Misinformation on social media regarding pet health is a growing problem. False information is often spun into content that seems true or helpful. This poses a real danger to pets. There are several red flags you can look for to help protect yourself and your pets from falling victim to misleading information.
Miracle cures
Social media platforms are crowded with posts claiming to help pets live long, disease-free lives. These are often paired with statements such as, “Veterinarians don’t want you to know this secret!” Be wary of products or remedies that make the following claims:
- Cures cancer
- Reverses disease
- Replaces the need for veterinary care
- Treats multiple unrelated ailments
- Extends pets’ lives guaranteed
Lack of credentials
Anyone can say almost anything on social media. It’s one thing to take into consideration a pet parent’s review of a product. It’s another thing to take medical or nutritional advice from someone without expertise.
Anyone can claim to be an expert without having experience, training, or education. When considering advice, check the person’s credentials and experience. Here are just a few credentials to look for:
- PhD
- DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine)
- DACVIM/DACVS (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine/Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons)
- RVT/LVT (Registered Veterinary Technician/Licensed Veterinary Technician)
- DACVN (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Nutritionist)
Many trainers, behaviorists, and nutritionists receive formal education, obtaining degrees in science and board certifications. On the other hand, trainers, behaviorists, and nutritionists don’t have to be certified, meaning anyone can title themselves as such without having expertise or training. There are online courses offering basic training and certificates for little money.
Always visit websites off social media and further research the person whose advice you’re taking or whose product or service you’re considering purchasing.
Missing or skewed sources
When arguing their point of view or peddling wares, people will sometimes say “studies show” and “research proves.” Unless it’s a well-known study (ie: millions of pets end up in shelters each year), this doesn’t mean much without a link to the studies or the research. Even then, people can misinterpret research, use parts of it out of context, or cite biased research. Here’s what you can do when someone mentions studies, research, or surveys:
- Look for provided links to studies and research
- Make sure cited sources are reputable (see how to evaluate a source)
- Read the source to determine if it backs up the information and isn’t taken out of context to fit the poster’s opinion
Selling
If any claim about healing your pet or benefiting your pet’s health or well-being leads to a product that is profitable for the poster, research it thoroughly before considering it. There are many supplements, tinctures, foods, and courses for sale that can harm your pet.
Fear-based or guilt-based marketing
Fear and guilt are powerful. Marketers use these emotions as tools to get people to pay attention to their point of view and to pay money for their products or services. They attempt to make caring pet owners feel afraid or guilty that they’re doing something wrong.
Watch out for these types of claims:
- Veterinarians only want your money
- Your pet will become ill or die if you give them a certain food or medication
- A medication or vaccine is poisonous for your pet
- You’re slowly killing your pet with (this food or this medicine or this process)
Generalization
Painting all things with one brush is a sign that something isn’t credible. Claims such as, “all vaccines are dangerous,” “all medicines are unnecessary,” or “all veterinarians are in on it,” are examples.
Each pet, circumstance, and medicine is unique and shouldn’t be rounded up under one umbrella statement.
The bottom line is that more than ever social media is awash with advice, and it can be a challenge to navigate and decide what’s beneficial and what’s harmful. When scrolling social media remember you know your pet—the internet doesn’t. Your pet, and every pet, is unique.
Your veterinarian considers your pet’s environment, lifestyle, food, activity, and individual needs when making diagnoses and recommendations.
Everyone on social media has an opinion. What matters more than those opinions is the partnership you have with your pet’s veterinarian.
When you see something on social media that interests you or that you question, consult your veterinarian about it. Take a screen shot. Send them an email, call them, or bring it up during your next visit. We’re here for your pet and want to partner with you to provide the best care. Give us a call. (505) 299-9533