Author Archives: Wes Hepker

Time for a Check Up!

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kitten_examWhen was the last time your cat or dog got a health check up? If it’s been more than a year, you’re overdue for a trip to the vet.  October is National Pet Wellness Month, so it’s the perfect time to focus on your pet’s health.

Here at VetRxDirect, we really support the relationship between pet owners, their pets, and veterinarians. Your veterinarian knows what’s best for your pet. Annual exams for your pet help ensure that your veterinarian can make informed, ongoing decisions about your pet’s medical care.

Just like humans, dogs and cats need regular medical care to help maintain good health.  And skipping annual check ups is more detrimental to pets. Think about it — each human year equals about seven dog years, so when you skip your dog’s annual appointment, it’s like missing seven check ups.

What are the benefits of regular veterinarian check ups?

Healthier pets – You’ll always have the right type and dosage of maintenance medications — like heartworm, flea and tick preventatives — as your pet grows up.

Save money in the long run – Yearly exams are more likely to catch medical problems before they become serious and require costly medications and treatments.

Special care for senior pets – As your dog or cat ages, check-ups become even more important because older pets face more medical issues. Your pet’s veterinarian is your best resource for recommendations on medications and supplements that keep senior pets healthy and comfortable in their golden years.

Don’t wait – make a vet appointment for your pet today! And if we can help with anything from supplements to supplies, just let us know.

We’ll be here for you pet’s medication needs,

Wes

How to Prevent and Treat Kidney Disease in Cats and Dogs

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As loving pet owners, we like to think we know our furry friends better than they know themselves. When they’re suffering from allergies or flea and tick infestations, we’re always there with the right remedy to save the day. But the job gets a lot harder as they age. A dog or a cat over the age of ten is considered a senior, and just like his/her owners, they often have multiple medical issues at the same time.

For mature pets, kidney disease is now the leading cause of death. The job of the kidneys is to remove waste from the blood and move it through the urine. When these organs cannot perform this basic function, our pets may suffer serious health problems.

Causes of Kidney Disease in Pets

Much like the liver, the kidneys are filters that remove toxins and waste, and without them, our bodies cannot remain healthy for very long. For our canine and feline friends, these problems can be extremely difficult to detect, since they often occur in old age. Most pet lovers simply confuse common symptoms with normal signs of aging, rather than chronic or acute diseases.

The most common causes of kidney failure in Pets include:

  • Age
  • Cancer
  • Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
  • Poison
  • Inflammation
  • Injury
  • Congenital disorders

Of course, it is impossible for the average pet lover to diagnose this potentially-deadly disease at home. The symptoms are typically nonspecific and may be present in numerous diseases and disorders. That said, if you observe any of the more serious symptoms, get your furry friend to his doctor as soon as possible!

Kidney Disease in Pets Signs May Include:

  • Increased water intake
  • Increased urination
  • Having “accidents” indoors, even though housebroken
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Frequent diarrhea
  • Bloody urine

Diagnosis of Kidney Disease in Pets

The good news is that renal or kidney problems are fairly easy to detect with the right tools and techniques. Your veterinarian should be able to determine the severity and the cause of the disorder in no time.

Treatment of Kidney Disease in Pets

Whether it is the acute or chronic variety, time is of the essence when your pet has impaired kidney function. Initial treatment almost always involves rehydrating your dog or cat, since he will have lost significant amounts of vital fluids if his kidneys are failing. Fluid therapy generally continues until the patient’s kidney’s can produce urine on their own.

In most cases of kidney failure, it is an underlying cause that is responsible for impaired renal function, rather than old age. This may involve a bacterial infection or ingestion of a poision.

Natural supplements: RenAvast

As we mentioned, kidney problems are sometimes the result of normal aging. Your dog or cat reaches his golden years and certain vital organs just don’t work as well as they used to. But it is also important to note that certain breeds are more prone to chronic kidney disease than others. For dogs, these breeds include Bull Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and Cairn Terriers. For cats, they include Siamese, Persians, and Abyssinian. The disorder can cause a whole host of medical issues and should be treated as a lifelong condition.

