Stream Valley Veterinary Hospital Â© 2012 / Dot Com or Doctor?

Dot Com or Doctor?
by Shannon M. Pecora, M.A.
Stream Valley Veterinary Hospital

Where is the closest Thai restaurant? Which stores carry your favorite brand of face wash? When is that new action movie playing? All of these questions are easily answered with a quick internet search. But what about if a pet develops a limp, a cough, or a rash? Isn’t it just as easy to search the web for a diagnosis and treatment options?

It’s true; we use the internet to help us interpret our own symptoms. However, a bit of common sense can help us distinguish the bunk from the good advice. Say you have a stomachache. You use your favorite search engine and find one website that recommends ginger ale, crackers, and a phone call to your doctor’s office if you aren’t feeling better by morning. Another site declares that you have stomach cancer and that you immediately need to panic and head to the emergency room. What are you more likely to do? You know how you feel, and you can articulate your symptoms to your physician if your discomfort merits an appointment.

The truth is that many of us are not trained medical professionals, so we need to be aware of the point at which we defer our care to our doctors. And because the ridiculous and the practical are both so prevalent online, we have to be careful about what we take seriously. Doesn’t this make just as much sense for our pets? A blogger simply cannot take the place of a veterinarian.

Maybe John Q. Webblogger’s suggestion to use Neosporin on your cat’s red and bumpy stomach will turn out to be helpful, but how do you know for sure? And what if that just makes the situation worse? Your cat does not share your ability to articulate her discomfort and concerns—at least not in your language. She can’t tell you if she was bitten by a spider last night while you were sleeping, if your new laundry detergent is irritating her, or if the new cat who just joined your family gave her scabies. It will take a medical exam and diagnostics to really sort that out. With your input and observations, veterinary school and experience trump high-speed internet and web design software. For the safety and well-being of your pet, it is best to trust your veterinary staff with your pet’s health care.

The internet can be fast, convenient, and informative—if used with caution. We need to remember that anyone can say anything, even offering dangerous suggestions in the guise of expert advice. When in doubt about your pet’s health, consult with a veterinarian who can meet with you and your pet face to face. It may take more time out of your busy day, but your pet and your peace of mind are worth it!