Counterfeit flea medicine almost killed my cat – how to keep pets safe | UK | News

Owners of pets have been  warned against fake treatments advertised on e-commerce websites after a cat owner shared his terrifying experience with a fake flea treatment that nearly ended in the death of his beloved companion. Alan, 45, recalled his Persian Tabby recieving its annual treatment last year, claiming how he no fears of anything going wrong.

Cat Smokey apparently being treated by products only from Frontline Plus for years, with no issue, suddenly fell ill within hours of the dose. Bought online, what Alan assumed to be his usual product produced a bout of vomiting and decline in appetite for his fury friend, who even refused to drink water. Alan stated that he purchased the treatment “from a major online site” and the price “seemed similar” and unsuspicious.

Alan spoke to BBC Morning Live after the goverment issued warning of false veterinary products on online platforms. At first glance, Smokey’s vet found no reason for concern, however when the animal‘s health worsened, scans showed his intestines to be blocked due to a toxic reaction — an emergency surgery costing his owner a substantial £3,000.

Returning to the vet with the flea-treatment packaging, both agreed that the box looked legit, noting the label “Gatti,” which Alan presumed to be Italian for the medication. Contacting the manufacturer, Alan recieved confirmation that the product was counterfeit and containing a high level of toxic chemicals, which was found via lab testing.

Alan shared: “We felt really guilty about the fact we had done this to him, but finding out it was fake medication, we were really angry. It’s horrific and I had absolutely no idea there was such a thing as fake pet medication”. Unfortunatley for owners like Alan, vet bills have risen in the last decade by 60%, reports the BBC — owners struggling to meet the costly demands of their pets.

How to keep your pet safe

With the toxin insecticide discovered inside these counterfeits, the gov.uk website released an article informing those hunting for cheaper deals that fakes often lack essential ingredients, instead containing dangerous ingredients which induce vomiting, muscle tremors, seizures, breathing difficulties, and even death. These severe and tragic side effects can be prevented by observant consumers who spot:

• unusual smells
• poor packaging
• spelling mistakes
• low prices that appear too good to be true.

The site advise buyers to only browse trusted sources and to report suspicious products immediately. The VMD (Veterinary Medicine Directorate) and IPO (Intellectual Property Office) have added that animal lovers should proceed with caution when purchasing common medicines, common flea treatments and wormers.

Illegal to sell in the UK, the VMD have reported 122 seizure notices issued to those selling of unauthorised animal medicines and supplements, in just the last year. This prevented an estimated 18,000 illegal items being used by vulnerable pets.