It's time to take on Dr Google with expert veterinary advice and resources

My favourite line for the week:

“Even after 17 years, Google University still unable to achieve accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association. The public remains stunned.”

Awesome!  It’s the opening line from a blog post written by Sarah Humphrey, DVM, DACVECC : Proof that Dr Google is NOT a Licensed Veterinarian. It’s definitely worth a read….

I’m sure you come across this sort of incorrect information all the time – the internet is full of it.  I’m also sure you get frustrated that pet owners so readily believe information from unsubstantiated sources on Dr Google rather than ask you…..but hang on …how can they ask you?  Do you have a blog where you publish easy to find information that answers their most common pet questions? If the answer is “No” then you can’t blame them for doing their own research.

So what are you going to do about it?

You can’t stop people from asking Dr Google.  We can however do something about the quality of information that is available to pet owners online.  So why not share your expert knowledge with your veterinary clients and pet owners in general who are looking for information?

The more expert knowledge published by veterinarians and veterinary nurses online, the more likely it is that the right information will come up in search results.

I know you’re all saying “Yes but…I just don’t have the time to write blog posts”

What about 15 minutes? Do you have 15 minutes where you could write a response to one of the many common questions you hear all the time? Because that’s all the time you need. It doesn’t have to be a 500 word scientific paper – it just needs to be an answer to a common question. Then upload it to your blog and promote it on social media.

Ok…now I know you’re saying “Errr…But what if I don’t have a blog/website.” Ok no problems – email it to me (judyg@vetanswers.com.au) and I’ll turn it into a blog post and share it on social media for you.

As a Community I believe it’s our responsibility to make sure as much as possible of the right information regarding pet care makes it onto the internet.  Sarah Humphrey is doing her bit – now it’s your turn!

So what do you think are some of the most common questions that your clients may need answered? Tell me in the comments section below.

Image Sources:

Dr Google, http://www.thesilverpen.com/breast-cancer-information-facts/breast-cancer-awareness/dr-google/, accessed 10.9.15

Tell me again... http://www.memegen.com/meme/g873gx, accessed 10.9.15