Killer counterfeits: the flea treatments that could send you rushing to the vet

"Pet owners have been warned when buying flea treatments online after toxic pesticide traces were found in counterfeit products. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), the UK government agency that oversees pet medication, says the fakes often lack proper active ingredients, making them ineffective. In the worst cases, they contain harmful substances that can cause vomiting, muscle tremors, breathing difficulties, seizures and even death. You are lucky that the cat survived, but have ended up with a large vet bill."

"A three-month dose of flea medication typically costs about 20, but the counterfeit versions are being sold for less than half that amount, she says. Best-case scenario? You've wasted your money. Worst case? You are dealing with avoidable suffering or the sudden loss of a beloved family member, says Inness. The VMD says there has been an increase in the number of people reporting fake treatments since it issued an alert last year."

"Last year, the VMD cited the case of a cat that had to have extensive surgery after its owner used what turned out to be fake Frontline flea treatment. Charlotte Inness, a vet who founded the online pharmacy VetMedi.co.uk, says that a grey market for animal medicines exists where unregulated websites and social media accounts sell the fake medications to pet owners hoping to save money. It has contacted a number of eBay sellers and retailers as a result."

"What it looks like The advert or listing offers a well-know brand at a much lower price than you usually pay. The grey websites s"

Pet owners are warned about buying flea treatments online at unusually low prices because counterfeit products may contain toxic pesticide traces. Fake medicines often lack proper active ingredients, making them ineffective, while some contain harmful substances that can trigger vomiting, muscle tremors, breathing difficulties, seizures, and even death. A reported case involved a cat needing extensive surgery after using counterfeit Frontline flea treatment. Unregulated websites and social media accounts may sell these grey-market products at less than half the typical cost, leading to avoidable suffering and large veterinary bills. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate has seen an increase in reports of fake treatments and has contacted sellers and retailers in response.

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