issued a press release that it will be supporting the Ninth Annual "Fur Ball Gala" in association with the Jacksonville, Florida Humane Society.
The gala event scheduled for May 31 at the University Center Ballroom will host 350 people and their more than 150 pets.
The gala event scheduled for May 31 at the University Center Ballroom will host 350 people and their more than 150 pets.
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