WHO DO YOU TRUST FOR PET ADVICE ONLINE?

Hello, friends!

I’m coming to you today with a question. Or, more accurately, I’m coming to you today with a request for a discussion.

Let me explain…

I spend a ton of time researching things about dogs, answering questions about dogs, sharing information and suggestions for dogs, talking to my vet about my dog, following dogs on Facebook… you get the point. My life is largely about dogs.

And if I’m being totally honest with you, right now, I’m so grateful for blogs.

Why?

I feel so, very, done. with social media.

I’m not alone in this, I know. I suspect many of you feel the same way. BTW, I’m not even talking about politics. Just plain old social media. There’s something about the distance that screens give to some people that somehow makes them feel free to be mean, negative, and critical. So few people are open to learning because–gasp.–what you learn might actually change what you think or know about a particular topic. It’s disheartening and demoralizing.

This platform is used by people I think, sometimes intended to throw people off course by falsifying information. Maybe it is a joke or some sort of humor but it can be really bad for a person who is in a situation and is actually looking for help!

I strive to post positive or uplifting content, even when I’m writing about difficult topics. That’s the best I can do right now, other than be very wary of social media and the information you find there.

Blogs, though? I’m totally rekindling my love for all things blog as social media loses its luster.

BLOGGING PUTS TRUST IN PEOPLE WITH REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCES.

Every week, I receive an email or DM from someone who has a question or just wants to talk dog. I’m grateful that people find my posts and my experience with dogs useful. It gives me a sense of great joy knowing I am helping some of the coolest dogs on the planet!

Likewise, when I’ve faced training difficulties or health issues, especially with dogs, I’ve turned to blogs to gather real-life experience. Information from your vet is vital, of course, but actual experiences are invaluable. People who are committed to blogging about a particular topic are just that, committed. They are doing the best they can to be truthful, trustful, and helpful.

A little sidetrack, If you would like to learn more about Blogging yourself, go here.

For a while there, I turned to Facebook or Instagram because I felt like I had less time and there’s easier-to-digest info there.

However.

There’s so much inflammatory crap and misinformation. Blogs may take a little more time–searching for the right one, for instance, and digesting long, well-thought-out posts just takes longer than reading an Instagram caption–but the trade-off is completely worth it.

WHO DO YOU TRUST FOR PET ADVICE ONLINE?

I’ve been monitoring my habits lately with one goal: Stop mindless scrolling! And here’s what I’ve discovered…

When I have a specific question about Cooper or Cora, I first type the query into Google. I’ll look for a peer-reviewed study or a website with a reputation for sharing knowledgeable, fact-based content. Then, I’ll search for blogs about the topic to see what real people have really done for their real pets. On rare occasions, I’ll search YouTube. Never, ever, ever do I search Facebook anymore for real advice.

I’m curious: Where do you turn when you’re trying to find pet advice online? Do you go to social? Blogs? Veterinary publications? Message boards? Forums? Somewhere else altogether?

How do you decide who to trust only for pet advice? I’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments. I’m genuinely curious how you are using the internet to learn more about how to live better with our pets, and I’d really appreciate any insights–even if you disagree with me! I love learning from you! Your feedback will be used to benefit all the coolest dogs on the planet! Please comment below!