* **Rising costs of pet care:** Pet owners are facing increasing costs for veterinary care, food, and other pet supplies. * **Counterfeit medication:** The rise in pet care costs has led some pet owners to seek out cheaper alternatives, including counterfeit medication. * **Risks associated with counterfeit medication:** Counterfeit medication can be dangerous for pets, potentially causing serious health problems or even death.
This situation highlights the growing concern about counterfeit products, particularly in the online marketplace. The rise of e-commerce has made it easier for counterfeiters to operate, providing a platform for them to sell their fake products without facing much scrutiny. The counterfeiters are often skilled in their craft, using sophisticated techniques to replicate the original products. They can create convincing replicas that are indistinguishable from the genuine ones.
This decision was made after consulting with her doctor, who advised her to try alternative treatments. Her doctor recommended a specific brand of the product, and Arina purchased it from the e-commerce platform. The product was a dietary supplement, and Arina was taking it for a specific health condition. The e-commerce platform seller offered a money-back guarantee, which Arina utilized.
* A rabbit was treated at a clinic for scabies. * The rabbit was given the clinic’s genuine product and recovered. * The rabbit lost two toes due to complications from the scabies. * The scabies was exacerbated by an ineffective “Revolution” product purchased online.
How can counterfeit products affect my pet? Seven vet clinics that ST spoke to said they were aware of counterfeit pet products circulating in the market. Three of them had attended to cases affected by such products. Paws N’ Claws, for instance, has seen cases resulting in vomiting and seizures. Its head vet, Dr Esther Lam, said: “Counterfeit products can pose significant risks to pets, including adverse health effects such as allergic reactions, toxicity, and ineffective treatment of conditions.” Amber Vet’s Dr Brian Loon added: “At worst… if these are toxic, they can be an immediate or accumulative life-threatening risk, such as severe-to-irreversible organ damage.”
* Counterfeiting of pet products is a growing concern. * Counterfeit pet products are often driven by high demand and the ease of resale, particularly through online platforms. * Vet Central, a veterinary clinic, has reported a surge in the number of counterfeit pet products. * The counterfeit pet products are often made with inferior materials and can pose health risks to pets.
Since then, more sellers have begun offering fake Antinol via e-commerce platforms, with these products appearing to have come from Thailand and Malaysia, said a Pet Wellness Products spokesperson. Antinol’s manufacturer Vetz Petz sought the help of the Thai authorities. This led to a raid on a warehouse containing counterfeit supplements for both humans and animals from “famous brands”. Upon testing, the counterfeit Antinol was found to contain only coloured vegetable oil resembling the real product. DHKS Pet Supplies, the official importer of pet food brand Royal Canin, said it has also been trying to tackle the issue of unauthorised sellers purporting to carry its products.
This summary focuses on the specialized diets offered by veterinary clinics. These diets are designed to address specific health concerns, such as digestive issues, kidney support, urinary health, and food sensitivities. They are typically sold and carried by licensed veterinary clinics.
The summary provided highlights a serious concern regarding the use of counterfeit food products. It emphasizes the potential dangers of these products, particularly their susceptibility to contamination and the subsequent risks to animal health. Let’s delve deeper into this issue, exploring the implications of counterfeit food and the measures that can be taken to mitigate these risks.
According to regulations, pet food containing meat or meat products can be brought into Singapore only from sources approved by AVS. Every consignment of pet food brought into Singapore must be accompanied by an AVS-issued import permit and supporting documents such as a health certificate endorsed by the relevant authority of the exporting country. In response to ST’s queries, AVS said it received two cases of feedback on potential counterfeit pet foods in 2024. Both buyers had purchased their pet food from private sellers on e-commerce platforms instead of local authorised distributors. “AVS will investigate and take action against sellers who bring in pet food containing meat or meat products without an import permit under the Animals and Birds Act,” it said. Anyone found guilty of doing so can be fined up to $10,000, jailed for up to a year, or both.
A. Protecting Pets Through E-Commerce
B.
AVS is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the health and safety of pets. They work with e-commerce platforms to take down listings of pet food that are not supplied by local authorized distributors. This is a crucial step in ensuring that pet owners have access to safe and reliable food.
* Pet owners should be cautious about purchasing pet products online. * Pet owners should purchase products from authorized sources and/or retailers. * Counterfeit products can be dangerous to pets. * Importers and vet clinics advise pet owners to be cautious.
This is a crucial aspect of veterinary care, as it ensures that pet owners are not burdened by unnecessary expenses. This approach fosters a collaborative relationship between the veterinarian and the pet owner, promoting transparency and trust. Furthermore, discussing costs and needs with the owner allows the veterinarian to tailor the treatment plan to the owner’s financial situation. This can involve recommending alternative treatments, adjusting the dosage of medication, or even suggesting a phased approach to care.
If buyers doubt a product’s authenticity, they can verify the product’s lot number and expiration date with its manufacturer or distributor, said Dr Tan Eng Khim from Vet@RV. For food products, the size and colour of pellets or kibble can also be compared against those from reputable sources. Owners looking to avoid dubious online sources can also turn to bricks-and-mortar pet stores such as Pet Lovers Centre and Pets’ Station, which procure their items only from brand owners or authorised distributors.