Editorial Policy
How we research, write, and review content at Captain Calm
Our Commitment
Captain Calm provides evidence-based information about dog anxiety for UK pet owners. We take this responsibility seriously. Every guide, review, and recommendation on this site follows the editorial standards outlined below.
Research Standards
Our content is informed by:
- Peer-reviewed research — we prioritise published veterinary studies from journals like the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, and the Veterinary Record
- Veterinary charity guidance — including RSPCA, Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, and the Kennel Club
- Veterinary clinical guidelines — from the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and BSAVA
- Product manufacturer data — ingredient lists, clinical trials, and safety data sheets
- Real-world feedback — verified customer reviews from Amazon UK, Trustpilot, and veterinary forums
We cite our sources within articles using blockquotes with attribution. Where we reference statistics, we link to the original research or credible reporting of that research.
Product Reviews
Our product reviews follow these principles:
- Independence — we are not paid by any brand to review their products. All opinions are our own
- Ingredient analysis — we evaluate active ingredient concentrations against published therapeutic dosing ranges
- Price transparency — all prices are verified on Amazon UK and updated regularly
- Honest limitations — we clearly state when evidence is mixed, weak, or absent
- Affiliate disclosure — we use Amazon Associates affiliate links and clearly disclose this on every review page. Affiliate relationships never influence our recommendations or ratings
Medical Disclaimer
Captain Calm provides educational information only. Our content is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. We are not veterinarians, and nothing on this website should be taken as a veterinary diagnosis or treatment plan.
If your dog shows signs of anxiety, we always recommend:
- Consulting your veterinarian to rule out medical causes
- Working with a certified animal behaviourist (ABTC-registered) for behavioural issues
- Following your vet's guidance on medication and supplement use
Content Updates
We regularly review and update our content to ensure accuracy. Articles display their original publication date and most recent update date. When significant new research is published or product formulations change, we update the relevant articles and note the change.
Corrections
If you spot an error in any of our content — whether factual, typographical, or an outdated product detail — please contact us. We take corrections seriously and will update content promptly with appropriate attribution.
E-E-A-T: Our Approach to Expertise
Google's E-E-A-T framework (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) guides how we approach content creation:
- Experience — our team includes dog owners who have personally dealt with canine anxiety
- Expertise — we research extensively using veterinary sources and cite published studies
- Authoritativeness — we reference established UK veterinary organisations and peer-reviewed research
- Trustworthiness — we disclose affiliate relationships, acknowledge limitations in evidence, and never recommend products without basis
Questions?
If you have questions about our editorial process or want to suggest improvements to our content, we'd love to hear from you.
Contact Us