Many people look up health advice online for their pets, but there are many things you should keep in mind while doing so.
Most people are well aware of the fact that what they read online isn’t always the most accurate or reliable, but it doesn’t stop them from looking up health advice online for their pets. In our last blog, we examined why people look up information on the internet about their pet’s health, even though they know that it’s not always the best source. We also talked about how having the information you need can help you take better care of your pet, and much of that information is available online. Because it can be beneficial to look up pet health information online, our veterinary clinic in North Bellmore has created a list of the most important things to consider to help you weed out the good information from the bad.
What to consider when looking up pet health advice online.
- The source – Where did the information you found come from? If your answer is PetMD or the ASPCA, chances are, you can probably trust it to be accurate information. However, if you got the information from a personal blog or another less-established source, it’s important to double check with your veterinarian before acting on any of the advice you find. In fact, this should be done regardless of the source you are using.
- Your own knowledge – When it comes to medical information regarding your pet, it’s not always easy for the average pet owner to understand all of the ins and outs of what they are reading. Even slight confusion can lead to making the wrong decision for your pet, so always assess your ability to comprehend the information you are reading before acting on it.
- Your pet – Not two pets are exactly alike, and a treatment that worked for one pet won’t always work for another pet. The opposite is also true. Just because you read a horror story about how another pet reacted to a treatment doesn’t mean that your pet will react the same way.
- Your ability to describe your pet’s symptoms – The information you are able to find on the internet will only be as reliable as your ability to recognize and search for the symptoms your pet is experiencing. If you accidentally search for the wrong symptoms or treatments, you won’t possibly be able to find accurate information regarding your pet’s health.
What to keep in mind when you do find information online.
As we mentioned earlier, there are many good sources out there to find pet health advice or information, but that doesn’t automatically give you the know-how or expertise to treat your pet on your own. Even reliable advice does not replace a veterinary examination, so it’s always best to turn to your veterinarian when your pet needs care.
Instead of guessing at what’s best for your pet using the advice you read online, turn to our veterinary clinic in North Bellmore. We pride ourselves in treating the pets in our care as our own. Schedule your appointment today.