Pet Health Information on the Internet: Taking Things at Face Value

While the dawn of the digital age has presented us with an overwhelming amount of information, it is important for us to remember that not everything on the Internet is good information or even true. Before you get to Dr. Googling, please take a step back and think about pet health information on the Internet and why seeing us is still a very important part of your pet’s care.

Consider Your Source

Of course you are going to turn to the Internet for information when you experience a problem, pet related or otherwise. It is only natural.

It is important to remember, however, that anyone can have a post on the internet, and not all that they write is factual. Take a minute to look at what the website is that you are referencing. Who is it written by? Do they reference any other resources or websites? What are their credentials?

It might be best to steer clear of personal blogs or articles that seem to be trying to sell something or have a biased tone. Trust instead in your veterinarian (ahem) and reputable industry partners.

We know that the Internet can be hard to sort through, so we do maintain a list of recommended links on our website. You can also check out our blog.  Veterinary Partner and the American Animal Hospital Association are also good resources for many pet-related questions.

When a Degree Goes a Long Way

Sometimes real-life circumstances make things a little less black and white than the Internet might have you believe. This is where our education and expertise come in. If anyone could just read an article and fix your pet, going to college for eight or more years and passing national and state licensing exams wouldn’t be necessary.

In fact, reading pet health information on the Internet may cause you unnecessary anxiety and worry. One example is pet medications. If you Google almost any medication, you are bound to be bombarded with stories of people having pets die or otherwise harmed by drugs we prescribe every day. This happens with people too (can you remember the last disclaimer you heard at the end of a drug advertisement). When we prescribe medications, we do so with your pet’s best interest at heart (not to mention his or her medical records in front of us) and would never do something intentionally harmful.

The same goes when diagnosing or treating an illness. Your web resource may tell you that we should be treating with this or testing that, but sometimes there is a very good reason we are not. Perhaps that drug an Internet blog is recommending is only licensed in Europe or the condition that we should be testing for has already been ruled out by a different test.

This doesn’t mean we don’t want you to ask questions. In fact, please do. Sometimes pet owners have some very valid insights and can help tremendously in their pet’s care. Please remember, though, that there is a reason that Dr. Google cannot treat your pet.

When Pet Health Information on the Internet Turns Dangerous

In most situations, getting a little pet health information on the Internet is harmless or even helpful. If you are not careful, though, this type of research can turn dangerous. Be careful to not fall into one of the following Dr. Google traps:

Interference with appropriate treatment – Sometimes home remedies and such can actually prevent us from doing our job. For instance, did you know that giving your dog a baby aspirin can delay us from treating him or her with more appropriate medications for up to a week? And that forgetting to mention that you gave him one could cause him serious harm if we prescribe something that interacts with it?

Scare tactics – There are people with very strong opinions out there that are just that. Opinions. But these rants can scare clients from treatments, medications, and even prescription pet foods that are necessary for treating their pet.

Waiting to get help – Oftentimes people turn to the Internet in an effort to save a few bucks and avoid a trip into the hospital. Sometimes, however, this can take a turn for the worse. Dr. Google doesn’t have a read on your pet’s individual situation and how serious it may be. Trying Internet tips and tricks can delay treatment, often leading to a more serious (and expensive) situation.

Erroneous information – There is some information floating around out there that is absolutely, irrefutably, wrong. Strong opinions and marketing ploys can turn bad fast. Remember to always consider your source, and ask if something seems off or too good to be true.

If you aren’t sure if you are getting good information or not, never hesitate to give us a call. We are happy to help you sort through that mass of information out there. And because we personally know your pets, their individual health status, medications, and overall situation, we can better help you determine what is in their best interest. There is no substitute for good, old-fashioned pet care. Every animal is different, and we promise that we have their best interest at heart.