Editorial Standards

Who writes the content

Articles on this site are written by the Southside Animal Hospital VA Editorial Team. The team drafts content in plain language and reviews every article for accuracy before publication. We do not publish under individual bylines because the team approach (draft + review + edit) is how we maintain consistency across articles.

Editorial process

Every article on this site goes through the following workflow before publication:

1. Outline. Identify the reader's question and the scope of the answer.
2. Draft. Plain-language prose, sourced from authoritative veterinary organizations (see "Sources" below).
3. Review. Check facts against current veterinary guidance and ensure no fabricated claims.
4. Publish. Article goes live with visible "last reviewed" date and byline.
5. Refresh. Articles are reviewed periodically as veterinary guidance evolves.

What we won't publish

• Specific medical diagnoses. We explain conditions in plain language but do not diagnose. If your pet is sick or injured, contact a licensed veterinarian in your area.
• Dosage instructions for prescription medications. Dosages depend on your pet's weight, age, and health status. Your vet prescribes based on examination.
• Unverified claims. If we cannot cite an authoritative veterinary source for a claim, we do not make it.
• Product endorsements for compensation. We mention products only when they explain a category (e.g., "flea preventatives work like this"), never to promote a specific brand for compensation.

Sources we cite

We cross-reference claims against these authoritative veterinary organizations (each is a real public organization; we are not affiliated with any of them):

• AVMA — American Veterinary Medical Association
• AAHA — American Animal Hospital Association (accreditation + standards)
• American Heartworm Society — heartworm prevention + treatment guidance
• ASPCA — American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
• AKC — American Kennel Club (breed-specific guidance)
• AVMA Pet Care Resources — direct consumer guidance

Corrections and feedback

If you spot an error or have feedback, please contact us. We review corrections within 7 days and update articles with a new "last reviewed" date when changes are made.