Vectra Flea Control

[lizbud]

My Vet has changed flea meds for the 2nd time in as many years
and now only sells Vectra. I didn't have any problems with Advantage
or Frontline & don't want to switch unless this stuff works better. Anyone
have a problem with Vectra?

[kokopup]

It may be to new to have any feedback. This is the topical my vet is pushing also.

[pomtzu]

Must be new - I never heard of it.

[Freedom]

I've not heard of it either.

You can buy Frontline Plus online, I do for quite a bit less than my vet charges.

[lizbud]

Well, the only thing I know for sure is it absolutely can not be used
on cats. I'll still have to buy separate flea meds for them, if needed.

I sometimes think the Vet must be getting a kickback for selling a
particular brand.

[Catlady711]

I sometimes think the Vet must be getting a kickback for selling a
particular brand.

Actually vets do NOT get 'kickbacks' for selling particular brands. Our hospital recently added Vectra 3D to our flea meds and are slowly phasing out Frontline Plus.

Reasons?.....

1) Some people are complaining Frontline Plus 'isn't working'. - Fact, in more than 70%+ cases the product is not being used as directed allowing fleas to multiply. It's often easier to simply use another product brand they 'percieve' as working 'better' and they are more likely to comply with directions.

2) Online and OTC sales. For as much as people like to save money it's taking away from your local vet's income and sending your money to another state, or even country. In this economy that's not good news. The vet needs to stay in business too, and to do that they have to maintain a certain level of income to pay the wages, insurance, suppliers, utilities, etc.

a) In the case of a vet they can have a stocked pharmacy giving the clients the convienence of having the proper meds dispensed on the spot (and so the vet knows the client actually picked it up) to supplement the income. If the vet loses a large percentage of that income to OTC/online/RX sales, what do you think will happen? The vet WILL RAISE the prices on everything else to maintain that income level to stay in business. Is saving a few bucks on meds worth paying $10, $20, $30 or more dollars for the next office visit, surgery, or test? Or, given the state of the economy, possibly having your favorite vet close their doors forever?

b) Vets have a degree in animal health, have a vested interest in your pet, how to best care for your pet, are qualified to properly advise you on care for your pet and the ability to advise you on possible reactions and able to treat your pet if it should have one. A store (pet store, online store, or department store) has NO vested interest in your pet, only your money. They typically won't have trained staff to advise you on how to properly use the product. And NONE of them can help you should your pet have a reaction to the medications. Remember they are only interested in your money. Some of them are stocked with counterfiet flea products as well although many clients don't keep the packaging for it to be verified.

c) Vectra supposedly has security in place to limit it from being available other than through a veterinarian. The vet has to sign an Anti-Diversion Agreement (means they agree not to sell to anyone other than clients and not to sell to clients who may be reselling it). Promeris was supposed to have similar measures in place (which is why many vets switched to that one) however slowly made it's way online anyways, they didn't have nearly as much security as Vectra currently does. Vectra may well end up the same way eventually, who knows. But vets tend to be more supportive of a company that's trying to be supportive of them and keeping business local!

In a large nutshell, that's why vets sometimes switch up product lines they carry.

Well, the only thing I know for sure is it absolutely can not be used
on cats. I'll still have to buy separate flea meds for them, if needed.

Vectra makes one for cats, but yes you can't use the dog version on a cat.
http://www.summitvetpharm.com/Pet-Ow.../Cats-Kittens/