Although there is no proof that a supplement can actually cure kidney failure, there is ample evidence that natural nutritional supplements for our furry friends support healthy kidney function, and at little cost! So, if your cat or dog is a member of one of the aforementioned breeds, or if he suffers from kidney disease, ask your veterinarian about RenAvast.

RenAvast Promotes Healthy Kidney Health in Pets

RenAvast is an all-natural solution, which means that there are no side effects or risk of harmful drug interactions. The supplement can be mixed with food and administered on a daily basis to both dogs and cats.

What’s in it? Peptides and amino acids are needed to support healthy kidney function in our pets. Cats and dogs experiencing kidney failure are in desperate need of these naturally occurring organic compounds. RenAvast replaces them, thereby promoting healthy kidney function. The results speak for themselves. In separate studies, many cats and dogs that suffered sudden weight lost regained the weight after they started taking RenAvast. Veterinarians also observed a decrease in vomiting, as well as a healthier, more lustrous coat.

As with any dietary supplement, you must consult your pet’s veterinarian before administering the pet med. You should also make certain you follow the dosing directions to the letter. Never double up on doses just because you missed one. Additionally, check out our additional medications for kidney-related health problems for cats and dogs.

Please let us know if you pet has tried RenAvast and your experiences in the comments section below.

 

 

Ocu-Glo Rx for Dog Eye Health!

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Now more than ever, advances in biology are validating the time-honored adage that “we are what we eat”, and the same can be said for our best friend!

The importance of nutrition and a healthy diet rich in antioxidants for your pet cannot be understated. Supporting your dog with a nutritional supplement can help build the foundation for a long and fruitful life.

Ocu-GLO Rx Eye Supplement

Ocu-GLO Rx canine vision supplement was formulated by veterinary ophthalmologists to support the canine eye. This unique blend of antioxidants promotes the body’s natural defense against oxidative stress, which contributes to many degenerative eye diseases, and provides the nutritional support necessary for ocular health.

Help your dog see a better, brighter future today! Save on Ocu-GLO Rx on sale for a limited time at VetRxDirect.com.

Get a 90 count bottle for small dogs (under 10lbs) for just $60.00, or a 90 count bottle for large dogs (over 10lbs) for only $65.00 after coupon! Plus FREE, fast shipping & handling is included!

Use coupon code OCUGLORX during checkout.*

Ocu-GLO Rx – High-quality, pharmaceutical-grade vision supplement packed with antioxidants to support canine eye health. Now available without a prescription.

*Coupon expires 10/31/13. Limit one discounted bottle per customer. Customers must be signed into an account at VetRxDirect.com to validate one-time use coupons. Coupons cannot be combined or used with any other discount or offer. Coupons are not valid on telephone orders and cannot be applied to previous orders.

Have you tried Ocu-GLO on your dog? Let us know your thoughts and experiences by leaving comments below. Thank you.

What You Need to Know about Corneal Ulcers in Pets

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Our eyes – we take them for granted until something goes wrong! Because it is such a complex, sensitive structure, eye injuries must be taken seriously and treated immediately. This is true for both human beings and their pets, since our eyes are very similar. Like their owners, dogs and cats have corneas, which are transparent coverings that protect the iris and the pupil. When this delicate body part is subject to ulcers, it can be quite painful. Often caused by calcium or lipid deposits, corneal degeneration can cause extreme sensitivity and discomfort, especially in our pets who often suffer in silence. It’s not that their owners are inattentive, but that the disorder can be difficult to discern. In this article we will discuss this all-too-common condition and how to treat it.

