Pet owners have been urged to verify veterinary information found on TikTok and other social media platforms, following concerns that online “hacks” and home remedies could put animals at serious risk.
The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), the UK’s largest veterinary charity, said it had seen viral videos encouraging owners to use certain human medicines, including ibuprofen, to treat pets despite the potential dangers.
Veterinary surgeon Cat Henstridge, who shares pet care advice through her social media account @cat_the_vet with more than 400,000 followers, advised owners to always consult a qualified veterinarian before giving any medication to their animals.
She warned that ibuprofen should never be given to pets, while paracetamol can be highly toxic to cats. Although some general pet care information shared online may be useful, she stressed that medical advice should always come from veterinary professionals.
PDSA vet Catherine Burke said animals process medicines differently from humans, meaning treatments that are safe for people could become harmful or even life-threatening for pets.
She added that while social media can provide quick information for worried owners, short viral videos may make medical advice appear much simpler and safer than it actually is.
The charity highlighted concerns over the rapid spread of misinformation online and reminded pet owners that a treatment suitable for one animal may not be safe for another, as similar symptoms can have different causes.
PDSA advised owners to seek professional veterinary guidance instead of relying on unverified online trends, as delaying proper treatment could worsen a pet’s condition and affect its chances of recovery.
