Evidence-Based Approaches to Pet Wellness: A Vet’s Guide
In an age of social media posts and internet forums, it can be easy to sway away from scientific evidence and into the anecdotal realm. Read on to learn more about BEEVET Animal Hospital’s advice to be sure that we are engaging in evidence-based veterinary care for the best pet health practices.
The Search for Facts
One of the key tasks for pet owners who want to be sure that they are doing the right thing when it comes to caring for their pets is to learn how to look at information.
So how do you know which internet forum or relative’s story to listen to when trying to make pet care decisions? Not everything out there is true or scientifically founded. When trying to decide who to believe, think about:
- Who is sharing the information and what are their credentials
- Whether they are citing scientific references
- If someone is trying to sell you something
- Whether the information might be outdated
- If the information is based on actual research or anecdotal evidence
There are many great and scientific sources out there to help guide you in your pet-related decision making. We are always here to help, too, so don’t hesitate to contact us. A Facebook post about how a medication killed someone’s dog probably doesn’t carry a lot of weight versus the FDA safety studies for that particular medication.
Evidence-Based Medicine in the Hospital
In the veterinary hospital, we are not exempt from bias, either. Just because our veterinarians were taught something at school doesn’t mean that a new article hasn’t proven a better way to do something.
Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine (EBVM) combines the clinical expertise of the staff, the most relevant and best available scientific evidence, patient circumstances, and owners’ values to provide the best pet health practices.
Because evidence-based medicine prevents us from having a one-size-fits-all solution, it forces our expert staff to commit themselves to life-long learning and evolution—as well as adaptability.
Following the science helps us to make sure that we are bringing the best to your pet, each and every time.
When owners take the time to seek out factual information, and a veterinary team continues to learn, grow, and get better, it creates an unstoppable combination. Evidence-based veterinary care brings the best results, and that is what we both want for your beloved pets.