I want to talk about something a little different today: using AI for pet care – a tool in sorting your pet’s care. Not as a replacement for your vet. As someone to assist you in sorting your thoughts and preparing questions for your veterinarian.
Here is how I use it.
When something is going on with one of my pets, I will type the symptoms, the diagnosis, the medications, and the dosages into Claude (my AI of choice) and ask it to help me think through what is happening. Then I bring that clarity into my vet conversation so I can ask better questions and advocate more confidently.
I also do this on behalf for my mom. She has my two foster fail kitties, one with diabetes and one with IBD and urinary issues. When something comes up with them, she tells me what is going on, I put it all into AI, and we use the response to figure out what questions to bring to their vet. It has been genuinely helpful.
One example: if something feels off to me, like a dosage seems high for my cat’s size and diagnosis, I will ask AI whether that is within a typical range. It helps me sort through my thoughts while also being informed.
DO NOTE: Sometimes AI can get things wrong, so double check! Also, why we don’t count on it for a diagnosis – always check with your vet!
A few things to keep in mind when using AI for pet care:
AI is NOT your vet. Do not treat it like one.
AI can be wrong. Use it as a starting point, not a final answer.
Some people choose not to use AI due to concerns about its environmental impact. That is a completely valid choice. If you do use it, use it thoughtfully and sparingly.
How to advocate for your pet using what you learn
The goal is not to argue with your vet. It is to work as a team. Instead of arguing with my vet, I’m simply asking a question, being informed, trying to understand my options and crafting productive conversations.
I want to work collaboratively with the pro’s. Here is what that can sound like:
“I came across x, y, z and would love your thoughts since you know my pet’s history. I just want to discuss this.”
“I am wondering if that dosage might be a lot for my cat. When we have started him on a new medication in the past, he has usually done well on the lowest dose. This might be different, but I thought it was worth asking.”
“He just does not seem right to me. Would it be possible to check for something else as well? What would you recommend?”
Curiosity and respect go a long way. You are not a trained veterinarian, but you know your pet. You know their personality, their routine, their mannerisms. When something feels off, say so. You are their advocate, and that matters.
Think of AI as a team: you, your vet, and AI to help you sort your thoughts and prepare your questions – all for the best possible care you can provide your pet and be the very best advocate for their health and well-being.
Happy to be here for you supporting you from one pet parent to another! I am also a pet portrait artist, here to assist when you need to gift a pet parent friend or comfort yourself with a handmade pet portrait etching.
