Animal Chat

As seen on TV

I love watching TV. Ask me any trivia question about Gilligan’s Island or I Love Lucy and I can probably answer it. Of course in referring to these two shows I have probably given away my age.

Television is highly entertaining and for me no level of entertainment is higher than watching commercials touting pet care products.

Perhaps my favorite of these is for a nail trimming device. The ad shows cooperative pets holding out their paws to have their nails trimmed. I really like the cat who holds his foot out for a nail trim. This is the ultimate in unreality television.

The number of products and websites advertised is mind numbing. Everything from the perfect coat grooming device to a staggering array of pet food. Foods come in every possible formulation from organic to gourmet. Most of the pets in these commercials have better dinnerware than I do.

Betty White assures you that it is a good idea not to go to your veterinarian to pick up your pet’s flea and heartworm medication. She thinks it is a good idea to use a website for these things. Of course, Betty doesn’t mention that any guarantees the products may have are null and void if not purchased from your veterinarian. She also doesn’t mention that in the real world the cost of the products from your veterinarian are the same or in some cases lower than from a website.

Another problem with purchasing from the internet is when there is a reaction to the medication. If the medication is purchased through your veterinarian then your veterinarian will work with the manufacturer to help defray any costs incurred during the treatment of the reaction. That help won't be available to you with internet purchases.

Foods, flea products and gadgets. Who should you believe? Well, if you believe that Lovey and Thurston Howell set off on a three hour two with enough luggage for three seasons of television then buy your pet products according to television. If you want what works in real life, the right food, flea products that work, heartworm protection that is guaranteed, talk to your veterinarian. You may be surprised at how much money you save.

Good health comes at the most reasonable cost from your veterinarian. Not television or the internet.