In 2021, Let’s Listen To The Experts!
You can follow me on Twitter; @cat_the_vet, FaceBook; Cat_The_Vet and Instagram, Cat The Vet
Have you made a New Year’s Resolution yet?
If 2020 has taught us anything, it is to listen to the experts and the science to solve problems.
So in 2021, let’s carry on doing that!
But on the internet is can be hard to know who actually is an expert and who just thinks they are one.And this is particularly true in the pet world, where there are a LOT of people with a LOT of opinions but if you follow bad advice, you could inadvertently harm the animals you love.
This doesn’t mean you can’t listen to strangers on social media but it is important to check their qualifications before you do what they suggest.
Nutritionists
This is not a protected title, so anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, regardless of their experience.
There are a huge number of courses available that give some impressive looking letters after a name but not the depth of knowledge required to really advise on or formulate diets.
If you have a question about nutrition or follow people who talk about pet food – look for them having either a PhD or Masters in Animal Nutrition (in the species they are advising about!), that they are a vet who is board certified in nutrition or a veterinary nurse with a post-graduate qualification in nutrition.
And don’t forget you can always speak to your vet. We and our teams are always very happy to advise on any feeding questions you might have.
Behaviourists
Again, an unprotected term and if someone doesn’t know what they are doing when it comes to behaviour and pets with mental health issues – they can do a huge amount of damage.I would advise you only take advice from someone who is a member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors – APBC
Trainers
There is no shortage of people with opinions on how to train your dog! But like an amateur behaviourist, a bad trainer or bad training advice can do a huge amount of harm in a very short space of time.Always look for membership of the APDT – Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
They have the most up-to-date and stringent requirements for their members and they regularly assess them to ensure they are up to standard.
‘Holistic’ practitioners
For those people who aren’t qualified veterinary surgeons but work with animals in ‘holistic’ practice, for example Homeopathy, Naturopathy or Zoopharmacognosy, there is very little regulation or recognised regulatory bodies.
If you wish to explore more alternative options for your pets, I would always advise you seek out a vet who works in these fields, or simply speak to your own vet, particularly before you change anything about your pet’s care.
2020 has been an incredibly challenging year but we made it! I wish you and your pets a very happy New Year and all the best for 2021!
You can follow me on Twitter; @cat_the_vet, FaceBook; Cat_The_Vet and Instagram, Cat The Vet
