Reported by: Eric English Email: eenglish@abc15.comPHOENIX, AZ -- Gently comforting the large black dog at her feet, Ashliegh Goebel says, "I have been treating him for about two years, but it's gotten a lot, lot better."
When her dog, Max, came down with Valley fever, she discovered he was in for a long recovery.
Now, two years later, Max still takes pills twice daily.
"I found his medicine will empty my pockets if I go to the vet," Goebel says. "But it's a lot more affordable online and it's a lot more convenient. They will mail it to my house."
Ashliegh is one of many pet owners turning to the Internet to buy pet medications hoping to save a few dollars.
Dozens of websites claim to offer pet supplies at deep discounts, but veterinarians say some online purchases could put your 'best friend' at risk.
"The concern is that if they just keep getting refills through the pharmacy and they are not being properly assessed for pain control, or for what they are getting their medication for, that could bring on problems," Dr. Sean Penn explains.
Dr. Penn works at Alta Vista Animal hospital in Phoenix.
He says beware of any site that doesn't check to make sure the prescription is from a licensed veterinarian.
"That's actually 100 percent illegal," Penn said.
He advises pet owners to know where their pet's drugs are coming from.
"Some of the Internet pharmacies, they may not be based in the United States," he says. "They may not be using FDA approved medications."
There are a lot of potential pitfalls, but Ashliegh Goebel says it's worth the convenience.
"As far as just getting his regular, medication, it's easy to just go online and do that. A lot let hassle. Definitely."
