We care, because you do.

Resources

Here’s where you’ll find great links to other resources online.

 

    Some suggestions on how to tell if a web page has accurate information or not:Should you trust pet healthcare Web sites?

    Who runs the Web site?

    Any Web site should indicate clearly and often who
    is responsible for the site and its information. The
    American Animal Hospital Association’s consumer
    Web site (www.healthypet.com), for example, clearly
    notes its affiliation on every major page and includes
    a link to the AAHA home page.

    Who funds the Web site?

    It costs money to run a Web site. The source of
    funding should be clearly stated or readily apparent.
    For instance, Web addresses ending in “gov” are
    sponsored by the federal government; “edu” indicates
    educational institutions; “org” is often used by
    noncommercial groups; and “com” denotes commercial
    enterprises. The source of funding can affect what
    content is presented, how it’s presented, and what the
    site owners want to accomplish.

    What is the purpose of the Web site?

    Many sites include an “About this site” or “About us”
    link, which should clearly state the purpose and help
    you evaluate the trustworthiness of the information.

    What is the original source of information?

    Many health and medical Web sites post information
    collected from other Web sites or sources. If the
    person or organization in charge of the site did not
    write the material, the original source should
    be clearly identified.

    How is the information documented?

    In addition to identifying the original source of the
    which the material is based. Medical facts and figures
    should include references such as citations of articles
    in medical journals. Also, opinions or advice should
    be clearly set apart from evidence-based information
    information based on research results).

    How is information reviewed before it’s posted?

    Health-related Web sites should provide information
    who prepare or review the material. Veterinarians in
    North America are doctors of veterinary medicine
    DVMs) or veterinary medicine doctors (VMDs)—the
    equivalent of an MD in human medicine. Common
    specialist credentials include DACVIM (internal medicine),
    DACVS (surgery), and DACVD (dermatology).

    How current is the information?

    Web sites should be reviewed and updated regularly.
    It’s particularly important that medical information
    be current and that the most recent update or
    review date be posted. Even if the information hasn’t
    changed, it’s helpful to know that the site owners have
    reviewed it recently to ensure that it’s still valid.

    How does the Web site choose links?

    Reliable Web sites usually have a policy about how
    they link to other sites. Some medical sites take a
    conservative approach and don’t link at all. Some link
    to any site that asks or pays for a link. Others link only
    to sites that have met certain criteria.

    How does the Web site manage interactions with users?

    There should be a way for you to contact the site
    owners with problems, feedback, and questions. If
    the site hosts a chat room or other online discussion
    areas, it should tell you about the terms of using the
    service. Is the service moderated? If so, by whom and
    why? Before you participate, spend some time reading
    the discussion without joining in.

    How can you verify the accuracy of information you receive via e-mail?

    Any e-mail messages should be carefully evaluated.
    Consider the origin of the message and its purpose
    advertise products or attract people to their Web
    sites. The accuracy of health-related information may
    be influenced by the desire to promote a product or
    service. It’s important to carefully consider the source
    of e-mail and other Internet-based information and to
    discuss the information with your veterinarian.

    This form is adapted from information provided by the Cancer Information Service, part of the National Cancer Institute.  cis.nci.nih.gov