Why won't vets write prescriptions for preventative medicine?

[OrientalDream]

Betty White always endorses Pet Meds or something. I have asked two vets to write me a prescription for heartworm or flea meds and they refuse, saying they wont or cant. Obviously they are probably trying to rip me off and make me buy the meds at their own office, but I have heard about some kind of deal or something. I really want to order my dogs meds myself, and not get them at the vet.

[kielbasa7]

You can still buy your dog Cialis and Viagra online without your vets script.

[Julie D]

In my state (MI) it is a law that the vet has to write you a script fo order from another company, if I choose to. I'm not sure if this a state to state law, or not. I would call Pet Meds and tell them what state you are in. They should be able to let you know if you can get a script from them or not. If you can, I would let your vet know that he is breaking the law, and I would change vets.

[Rosalie]

The AVMA has decided that vets shall and will write a prescription upon request for anything the vet is prescribing so that the client can shop around.

Not sure what is up with your vet, but do make sure of where you are getting your stuff - you might ask your vet if they would match the price.

Whatever happens, you should know that the manufacturers of the heartworm meds will pay to have your dog treated should he get HW while on their product - but it must be bought from a vet. The products have a small but known percentage of failure - not because they are bad products, but because things happen. If your dog gets heartworm, it is very expensive to treat.

It may be a better deal in the long run to have your vet match the price available elsewhere, and make sure the product you are getting is good and current, and has not been repackaged.

they are probably more worried about the quality of what you are getting rather than the amount of money they can make. If they were in it for money, they would be in another line of work.

[science chick]

OK, just because a Golden Girl endorses something doesn't mean that it is a good buisness or is right for everyone. Did she go to veterinary school? Ask your vets why, they should be able to explain it. It may not be as simple as you think. If you think you are being ripped off, keep looking for another vet. I would just turst them on it though, commericals can decieve. Maybe there have been problems with that buisness, they may not store things properly and reduce the ffectiveness. Maybe they just aren't affilates, often times companies have to set up agreements for things like this. Don't jump to conclusions, just because you don't understand your vet doesn't mean they are dumb. They spend many years in school to do what they do, if it was as simple as some people seem to think evryone and their mother would be able to prescribe drugs for your dog.

ADDITION: And don't just go looking for the meds online. Like someone else said, many places will make forgeries or sell poor quality drugs that have expried or are usless because they were kept wrong. EVen if you get the right drug, neve radmister something without being advised by your vet. THis does not directly deal with your question, but it still should eb said the the vets know best and even if they are expensive never treat on your own.

[Lioness]

You don't need a prescription for most flea meds. You can get Frontline, etc without a script.

As far as heartworm meds go, I don't blame the vet for not giving out scrips for people to go get the stuff wherever they want. Not all of these online companies are legit, and not all of them are trust worthy. Heck, not all of them are even selling legal products - more and more of them are getting caught selling "counterfit" meds. Not to mention, if you go give your dog heartworm meds without a heartworm test first - you are risking his life.

[maxmom]

Try petshed.com (no prescription required), or have petmeds call your vet.

Your vet can't force you to buy products from them.

[rescue member]

Vet's won't write prescriptions unless they see your dog and in the case of heartworm meds, the law says a dog must be tested for heartworm before the preventative can be prescribed.

You don't need a prescription for Frontline Plus or Advantix, which is the monthly topical to prevent fleas and ticks - you can buy lots of places, and online - even on ebay.

[suburbancow]

Heartgard's guarantee only works if you buy it from a licensed, practicing veterinarian. Merial will not guarantee anything sold through 1800petmeds.com which means if your pet gets heartworms and was on preventative, they will do nothing about it if you didn't buy it from a vet.

[Swamp Poodles]

Vets are taking responsibility for your pet, and making sure that your dogs are heartworm free- many of these places that sell "cheap" drugs are selling meds that are black market, watered down, or in some other form don't fit the EPA requirements of the US- most vets don't want to risk you getting a substandard med for your dog.