Editorial Policy & Standards
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ShowDogsWest is managed by its owner as an independent pet-care publication. This policy describes the standards used to maintain the site. The public editor byline does not indicate a veterinary degree, specialist certification, or clinical review.
Editorial responsibility
The ShowDogsWest Editor is responsible for publication and corrections. A claim that an article was reviewed by a veterinarian must identify the reviewer, relevant professional credentials, and the review date on that article. An editorial update alone is not a veterinary review.
Sources and evidence
Health claims should link to a relevant veterinary association, veterinary teaching hospital, clinical guidance document, or original study. Breed descriptions may refer to recognized breed organizations. A source must support the specific statement beside it; the reputation of a domain alone is insufficient.
- Explain which population a statistic describes and distinguish a study average from an individual prediction.
- State uncertainty and meaningful limitations. Do not promise a particular lifespan, treatment result, or temperament.
- Use internal links only when the destination helps the reader with the current question.
- Remove unrelated citations and unsupported claims instead of disguising them with a different link.
Automation and AI assistance
The website uses software, including AI-assisted drafting and maintenance, to prepare and update material. Automated text, image checks, and link checks can make mistakes. Passing a software check is not proof that a medical claim is correct or that a qualified professional reviewed an article.
Content should add a useful explanation, comparison, checklist, or practical decision aid. Rewording other websites or extending an article solely to meet a word count does not meet that standard. Generated or illustrative images must not be presented as evidence of a real clinical examination.
Tools and health information
Calculators provide general estimates from the inputs supplied. They cannot examine an animal or account for every health condition. Their outputs should be considered alongside the stated method and limitations, and discussed with a veterinarian where relevant. The site does not provide individual diagnoses, prescriptions, or emergency care.
Corrections and updates
To report a problem, use our contact page and include the URL, the passage concerned, and a supporting source if available. Substantive corrections made during the current review are noted on the affected article. Dates describe publication or editorial changes, not an implied professional endorsement.
Advertising
Advertising may fund the website. Advertisements are separate from editorial recommendations. Placement changes are assessed for readability and accidental-click risk; readers should never be encouraged to click advertisements to support the site.