🏥 General Health Questions
How often should I take my pet to the vet?
For healthy adult pets, annual checkups are typically sufficient. Puppies and kittens need more frequent visits (every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks old), while senior pets (7+ years) benefit from bi-annual checkups to catch age-related issues early.
What vaccinations does my pet need?
Core vaccines for dogs include rabies, DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza). For cats: rabies, FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia). Your vet will recommend additional vaccines based on your pet's lifestyle and local disease risks.
When should I be concerned about my pet's behavior changes?
Sudden changes in appetite, energy level, bathroom habits, or social behavior warrant attention. Trust your instincts - you know your pet best. Gradual changes might be normal aging, but dramatic shifts often indicate health issues.
🍽️ Nutrition & Feeding
How much should I feed my pet?
Feeding amounts depend on your pet's age, size, activity level, and the specific food brand. Start with package guidelines, but adjust based on your pet's body condition. You should be able to feel (but not see) your pet's ribs with gentle pressure.
Can I give my pet human food?
Some human foods are safe in moderation (plain chicken, carrots, rice), but many are toxic (chocolate, grapes, onions, xylitol). It's safest to stick to pet-specific foods and treats. When in doubt, consult your vet before sharing.
Should I feed my pet once or twice a day?
Most adult pets do well with twice-daily feeding, which helps prevent overeating and aids digestion. Puppies under 6 months typically need 3-4 meals daily. Senior pets may benefit from smaller, more frequent meals.
🎓 Behavior & Training
When should I start training my puppy/kitten?
Start basic training as early as 8 weeks old. The critical socialization period is 3-14 weeks for puppies and 2-7 weeks for kittens. Early, positive experiences during this time significantly impact their adult behavior and confidence.
Why does my cat scratch furniture?
Scratching is natural cat behavior for claw maintenance, territory marking, and stress relief. Provide appropriate scratching posts with different textures, keep nails trimmed, and use positive reinforcement when they use designated scratching areas.
How do I stop my dog from excessive barking?
First identify the cause (boredom, anxiety, territorial behavior, attention-seeking). Address the root cause with increased exercise, mental stimulation, training, or desensitization. Avoid punishment-based methods which can worsen anxiety-related barking.
🤖 Using VetAI Services
Is VetAI a replacement for my veterinarian?
No, absolutely not. VetAI provides educational information and general guidance, but cannot diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, or replace hands-on veterinary care. Always consult your veterinarian for health concerns.
What kind of questions can I ask the VetAI chatbot?
Ask about general care topics like nutrition guidelines, exercise routines, grooming tips, basic training advice, and when to seek veterinary care. The AI can help you understand normal vs concerning symptoms but cannot provide medical diagnoses.
Is VetAI really free to use?
Yes! VetAI's basic consultation services and educational resources are completely free. Our mission is to make pet care information accessible to all pet owners. We may introduce premium features in the future, but core services will remain free.
How accurate is the information provided by VetAI?
VetAI is built on current veterinary knowledge and best practices, but information is general in nature. Individual pets may have unique needs or conditions requiring specific veterinary attention. Always verify important decisions with your vet.
🚨 Emergency Situations
What constitutes a pet emergency?
Immediate emergencies include: difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, severe bleeding, suspected poisoning, seizures lasting over 2 minutes, inability to urinate, bloated abdomen, or any trauma. When in doubt, call your emergency vet.
Should I call VetAI for emergencies?
No! For true emergencies, contact your veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately. VetAI is for non-urgent questions and general guidance only. Emergency situations require immediate professional veterinary care.
What should I do if my pet ate something toxic?
Contact your vet or pet poison control hotline immediately: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435. Do NOT induce vomiting unless specifically instructed. Note what was consumed, how much, and when. Bring packaging to the vet if possible.
📞 Still Have Questions?
If you couldn't find the answer you're looking for, try our consultation services or browse our comprehensive resource guides.