Top Dog Pet Store

After receiving a warning from the FDA that its health claims were barking up the wrong tree, Top Dog Pet Store has removed two products from its online store.

The company’s “Green Magic” and “Bulldog Cartel Parvo Combat” were originally advertised as a cure for a range of health conditions including canine parvovirus, kennel cough and pneumonia.

But in a July 31 warning letter, the FDA informed Top Dog Pet Store that because these products are intended for the treatment of disease or to affect the structure/function of an animal, the company requires the agency’s approval, which it does not have.

In response, the company removed the two products, along with all the Instagram posts cited by the FDA.

So Top Dog Pet Store must be out of the doghouse, right? Unfortunately, we are not convinced.

A TINA.org investigation found that this pet company continues to make questionable product claims, including in its promotion of this red raspberry leaf powder. On its website and Instagram page, Top Dog Pet Store claims this product can, among other things, help with phantom pregnancies, strengthen uterine walls, and reduce uterine swelling, labor pain and postpartum bleeding.

The company’s Instagram page also claims to sell products that help with brain function, skin issues and burns, constipation, and even one of the viruses that originally caught the FDA’s attention.

So can the “#1 pet store in Southern California” back up these claims?

Although Top Dog Pet Store enjoys throwing around words like “proven” and “lab tested” to describe its products, TINA.org did not find any studies or other research on the company’s website.

Top Dog Pet Store did not respond to TINA.org’s request for comment.

The bottom line

Pet owners should always consult with their veterinarian if they’re seeking treatment for a health condition.

Find more of our coverage on pet marketing here.