1. How do I get a prescription?
There are two ways:- either ask your vet to write you a prescription or print one from our site for your vet to complete. Then place your order and post the prescription to us with the order number written on the top right hand corner
2. Will my vet make a charge for providing a prescription?
Probably. However veterinary surgeons should not make unreasonable charges for issuing veterinary prescriptions.
3. Can my vet refuse to issue a prescription?
Not if the vet has diagnosed that this medication is required for your animal.
4. If I get a prescription from my vet can they then insist my animal has more frequent check-ups?
No, that would be illegal. A vet cannot discriminate between customers purchasing medication from them and elsewhere.
5. How long can I use a prescription for
Prescriptions must be used within 6 months of the date on the prescription (i.e. the date the prescription was issued by your vet), or before the expiry date stipulated by the vet on the prescription. After a prescription expires we cannot supply any outstanding allowances on that prescription. An exception to the “six month expiry” is prescriptions for Controlled Drugs, such as Epiphen, that must be filled within 28 days of the date the prescription was issued.
6. My animal takes long-term medication, do I need to get a new prescription every time?
Not necessarily, your vet might choose to write a prescription that can be repeated for a number of instalments. You need to discuss this with your vet
7. Do I need to purchase everything on the prescription at the time of order?
No, you can buy as much or as little as you like. We understand caring for a sick animal can be expensive and are happy for you to purchase over e.g. a monthly basis.
8. Can I scan/email prescriptions to you?
Only in very exceptional circumstances do we accept faxed or scanned prescriptions for dispensing. If you wish to email or fax us a prescription, you must contact us first to confirm whether we will accept it.
If faxing or scanning a prescription is agreed to, you must then ensure that the hardcopy is posted to us as soon as possible by recorded delivery and this should not be any later than 5 days.
9. Can I order prescription medication even if I live outside the UK? (POM-V AND POM-VPS)
Only if you can supply us with a valid veterinary prescription written by a UK registered vet. If so, please place your order by telephone (0845 053 5050) Note: We do not supply Controlled Drugs or products requiring special storage (e.g. insulin or vaccines) outside of the UK.
B: General Queries
1. How do I place an order?
You can place an order either on our website or by phone. Telephone orders can be placed between 9am – 6pm Monday to Friday.
2. Do you charge for deliveries?
Medicine in the UK has free delivery. Food and Heavy items normally incur a delivery charge, however are on promotion this month with Free UK delivery.
3. I can’t find what I’m looking for
If searching using the quick search box it is better to type less words. For example if you are looking for Royal Canin Sensitivity Control food, typing sensitivity will provide you will all matching items.
Alternatively:
-You can view by clicking the appropriate animal then condition/category.
-If the item(s) is not there please contact us and we will endeavour to find the product for you.
Coping with Cats & Dogs that are fearful of fireworks
With welfare concerns raised regarding the use of sedatives to treat firework phobias, pheromonatherapy has taken over as the drug-free alternative to help reduce firework fears in cats and dogs.
Pheromone products (D.A.P. for Dogs and Feliway for Cats) are available as a plug-in diffuser. These should be introduced into the home at least a week before firework night, to allow the pheromone to build up to significant levels and to create a calm and relaxing state before, during and after the firework period. Bestpet Pharmacy would recommend the use of Feliway & DAP during firework season. Please note, these products are also ideal throughout the year for eliminating many problem behaviours.
How to Help Dogs Overcome Fear of Fireworks
At least one week before the event
-Prepare a refuge area for your dog to go during the fireworks
-Encourage your dog to use it by hiding food treats there
-Plug a D.A.P. Diffuser in the room the dog uses to rest and relax and leave it switched on at all times.
Sounds Soothing CD has been especially designed to help dogs get used to sudden loud noises (such as fireworks) before the actual event.
On the day of the event
-At sundown, draw thick curtains or blinds across the windows in the room where the dog will retreat to. Ensure some toys are available for the dog to play with.
-Make sure you have something to do in this room so you can stay with your dog
-Put some music on, preferably something with a lot of constant drumbeats. It does not have to be loud
-Ignore the firework noise yourself and try to engage your pet in some form of active game
-Ignore any fearful behaviour. Don’t fuss or attempt to reassure your dog when it is scared as this rewards the behaviour
-Don’t punish your dog either; it only confirms that there was something to be afraid of
-Make sure your dog is kept in a safe and secure environment at all times
-Allow free access to the refuge area/hidey hole at all times
-D.A.P. Spray can be applied onto the dogs bedding on the night of the event for additional reassurance
After the event
-Leave the D.A.P. Diffuser plugged in for a week
-If similar events are likely to happen over a number of nights maintain a D.A.P. Diffuser throughout the whole period.
How to Help Cats with Fear of Fireworks
At least one week before the event
If possible keep your cat confined to the house for the week leading up to the event and provide a litter tray. Fireworks are generally let off in evenings so it may be worthwhile keeping you cat in at that time of the day if you suspect fireworks will be used.
-Make sure your cat has some form of identification such as a tag or a microchip because if they do escape, frightened confused animals can easily get lost.
-At least one week before the event, plug a Feliway Diffuser in the room your cat uses to rest
-Make sure there are plenty of refuge areas/hidey holes inside the home
On the day of the event
-Check the cat is definitely inside the house and that escape routes (e.g. cat flaps, open windows) to the outside are blocked
- Draw curtains to reduce outside noise and play music or have the TV turned on to help mask the noise of fireworks.
- If your cat hides in a corner or under a bed, leave it alone and do not try to coax it out. This refuge area/hidey hole’ is where the animal feels most secure.
-Do not punish or fuss your cat during the event, this only confirms that there was something to be afraid of
-Stay calm and act normally. Try not to go out during such potentially upsetting events. Seeing you acting normally will help your cat feel more settled.
After the event
-Leave the FELIWAY Diffuser plugged in for at least one week after the event
-If similar events are likely to happen over a number of nights maintain FELIWAY Diffuser throughout the whole period
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