The Signs of Corneal Ulcers in Pets

If your dog or cat’s eyes are tearing up or overflowing excessively, it could mean he has a corneal ulcer, also called ulcerative keratitis. Of course, it could also mean that he simply has seasonal allergies. Once again, the symptoms of the disorder are quite general, which is why it often goes undiagnosed. With that said, if your pet has more than one of the following symptoms, there’s a pretty good chance his cornea has been damaged or scratched:

  • Red, irritated eye
  • Constant squinting
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Watery eye
  • Rubbing at eyes with a paw or into the coat
  • Eye is forced closed
  • Unidentified discharge
  • Opaque film covering the eye

Causes of Corneal Ulcers in Pets

The good news is that ulcers can heal rather quickly. But when serious damage has been done, either because of injury or disease, the transparent cells may not heal without immediate medical treatment. The following are the most common reason you may have to take your pet to his doctor if he suffers corneal degeneration:

  • Traumatic injury
  • Tear deficiency
  • Infection
  • Damage or paralysis of facial nerves
  • Cannot close eyelids
  • Something in the eye that cannot be rinsed out
  • Chemical substance causing irritation

At-risk breeds of Corneal Ulcers

It is also important to mention that certain breeds of cats and dogs are far more likely to suffer from corneal degeneration.  Why does this happen? There are several reasons including mechanical and structural ones. Some breeds, for example, have eyelids that tend to roll inward, which causes their eyelashes to swipe the corneal surface, causing immediate irritation. Others have protuberant eyes that actually stick out, making them more susceptible to environmental debris such as dirt and dust.

Although some cat breeds are at a slightly elevated risk of corneal degeneration, certain dog breeds are far more like to suffer from it. As a group, these are canines that tend to have very short noses or snouts and prominent, protuberant eyes. They include breeds like the pug, the boxer, the Boston terrier, the bulldog, and the Pekingese. Boxers, in particular, have a much higher risk of developing severe, debilitating cases of this disease than any other dogs.

Diagnosis of Corneal Ulcers in Pets

If you suspect your furry friend has corneal ulcers, you should make an appointment with his veterinarian as soon as possible. A thorough eye examination that includes inspection of the cornea will be conducted to confirm or rule out any structural damage that is the result of an ulcer or corneal erosion. It may also be necessary for his doctor to take samples and test them for fungi and bacteria infection, which are typically caused by conjunctivitis. Finally, the veterinarian may need to complete a blood test to rule out possible viral infections in your pet.

Treatment of Corneal Ulcers in Pets

As with most illnesses, the treatment depends on the underlying cause. If the corneal ulcers are deep and they are growing, your veterinarian may recommend surgery, although this should be considered a last resort. With older animals, who are the most commonly affected group, surgery can be quite risky.  Instead, your dogs/cat’s doctor might simply opt to put a large, lampshade-shaped collar on him/her to prevent them from scratching at the affected eye and aggravating the injury.

If the ulcers are merely superficial, your vet may simply take a cotton swap and use it to remove the outer, loose layers of the cornea that are causing the irritation.  This is often a quick-fix option that provides only temporary relief, but it is far less risky than actual surgery. In fact, managing corneal ulcers rather than curing them is the most popular option, especially for older dogs and cats.

Remend Corneal Repair Drops for Pets

In the event of a bacterial infection, antibiotics must be prescribed and are often applied topically, directly to the eye. Pain and inflammation can be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as prescribed by your pet’s veterinarian. Eye drops like Remend Corneal Repair Drops may also be used to soothe irritated eye and to stimulate tear production. For additional products to improve your beloved pets’ peepers, check out our selection of eye health products for dogs and cats.

 

 

Phycox Super Sale – Order Today, Ships Today!

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Limited Time Sale on Phycox Soft Chews at VetRxDirect!

Save big on Phycox Soft Chews! On sale for a limited time at VetRxDirect.com. Purchase the 120 count bottle + 10 count bottle for only $44.99 after coupon + FREE, Fast Same-Day Shipping & Handling!

Use coupon code PHYCOX130 during checkout.*

phycox_soft_chews

Like humans, dogs can have inflamed, painful joints caused by the wear and tear of daily life. Phycox’s proven joint support and inflammation/discomfort relieving supplements combines high-quality Glucosamine, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, and Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) for fast acting results.

