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What’s the deal with online pharmacies? See how it can impact your local Denver Veterinarians.

What’s the difference between purchasing your pets’ medications through online pharmacies or through your regular vet?  As more and more people are turning to online pharmacies, your local economy and denver veterinarians are suffering as a result!  We want you to be more educated before you decide where to make your purchases.

Here are a few questions you should ask before purchasing your pet’s medications online:

Is the online pharmacy licensed in the state of Colorado?

~ It is illegal for an online pharmacy to sell to you if they are not licensed in Colorado.

How are the medications transported, stored, and handled?

~  Many online pharmacies purchase drugs from other countries, as far away as Australia.  Although they may look the same as what you bought here previously, they have been manufactured to standards of other countries.  It is also important that medications are stored and transported at appropriate temperatures.

Has this company had any disciplinary action taken against them in the past?

~  For instance, one online pharmacy has had 6 class action lawsuits filed against them in one state, in one year alone! 

When does the medication expire?

~  Let’s say you purchase a six month supply of a medication that you give once a month.  You purchase it in October, but the box says it expires in November.  Technically, it was still in date when you bought it, but what about the other five months?

Will the online pharmacy be available to answer any questions I have about that medication?

~  Many online pharmacies do not have veterinarians on staff.  If your pet were to have a reaction to a medication, the pharmacy may not be able to assist you.  Also, manufacturers will not guarantee their products if they are NOT purchased through a denver veterinarian.  When you purchase through your veterinarian, we have a patient/doctor relationship.  Thorough examinations and often blood work will allow us to ensure the proper medication and dose that is best for your pet.