Lake Norman Publications

Beware of fake medicine, misinformation about pets


Ask a Vet


One local vet warns about misinformation about pet food.File photo

One local vet warns about misinformation about pet food.File photo

I admit it. I am an old guy. I’m 61, but my soul is probably older than that. So, I just don’t get the fascination with social media. I have personally never had a Facebook page, and I’m not on Instagram. As a Boy Scout leader, I know that Vine is something to avoid, especially if it has three leaves, and I leave the tweeting for the birds. But my wife shows me her Facebook with posts from friends and our 20-something boys who no longer live at home. I also see that pets are a very popular topic for social media posts. 

For most pet owners, our animals are part of the family. So it’s only natural that they occupy a prominent amount of space on social media. You don’t have to scroll very far to see cute photos of dogs and cats or a video of a bear sitting in a backyard hammock in Asheville. For the most part, these posts about animals are entertaining and fun to share. However, just as misinformation about politics can be very damaging, so can the dissemination of misinformation about the health and well-being of pets. As much as we hate to hear the phrase “fake news,” while well-intentioned, this inaccurate information about animals can actually be harmful to pets or those that serve them.

There are two recent examples of “fake news” with lots of exposure that could threaten the health of your pet. The first relates to “Grain-Free Diets.” Social media has been rife with posts about the virtue of grain-free diets and the bad effects of grain, none of which are based in science. In fact, there is evidence emerging that grain-free diets may actually be causing heart disease in animals. 

The second example of popular misinformation involves a report I saw on TV regarding the safety of products containing Isoxolaner. This class of drug is very effective in preventing fleas, ticks and parasitic mites. If a dog has a history of seizures, this may be a drug to avoid. For the millions of dogs who don’t have a seizure history, this is a very safe and outstanding product. A CBS report cast a cloud of doubt over the safety of Isoxolaner, although the very last line of the segment did say it is “generally considered safe.” Subsequently, there were many posts on social media regarding the product, and specifically that TV report. The fact that the TV segment concluded that the product is considered safe was totally lost on the viral social media posts. The subsequent hysteria caused a deluge of calls to veterinary offices from pet owners looking for reassurance. 

As veterinarians, we are often asked about options for a pet’s diet or flea control, and we are happy to make recommendations. Yet, when folks go to the pet store, they sometimes let contradictory information from the Internet or social media influence their purchasing decisions, despite the advice of veterinary professionals. 

The internet can be a great source of information. But, it is also overflowing with misinformation. For guidance regarding your pet, avoid blogs, videos and chat rooms. Think twice before believing that viral pet post on social media. It’s best to call your vet’s office directly or speak face-to-face with your veterinarian. These medical professionals can also guide you to reliable sources on the internet for information about your pet. Be careful about what you post and share regarding pets. Don’t be a party to “fake pet news.”


Dr. Tom Hemstreet is a veterinarian with LakeCross Veterinary in Huntersville. The vets in the big yellow house have been treating pets like family for more than 20 years. For more information, call 704-948-6300.

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