Face to face beats Facebook

YEARS ago, vets – and probably doctors – complained bitterly about Google searches.

Clients only had to type in “dog itchy” and an exhaustive list of potential diagnoses popped up, supplemented by adverts for everything under the sun. Some of which might have helped but most of which wouldn’t.

Said client then appeared at the surgery with a print-out as long as their arm and quizzed you endlessly about various diseases, most of which only occurred in Africa.

After the prolonged and frustrating consultation, they would query the bill because, after all, they had provided the vet with all the information so “you should be paying me”.

Indeed, I remember a coffee mug that a veterinary colleague left on display in her consulting room, which read, delightfully: “Please do not confuse your Google search with my five-year veterinary degree”.’

Now, however, things are different. Google has improved immeasurably.

The internet has tidied up its act and learned institutions such as universities and animal hospitals publish much information online.

Drug companies, finally realising that owners really do want to be properly educated about their pets, maintain wonderful websites that are packed full of great advice, super pictures and interesting facts.

If your dog has a parasite, you can find a big photo of it.

If your cat becomes diabetic, there is a website that will explain the disease and even show you how to inject insulin.

Now, with the world wide web celebrating its 26th birthday, surely we are progressing? But, alas, it seems we are not.

Facebook has taken over as the place to go to get information. No longer is it cool to Google search when you can ask on Facebook.

Take a typical post to a Facebook group: “My dog is itchy, what should I do?”

The comments come fast and furious. My dog was itchy once too.

He is allergic to beef. I give my dog stopicus itchycus. It works a treat. No! No! That stuff made my dog sick. Your dog must have the mange. Smother him in honey. It makes the mites come out the pores and then they get stuck in it.

And so it goes on and on. I read recently: “Product X killed my dog! She died four short months after being given it! Beware!”

I am crying inside. I want to say: “For goodness sake, phone your vet. At least you will get some informed, impartial advice.”

But I can’t. I am not on Facebook. I don’t have a voice.