The rise of misinformation online has made navigating pet care more confusing than ever. With so many “natural” remedies and unverified advice available, it’s tempting to reach for easy answers. But in medicine—whether human or veterinary—there’s no such thing as “alternative” science. There are only treatments that work and those that don’t.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, medicine is “the science or practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease.” It’s built on research, testing, and peer-reviewed evidence—not on anecdote or opinion. And just like we trust our phones, planes, and computers without knowing their full inner workings, we must learn to place the same trust in scientifically-proven veterinary treatments.

Why science matters in pet health?

Veterinary medicine has come a long way. Thanks to scientific advances, we now have safe, effective treatments and vaccines that protect our pets from once-deadly diseases.

Take canine parvovirus, for example. First identified in 1978, it rapidly became a global killer of puppies. But through quick scientific response and the development of vaccines, we’ve gained control over this virus. Today, regular vaccinations keep our dogs safe from it—and many other life-threatening illnesses.

The same is true for flea and tick prevention. Ectoparasites are no longer just a nuisance; they spread serious diseases like babesiosis and cause skin allergies. Thankfully, modern parasite treatments are powerful, long-lasting, and designed with safety in mind. They offer real, proven protection—not just a pleasant scent or a “natural” promise.

What about vaccine scepticism and “natural” alternatives?

The human world saw a surge in vaccine skepticism after a now-debunked paper falsely linked vaccines to autism. Though retracted and discredited, its impact lives on—even in pet care. Online misinformation, fueled by clickbait and unverified “expert” opinions, continues to muddy the waters.

The problem? Social media posts may look just as trustworthy as scientific articles—but they’re not. Peer-reviewed studies undergo rigorous scrutiny, while anyone can post a blog or video with zero accountability. It’s easy to be misled, especially when misinformation is easier to understand or sounds more comforting than complex truths.

What should responsible pet owners do?

1. Trust your veterinarian. They’re trained, licensed, and committed to your pet’s health. They don’t just treat illness—they help prevent it.

• Educate yourself—but wisely. Seek credible sources and be skeptical of “too-good-to-be-true” claims.

• Use registered medicines. These have been thoroughly tested, regulated, and proven safe and effective.

• Be cautious of unverified treatments. At best, they do nothing. At worst, they can harm your pet or delay real treatment.

• Prioritize prevention. Vaccines and parasite protection are vital. Not using them puts both your pet and your community at risk.

Why registered medicines are the smart choice

Veterinary medicine is a well-researched field.

• Registered treatments are tested for safety and effectiveness.

• Medicines are strictly monitored by regulatory bodies.

• “Alternative” products are not subjected to the same level of scrutiny or control.

• New veterinary medicines are only approved after rigorous testing and proof they work as intended.

Your pet deserves the best. And in today’s information-saturated world, that means turning to science, not stories. Trust your vet. Use proven treatments. And protect your pet’s health the responsible way.

REFERENCES:

Hobson-West P. Vets and Vaccines: A Discursive Analysis of Pet Vaccine Critique. Front Vet Sci. 2022 Jun 9;9:868933. doi:10.3389/fvets.2022.868933. PMID: 35754533; PMCID: PMC9218416.

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