The average cost of caring for a dog or cat is a little more than $1,000 a year, covering expenses like food and routine veterinary visits, according to the ASPCA.When it comes to pet accessories, the sky is the limit. From collars and toys to treats, counterfeit pet products are flooding the market.Consumer Reports offers advice on how to make sure you are buying real products, not knockoffs.While scrolling through ads of popular pet merchandise, experts recommend thinking twice before clicking. The Better Business Bureau warns of a significant rise in online scams targeting pet owners with low-quality and unsafe products. “If it's sold out in other places or if it's listed at a higher price in other places and all of a sudden you see it for super cheap on a random website you've never heard of, that's a telltale sign that it might not be a real website or it might be a fraudulent product or a counterfeit product,” said Melanie McGovern with the Better Business Bureau.The Better Business Bureau reported that customers of one retailer were left empty-handed after being told their items were on the way.>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <
The average cost of caring for a dog or cat is a little more than $1,000 a year, covering expenses like food and routine veterinary visits, according to the ASPCA.
When it comes to pet accessories, the sky is the limit. From collars and toys to treats, counterfeit pet products are flooding the market.
Consumer Reports offers advice on how to make sure you are buying real products, not knockoffs.
While scrolling through ads of popular pet merchandise, experts recommend thinking twice before clicking. The Better Business Bureau warns of a significant rise in online scams targeting pet owners with low-quality and unsafe products.
“If it's sold out in other places or if it's listed at a higher price in other places and all of a sudden you see it for super cheap on a random website you've never heard of, that's a telltale sign that it might not be a real website or it might be a fraudulent product or a counterfeit product,” said Melanie McGovern with the Better Business Bureau.
The Better Business Bureau reported that customers of one retailer were left empty-handed after being told their items were on the way.
>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<
To avoid getting scammed, buy from reputable retailers with a secure website, a physical address and a working phone number. Check reviews to make sure they are verified, and be cautious of overly discounted deals.
Using a credit card can also help protect you if the product arrives defective or doesn't arrive at all.
“There is a danger to a pet if it isn't exactly what you think it is. They could swallow parts, it could be toxic. So you want to make sure that if you're looking for a specific product that you're using retailers that you can trust or that actually manufactured that product,” McGovern said.
Consumer Reports experts evaluated several quality pet products, including the Jasper 360 Finger Dog Toothbrush, which is sold on Amazon and at Walmart for less than $15.
For rainy spring days, the PawZ Rubber Dog Boots were rated the best option for repelling water and mud. They can be found on Amazon, at PetSmart and at Walmart for under $20.
Dogs who love to relax will love the FurHaven Deluxe Chaise Lounge Dog Bed, which features an L-shaped headrest and sells for less than $65 on Amazon and at Walmart.
Before buying any products, it's important to understand the retailer's return and refund policies and saving a copy of the order confirmation until the item is received.
When it comes to flea and tick prevention, over-the-counter and prescription products can also be counterfeit.
It's best to talk with a veterinarian to determine the best treatment plan for your pet.
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