Beware of Counterfeit Pet Medications: A Growing Threat to Your Furry Friends

SINGAPORE - As the prices of veterinary services and pet medications soar, many pet owners are turning to online platforms to save money on essential care for their beloved animals. However, this cost-cutting approach may put their pets at serious risk due to the prevalence of counterfeit supplements and medications.

Among the items frequently purchased online are over-the-counter treatments like the anti-flea solution Revolution, dietary supplements for skin and joint health, and even prescription diets aimed at weight management. Surprisingly, these counterfeit products are often sold at drastically lower prices on e-commerce sites such as Shopee and Lazada. For instance, a pack of three for Revolution targeted at cats is available for as little as $28 online, compared to prices ranging from $38 to $42 in local pet shops and even higher at vet clinics, which charge between $56 and $74.

Despite the appealing prices, many of these products have turned out to be fake, often packaged to look legitimate with official labels, batch numbers, and hologram stickers. Unfortunately, purchasing these inferior products could have dire consequences.

One unfortunate cat owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, faced a tragic situation when her pet rabbit was diagnosed with scabies, a severe condition caused by mite infestations that leads to intense itching, crusting, and, in severe cases, malnutrition and worse. She opted for a cheaper version of Revolution found online rather than purchasing the genuine product directly from her vet. Regrettably, her rabbit's condition worsened, leading to further health complications that culminated in the loss of some of its toes.

According to veterinarians, the repercussions of using counterfeit pet medications can be severe. Dr. Esther Lam from Paws N’ Claws shared alarming accounts of pets suffering from side effects such as vomiting, seizures, and even more critical conditions due to counterfeit products. Dr. Brian Loon from Amber Vet emphasized the life-threatening risks that these medications can pose, highlighting potential irreversible organ damage caused by toxic ingredients.

The surge in counterfeit pet products is largely driven by high demand for popular items. Commonly counterfeited products include popular joint care supplements like Antinol and anti-parasite medications such as Revolution and Nexgard Spectra. Some fake versions of Antinol have been found to lack the necessary active ingredients, posing severe health risks to pets that rely on these treatments.

Pet Wellness Products, a recognized distributor in Singapore and Malaysia, first encountered counterfeit Antinol in 2022, with counterfeit products continuing to flood the market from neighboring countries like Thailand and Malaysia. In a raid facilitated by the manufacturer’s outreach to Thai authorities, thousands of counterfeit supplements were seized, revealing that they were filled with nothing but colored vegetable oil instead of any actual therapeutic ingredients.

It's critical for pet owners to remain vigilant when making purchases. The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) has tightened regulations around pet food imports, emphasizing that products containing meat must come from approved sources, accompanied by the required permits and health certifications. Violators could face hefty fines or even imprisonment, with harmful consequences for pets consuming these fraudulent products.

E-commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada are under scrutiny for allowing counterfeit goods to circulate but assure users that they are committed to enforcing strict policies against such sales. Users are encouraged to report suspicious listings.

Pet owners are urged to purchase medications and supplements only from authorized distributors or local veterinary clinics. Dr. Christopher Tham from Jireh Veterinary Clinic reminded pet owners that legitimate veterinary medications are sourced from trusted suppliers. He emphasized the importance of consulting with vets before making any purchases to ensure product authenticity and discuss budget-friendly alternatives when necessary.

As a final piece of advice, pet owners should educate themselves about how to differentiate between genuine products and counterfeits, seeking guidance from brand websites and veterinary professionals. The health and safety of our furry friends depend on the vigilance and informed choices of their caregivers. Don’t fall victim to counterfeit products—your pet’s life may depend on it!