Pets
Do you consult Dr. Google?
The internet is great....and not so great for obtaining medical information
Remember when searching the internet for medical advice, ensure the advice is from a knowledgeable source. Articles written by licensed veterinarians are the ideal source. These are often supported by good science and are peer reviewed. Veterinarians are bound to uphold professional standards and rarely disparage other veterinarians or sources of information. Moreover, spreading of misinformation can put their license at risk.
When researching medical information on the web, remember to keep these tips in mind:
- Ensure the advice is from a knowledgeable source.
- Check multiple sources
- Be aware of highly emotional articles or those that are derogatory of veterinarians or other professionals
- Be aware of sales pitches
- Remember, there is no scrutiny of information available on the web
- Keep your veterinarian in the loop
Remember when searching the web for medical advice, be aware of highly emotional articles or those that are derogatory of veterinarians or other professionals and be aware of sales pitches. Be suspicious of articles that will appeal solely to one’s emotional judgment or is derogatory of veterinary professionals. These articles are not based on sound science or professional standards, and often times end up trying to sell something.
