PET owners are being urged to exercise caution buying medication online.

Newton Abbot vet Dr Lennon Foo is warning of the growing risks linked to counterfeit products, incorrect dosing, and the absence of clinical oversight.

Although the prices are lower and it is convenient to buy online, what may seem to be a saving can put pets at serious risk.

Dr Lennon, who runs Amity Veterinary Care, explained: ‘We understand that pet owners are looking for ways to manage costs, but buying medication online without proper veterinary guidance can be a real gamble.’

Unregulated online pharmacies may supply fake or substandard medicines that contain incorrect, insufficient, or no active ingredients.

Some products may also be improperly stored or contaminated, yet closely resemble legitimate brands, making them difficult to identify.

The consequences can be severe.

In one case, a dog given a discounted parasite treatment bought online became lethargic and began vomiting shortly after administration, requiring urgent veterinary care.

The product was later suspected to be counterfeit.

UK data highlights the scale of the issue.

In 2025, authorities recorded 49 reports of suspected counterfeit pet medicines, primarily flea and tick treatments.

This represents a significant increase, a 700per cent rise, compared to previous years, when only six reports were recorded, historically reflecting heightened awareness following a national warning campaign.

Veterinary professionals emphasise that safe treatment requires careful clinical assessment. Dosage must be tailored to an animal’s weight, breed, age, and medical history.

Even small variations can affect safety and effectiveness.

Without veterinary involvement, pets may receive inappropriate medication or miss underlying health conditions.

Veterinary prescriptions involve a detailed clinical and legal process, ensuring medicines are appropriate, correctly dosed, and sourced through regulated channels.