new pet health websites suddenly popping up

A couple of years or so ago, I was online looking up Barnes's chronic renal failure and I try as I might, I couldn't find the equivalent of WebMD for pets.

Seems that several others not only thought the same, they went ahead and launched it, and now there are at least 6 "pet doctor" sites that I can find vying for your attention:

1. WebVet
2. PetWave
3. PetMD
4. PetDoc
5. Petside
6. MedHelp/pets

What do you think of these sites? Got any favorites I haven't included? Have you found them useful?

Comments

[ErinWilson]

I think http://www.petwave.com is a great resource. The have the most in depth pet health articles, reliable information, and a very user friendly site.

[Josh]

Petside.com is the only one of these sites with a user-friendly diagnosis tool, "PetVet" (see: http://www.petside.com/pet-vet). A similar tool made WebMD the #1 site for human health, and I suspect Petside.com will come out the winner in the dog and cat health space.

[dogdoc]

I'm guessing that WebVet is listed first, because it's the best. Never heard about this site before this week, but it looks far superior. I actually think that the diagnostic tool is dangerous - people shouldn't diagnose their pets, vet should. My vote's for WebVet - they are the only site that seems to be backed by AAHA and the larger vet community.

[Jack]

I checked all of these out and PetWave.com seems the best. They all have nice looking pages and whatnot, but it seems that PetWave has the broadest set of content that is put together in a very user friendly way.

[Heather]

I've used MedHelp for questions regarding my dog's health and behavioral issues (I'm also a member on the owner health side). The vet on their site, Aleda Cheng, has been really helpful. But I think the link you have listed for MedHelp is broken. It should be http://www.medhelp.org/pets.

[Thanks Heather, I fixed the link]

[Dr Patty Khuly]

PetPlace.com has historically been my favorite since the content itself is excellent. Problem with PetPlace is that the ads make me crazy! VetPartner.com also boasts excellent content without the annoying ads.

But none of these sites (including your list) is very sticky for me. Anyone else have the same experience?

[Jan]

These websites are great for reassuring pet owners like myself when one of my pets looks ill but people should be aware that there is no replacement for a good hands on vet to ensure your pet's wellbeing.
They can cause confusion as many ailments have the exact same symptoms.

I like petwave too but have you noticed contradictions between the advice on some of the main websites?
Best to see a good vet if your pet looks ill I think.

[Laura]

Jan, I totally agree. The internet is no replacement for your vet but a good supplement I think.

As for whether these sites are it, time will tell. Most of the content is rather superficial at the moment. Little meat. But I expect that to improve as time goes by.

[Tom (Puppy Website)]

Petside.com/pet-vet is my favorite. And it is an excellent resource which has listed out everything from A-Z. Great!!!

[Matt]

I looked at all of these sites and I thought that Petwave.com was the best. Petwave has a very clean looking website and a abundance of helpful information about pets.