URGENT: Counterfeit Medicines Put Pets' Lives at Risk - Know the Warning Signs Now.

BREAKING NEWS Counterfeit Medicines Put Pets' Lives at Risk: Urgent Warning Issued A cat's near-fatal experience serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of counterfeit medicines sold online. Alan, a 45-year-old from Preston, bought what he thought was Frontline Plus flea treatment for his cat Smokey online. However, within hours, Smokey became violently ill and required emergency surgery costing £3,000. The Intellectual Property Office has confirmed that fake veterinary products are being sold online, with warning signs including spelling mistakes and mixed languages on packaging. This is not an isolated incident; the government recently issued a warning about counterfeit medicines being sold online. With vet bills rising 60% in the last decade, many pet owners are turning to the internet for bargains. Alan's experience highlights the urgent need for pet owners to be vigilant when buying medicine online. The situation remains critical as more cases of counterfeit medicines come to light. This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, pet owners are advised to exercise extreme caution when purchasing veterinary products online. *This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Bbc.*