People who own a pet know what it is to spend a considerable amount of their income in treating them. Most often pets need to be treated by an authorized veterinarian to ensure the safety of the pet. Pet medicines are considerably expensive and it is hard to find cheap alternatives without risk of side effects.

In most cases, half of the veterinary bill goes for the cost of medicines to treat the pet, whether it is a chronic ear infection, recurring stomach issues, or fluid-filled lungs. Pet owners often consider insuring their pets as there are not many prescribed cheap pet medicines. The Federal Trade Commission is exploring if the cost of pet medicines could be brought down – the volume of sales currently in the United States is to the tune of $7 billion.

1. Cost of medicine
The cost of pet medicines has been rising for several reasons lately, such as

• New and improved diagnostics and treatments.
• Increased emphasis on preventive care, especially to control ticks and fleas in dogs as well as cats. The cost of these products makes up more than half of all pet med expenditures.

Although common pet medicines are available at a cheaper rate in retail outlets like online pharmacies and chain stores, pet owners usually have a habit of purchasing their pet medicine at their vet’s clinic. The price of a pet medicine is usually marked up by 160% including a $5-$15 dispensing fee. Pet owners choose this option to buy medication, from their veterinarian rather than elsewhere as it is convenient. A pet owner doesn’t need to buy the medication from the veterinarian who prescribed them.

2. Ways to access cheap pet medicines
If you would like to save money and buy cheap pet medicines, the following tips would help:

• You can insist veterinarian writes down a prescription that will let you buy medication elsewhere as it would be cheaper there
• In cases where a pet needs medicines for long term chronic condition or preventive care, the veterinarian could be requested to guide you to a cheaper outlet where pet medicines can be accessed at lower prices
• Enquire with a veterinarian about the availability of less expensive human medications equivalent to those for pets. More often than not, a human generic drug, particularly an antibiotic, is a lot cheaper in comparison to a pricey pet only medication.
• Online pet pharmacies such as 1-800-PetMeds, Drs. Foster & Smith, and PetCareRX usually offer discount card programs that cover veterinary as well as human medications.
• Order from one of the 18 sites that are part of Veterinary Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites. These online pharmacies usually give access to cheaper pet medicines as these sites comply with Federal and State Licensing requirements as well as quality assurance.

Being aware of where to purchase cheaper pet medicines at a lower cost, at the same time ensuring that the medicines are genuine can reduce running monthly costs to a large extent.