Beware of Online Misinformation About Canine Health Care

Some Websites ARe Guilty of Canine Quackery

The American Veterinary Medical Association acknowledges that it’s sometimes difficult to tell the difference between credible information about your dog’s health and canine quackery. Anyone can promote himself as an expert on the Internet.

The AVMA advises dog owners that the most reliable source of information about your pet’s medical health is your veterinarian. He or she and has the formal training to care for your pet and is familiar with your dog’s medical history.

For those who do look for information about canine health on the Internet, the AVMA warns that these “red flags” indicate the source might not be trustworthy:

A website that argues that prescription medications, such as heartworm preventatives and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are unnecessary;

A website that offer to diagnose and prescribe treatment for your dog based on information you provide online (an exception is the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center where can recommend emergency treatment for poisonings);

A website promoting “homemade” remedies for your dog’s health problems and boasts they are more effective than treatment by a veterinarian.