  • Reduces inflammation and discomfort due to normal daily activity
  • Contains the natural inflammatory phycocyanin
  • Provides beneficial antioxidants and Omega 3 fatty acids

Don’t wait! Get your discounted Phycox Soft Chews high-quality and safe joint supplement at VetRxDirect. The perfect support solution for canine joint mobility and healthy bone structure.

Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about specials and other limited promotions.

*Coupon expires 10/31/13 or while supplies last, whichever comes first. Limit one per customer. Customers must be signed into an account at VetRxDirect.com to validate one-time use coupons. Coupons cannot be combined or used with any other discount or offer. Coupons are not valid on telephone orders and cannot be applied to previous orders.

Try Ocu-GLO Rx for a Bright Future

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You are what you eat. You’ve heard that before, right? Turns out, the same is true for our canine companions. Research continues to accumulate about the importance of giving our pets really good nutrition that gives them the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients they need to live long, healthy lives. Now many pet parents are looking beyond healthier foods and adding nutritional supplements to their pet’s diets.

Here at VetRxDirect, we’re seeing a steady rise in orders for nutritional supplements that help improve everything from joint and bone health to allergies and skin conditions in dogs and cats.

Ocu-GLO Rx has Antioxidants for Dog Eyes

Nutritional supplements to support eye health – like Ocu-GLO Rx are really gaining popularity too. Our dogs can’t tell us when their eyesight gets worse. But veterinary ophthalmologists know that over time, just like in humans, a dog’s ocular health can deteriorate. And, as they age, many dogs get degenerative eye diseases – like glaucoma and cataracts – that can certainly reduce their quality of life.

The big culprit in so many of these diseases is oxidation. It’s a natural process that causes cellular damage over time. Think of an apple that shrivels up and gets brown if it’s left out on the counter — that’s oxidation.

Many of the dietary supplements, including Ocu-GLO feature antioxidants, substances that help prevent disease by blocking the damage caused by oxidation. Ocu-GLO, which was developed by veterinary ophthalmologists, contains a unique blend of 12 powerful antioxidants that provide the nutritional support needed for good eye health in your dog. It’s packed with some powerhouse antioxidants including vitamins, Lutein, and Omega-3 fatty acids.

Consider your dog’s diet… Is she getting what she needs for optimal health? Ask your veterinarian about what supplements might improve your dog’s health and ensure she has a long, bright future ahead.

Wes

Putting a Stop to Animal Cruelty

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“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.” – Edmund Burke

There is no better feeling than coming home to your pets after a long day. No matter what, they welcome you with wagging tails and open hearts. They have spent their day waiting for the door to swing open and have you, their owner and dearest companion, home with them. They are full of unconditional love.

This gift of the human-animal bond is one that is not reached for every animal. In the United States alone, there are 6-8 million animals entering shelters each year. Around half of these animals will never experience the love of a forever home. Animal cruelty and neglect can be associated with homeless animals and those in shelters and rescues around the country. It is no secret trying to put a stop to animal cruelty can be a heartbreaking and crushing cycle. However, there are ways you, as a pet parent, can help animals in need. Regardless of your personal circumstances, you can take action and make a difference in an animal’s life.

It is natural to feel angry and upset when learning about the realities of animal cruelty and neglect. Education plays a vital role in taking action against these situations. By educating yourself on the laws and rules in your county, city, state, and/or country, you will have a better backbone in fighting against those who break said laws. Once you are educated, turn your anger and sadness into action. Do not remain neutral in situations of injustice. Take a stance and be the change.

The most important education you can provide for yourself is how to recognize animal cruelty and neglect. This may not always mean obvious signs of physical wounds on an animal. Examples of animal abuse and neglect can be seen in chained dogs, animals outside without shelter in extreme temperatures, abandoned animals living in empty homes, obvious and untreated wounds and physical suffering, emaciated animals without provided food or water, too many animals living on one property, and obvious violence against an animal(s).

