Veterinarian-approved website?
How many of us search for answers about our pets health online? If you're anything like me then it's quite a bit. I have always been a googler but when it comes to my dogs health it's hard to know what sites to trust.
So I was happy to hear about a brand new site (WebVet.com) launched yesterday that is being promoted as "veterinarian-approved." There is already a ton of great info to sift through, and as an added bonus the site is well designed and easy to navagate.
(And the photos will suck you in so be careful)
ANGIE BRENNAN, a Sun-Sentinel page designer,
lives with four dogs and one boyfriend. And has a lifetime of animal stories to share.
DIANE LADE, a reporter on the Sun-Sentinel's Help Team, has lived with cats, dogs, reptiles, fish, an iguana, and an armadillo.
CYNDI METZGER, editor of the Sun-Sentinel's Outlook section, is smitten with Bella, her poodle who regularly ignores requests to sit, stay and get off the ivory-colored sofa. 
JOHN TANASYCHUK, a Sun-Sentinel lifestyle writer, has lived with cats as long as he can remember. He and his partner currently share their home with three.
Comments
I really dont see how this site can claim to be "Veterinarian Approved"? Their owners are all marketing people who care little about pets, and more about making advertising dollars. This is one big SCAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Greg Wilson | August 5, 2008 10:41 AM
Hi all: I am back from vacation today (Thurs, Aug. 7). Thanks to Angie, Cyndi and John for carrying on SSS! while I was away.
RE. WebVet.com and Greg's comment:
There is plenty of so-called "expert" info about all kinds of topics popping up on the Web and I think it's always wise to be skeptical. But here are the facts about WebVet, and you can make your own decision.
It appears that WebVet is modeled after the highly successful WebMD site that has been out there for quite a few years. WebVet is a for-profit site put together by two entrepreneurs, neither of whom are veterniarians or animal health professionals, but who do not pretend otherwise.
The site primarily features original articles put together by freelancer writers from a variety of backgrounds. The site's "veterinarian-approved" stamp simply means that the articles are reviewed by a professional panel, put together by the site owners, of vets and others in the animal care industry. WebMD does exactly the same thing.
"Veterinarian approved" might be a bit of hyperbole, given that the vets doing the approving are the ones on the site's own panel, but again -- that is disclosed. I didn't see any evidence of the site owners "caring little about pets". I'm sure they are interested in having a profitable business, but --what media company isn't interested in being profitable?
While WebVet is not the same as publishing in a professional journal, like the one put out by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the panel does provide some oversight and shows a concern for accurate content. The reviewers' names are printed with the articles. I read a few of pieces today, and found them informative.
Is this a substitute for a visit to the vet? Absolutely not. But the site clearly states that it is not offering a "medical opinion" and urges you to seek veterinarian care, not avoid it.
In my view, it would be worth checking out this site -- along with others -- when making decisions about caring for your animal companions.
See ya on the blog!
Diane Lade
Posted by: Diane Lade | August 7, 2008 3:34 PM
Also make sure to check out http://petdoc.com/, WebVet's biggest competitor (I also work for PetDoc). We've got some good forums going which are patrolled by a licensed vet technician, as well as customizable home pages.
Posted by: Jonathan | August 18, 2008 2:53 PM
I would like to know what kind of cat litter before their de clawed surgery? this coming Thursday.
thanks, Emily
Posted by: Emily | September 15, 2008 5:18 PM