A veterinary hospital for companion animals

Resources

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

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      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. Visit

      cis.nci.nih.gov to learn more.