2 Simple Questions May Lower The Cost of Pet Prescriptions

Pets provide unconditional love, countless memories and, in return, they look to their humans to care for them as best as possible.

While regular exercise, a balanced diet and annual wellness exams are essential for keeping pets healthy, sometimes they require additional care. When an animal needs medication, especially if it's for a chronic condition, pet prescriptions can be costly.

Fortunately, if you discover that your pet needs to take medication, there are indeed options for managing the expense. Few people are aware that by asking your veterinarian these two simple questions, you could lower your costs considerably:

1. Is this medication available at my pharmacy?
2. Will you write me a prescription that I can fill at my pharmacy?

Using your local pharmacy for pet prescriptions

Many pet parents don't know that most of the medications that their pets use are the same ones people use, potentially at the same or a different dosage. This means that many of the pharmacies you visit for your needs can also be used to fill your pet prescriptions. The top five conditions pets share with people are diabetes, asthma, infections, anxiety and depression.

Furthermore, filling any needed pet prescriptions at a retail pharmacy is often less expensive than getting it filled through the vet. Plus, it saves time because you can get all your family's prescriptions at once, including those for your furry family members.

How to get discounts on pet prescriptions

To save even more on pet prescriptions, consider using a pharmacy savings card, like the Inside Rx Pets savings card offered by Inside Rx. This free prescription savings card helps reduce costs up to 75% on pet medications when purchased at a local pharmacy.

Always follow prescription directions

Remember, it's important to follow your veterinarian's recommendations for any pet prescription and dosage and not try to manage your pet's condition on your own. Do not use over-­the-­counter pain relievers you buy for yourself with your pet as experts note that this can be quite dangerous.

As the American Veterinary Medical Association states, "Although these products are approved for use in people, many of them are not safe for pets. For example, acetaminophen can cause severe illness, and even death, in pets. Talk to your veterinarian before you give any medication to your pet."

To keep prescription drug costs manageable for pets, ask your veterinarian two simple questions and explore savings options at your local pharmacy. While laws vary by state, over 40 states require veterinarians to write a prescription if asked. So, it's worthwhile to inquire. You’ll help your pets feel their best while helping ease your budget as well.