Once educated, you can make a change by taking action. For example, animal shelters, rescue organizations, and animal rights and welfare groups are always in need of donations. These can vary from monetary donations that can be done via computer, to donating your time, efforts, and energy.

Fundraising events, enrichment activities at your local shelter, and educating and raising awareness to the public on animal cruelty and neglect is just as important as donating money. You can contact your local shelter and ask what they are in need of. Most shelters could always use more supplies to better their facilities and make the animals more comfortable. Donating extra linens, dog food, toys, cleaning materials, and bedding can be incredibly beneficial. Nothing is too small.

Becoming a shelter volunteer can also be a wonderful way to help animals in need. In rescuing, animals are sometimes found terribly neglected or having suffered some kind of physical or mental abuse. When they come into shelters they can associate humans with negativity and harm. They are unaware of the love people can give to animals and how to handle kindness. By volunteering at a shelter and providing enrichment to these animals, you can mean the difference between life and death. Some shelters will euthanize animals after a certain period of time or if they are deemed unable to be adopted. By helping these fearful animals and showing them life outside of a shelter, they will become more social and easier to be adopted, therefore finding a home and opening up space for another animal. Fostering is another way to donate your time and efforts, and help an abused animal heal their physical, emotional, and mental wounds.

However, busy work and life schedules often make it difficult to volunteer your time at a shelter. There are other ways to help fight animal cruelty within your lifestyle. Larger scale organizations such as the ASPCA and Humane Society of the United States make it easy for people to help. For example, if you are informed of or notice animal cruelty going on around you, report it. The ASPCA and Humane Society have tips on how to report animal cruelty in your area. If you are able to document abuse with a photograph or written statement, that will make for a stronger case. Be sure to follow up and keep detailed records when reporting an abuse case to the police or welfare organization.

There are also ways you can take the initiative and use social media such as Facebook or Twitter to fundraise, share information, and spread the world of possible cruelty cases. Social media is an amazing tool in raising awareness and educating the public at the press of a button. This is a great way to be proactive against animal cruelty while still going about your daily life.

Lastly, there are wonderful organizations out there working globally to stop animal cruelty. The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) works tirelessly with multiple countries to ensure the proper treatment of animals. By supporting the WSPA, you can work together to raise awareness about animal welfare, and prevent the misuse of animals everywhere.

All in all, no matter big or small, local or global, any action against animal cruelty, mistreatment, and neglect is going to make a difference. By not sitting back and letting it happen, you are putting a dent in this constant battle for justice. You are giving a voice to the voiceless. If everyone does a part in this fight, we will work together to save the lives of animals around the world. Be the change.

Information about the following organizations can be found below:

ASPCA – http://www.aspca.org/

Humane Society of the United States – http://www.humanesociety.org/

World Society for the Protection of Animals – http://www.wspa.ca/

 

 

 

 

AeroKat Best Price

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Limited Time Sale on AeroKat Aerosol Chambers!

Save big on Aerokat Aerosol Chambers on sale now for a limited time at VetRxDirect.com. Best Price Guaranteed. Only $59.99 + Free, Fast Shipping & Handling after Coupon code! Use coupon code AEROKAT10 during checkout.*

AeroKat is designed for use with prescription inhalers to ease the symptoms of cats suffering from feline asthma, bronchitis, allergies and other respiratory afflictions. Aerokat’s proven design combines a special chamber device and contoured mask, which work together, to deliver prescription medication directly to your cat’s lungs. The contoured mask fits comfortably over your cat’s mouth and nose area. Aerokat also comes with a convenient Flow-Vu indicator feedback tool that moves with each breath your cat takes so you can properly maintain assurance of correct use and easily monitor medication doses.

Don’t wait! Get your discounted AeroKat Aerosol Chambers on sale at VetRxDirect.com today. Use coupon code AEROKAT10 during checkout today to receive the AeroKat Best Price!*

AeroKat Best Price at VetRxDirect Pet Pharmacy

VetRxDirect AeroKat Best Price
The perfect solution for inhaled medication administration for cats. Designed especially for cats suffering from feline asthma, bronchitis and allergies.

*Coupon expires 9/30/13. Customers must be signed into an account at VetRxDirect.com to validate one-time use coupons. Coupons cannot be combined or used with any other discount or offer. Coupons are not valid on telephone orders and cannot be applied to previous orders.

NEW! Q&A Feature. Answers and $avings Available

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In a continued commitment to maintain our high service levels and further improve your VetRxDirect shopping experience, we are pleased to announce we have recently rolled out a Questions & Answers feature on all of our product pages! This neat feature allows you to easily get answers to your product questions or concerns before you purchase. Upon submitting a question, you can choose to automatically receive an email alert once a response from a member of our knowledgeable staff has been posted.

You can conveniently find the feature in the Ask a Question tab located in the middle of every product page. Below is an example of what to look for on the product page:

NEW! Q&A Feature ReleasedPlease help us celebrate the occasion by enjoying 10% OFF your next purchase by using coupon code ANSWERS during checkout!*

Questions or Comments? We’d love to hear your feedback. Please leave comments below to let us know how we can make your VetRxDirect experience better.

Thank you from the VetRxDirect Family!

*Coupon expires 8/31/13. Customers must be signed into an account at VetRxDirect.com to validate one-time use coupons. Coupons cannot be combined or used with any other discount or offer. Coupons are not valid on telephone orders and cannot be applied to previous orders.

Does My Dog have Canine Bronchitis?

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Believe it or not, asthma is not a condition reserved for humans alone. Often referred to as dyspnea or allergic bronchitis, one percent of dogs are reported to have this ailment, but the actual amount of sufferers is estimated to be much higher as this condition often goes overlooked by owners and medical professionals alike. After all, it is hard to diagnose (the patient can’t elaborate on the details after all), and is frequently mistaken for other issues like heartworm disease.

As a concerned pet owner, what should you look for? The symptoms your dog experiences is not too unlike what you, yourself would experience. He will cough and wheeze, and may even experience shortness of breath. During extreme bouts, your canine friend may have spasms and constrictions in his upper airways, at which you should seek immediately medical attention. What causes such symptoms? The surrounding environment may be the guilty culprit. Allergens like plants, pesticides and pollution may irritate your dog’s inhalation outside and, when inside, common causes are cigarette smoke, carpet deodorizers and different cleaning products. Yes, eliminating specific factors may help, but pinpointing the exact cause can be extremely difficult and protecting your companion with relieving measures is a must. After all, there is no cure or permanent removal for allergic canine bronchitis.

While dogs of all ages and sizes can experience this condition, most animals develop this disorder in their youth or middle-age. Smaller breeds have an increased likelihood of being sensitive to allergens, partly due to their elevated heart rate and rapid breaths. Who among us hasn’t seen a toy dog gasping with its mouth open as it excitedly wheezes for breath?

There are numerous products to help provide your pooch with health and comfort. It is important to seek the consultation of a veterinarian, who will most likely recommend medications designed to open the air passages to increase the flow of oxygen and lessen the severity of an allergic attack. Commonly, Flovent (fluticasone) needs to be breathed in with the assistance of an aerosol chamber like the Aerodawg.

If you suspect your dog may be experiencing allergic bronchitis, a trip to the veterinarian should happen at once. If it goes untreated for too long, the consequences can be severe if not fatal. After all, oxygen helps your beloved friend’s organs continue to function. So give your canine the easy breathing he deserves and yourself some peace of mind and, if you have your uncertainties, have your dog checked out for this often overlooked ailment.

Have you used Flovent or the AeroDawg with your pet? Tell us about your experiences in the comments section below.

Breathe Easy,

VetRxDirect