The world is changing fast. AI, robotics, and technology are reshaping not just how we live but how we care for our beloved pets.
Do you remember Tamagotchis and Furbies? Ohhh my goodness, I can still feel that jolt of panic when I realized I hadn’t fed my Tamagotchi in days 🙈
And the chaos of a Furby chirping away in the middle of the night… did anyone else try hiding one under a pillow to get some sleep? 😂
Well, now kids can even buy Moflin, a new robotic pet with different personalities that moves and reacts almost like a real, living little creature.
(It makes me wonder… will there be veterinarians who study robotics instead of anatomy in the future? 🤖🐶)
And then there’s ChatGPT.
Unlike Dr. Google, which often gives vague, one-size-fits-all answers and let’s be honest, sometimes the scariest possible scenario, ChatGPT can zoom in on the specifics of your situation.
The more detail you give, the stronger and more useful the results.
At my practice, we’re already using AI in ways that make pet care more efficient and more personalized. I use it to help me take notes during my telehealth appointments and regular appointments, so I can be more fully present.
And as a pet parent, you can also use AI to support your pet’s health if you know how to guide it wisely.
I recently had my dear friend Ron Sosa on the podcast and here’s a few tips he gave ✨👇
✅ How to Use AI for Your Pet
Be Specific in Your Prompts:
When you ask ChatGPT about your pet, include as much detail as possible. For example:
“I have an 8-year-old male neutered German Shepherd with vomiting and diarrhea for 2 days. He eats a raw diet and has no prior health issues.”
That will give you far more accurate and actionable insights than a vague question like, “Why is my dog vomiting?”
Use AI to Track Your Pet’s History:
Keep a log of your pet’s symptoms, behaviors, and treatments. Then, use ChatGPT to look for patterns or to suggest questions to ask your vet.
This can be incredibly helpful for complex cases like Addison’s disease or chronic GI issues, and trust me, your vet will love you for bringing a clear summary to the next visit (just explain you’re just using it to track history if they’re not so keen on you using chat).
Ask for Holistic Options:
If you value integrative or holistic care, be sure to include that in your prompt. For example:
“What are holistic or integrative approaches to support my dog’s liver health?”
My biggest concern with AI is that pet parents may not even know to ask about all the wonderful integrative modalities that exist and I never want you to miss out on those options ✨💗
Prepare for Vet Visits:
You can use AI to research possible conditions or treatments before your appointment. It can help you feel more informed and confident when discussing options with your vet.
❌ What to Avoid When Using AI
Don’t Rely on AI for Diagnoses:
AI cannot examine your pet or run diagnostic tests. Your veterinarian is always the one who can give an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Avoid Overgeneralized Advice:
If ChatGPT suggests a treatment, remember that it may not be tailored to your pet’s unique needs. Use it as a starting point, not a final answer.
Be Cautious with Medications:
Never give medications based only on AI advice. Doses and treatments must always be prescribed by your veterinarian to ensure safety, and this can be very risky if a pet parent starts a prescription or even an over-the-counter medication without guidance.
AI is a powerful tool, but it is not a replacement for veterinary care. Instead, think of it as something that enhances your role on your pet’s care team 💖
Whether you are a client at The Integrative Pet Wellness Center or not, I will keep sharing everything I learn to help you navigate this exciting new era of pet care.
My hope is to give you the tools and insights you need to take even better care of your pet in today’s modern world.
Thank you for being on this journey with me. Together, we are evolving how we care for our pets, one thoughtful step at a time 🐕🐾🐈
Give your dog (or cat!) a hug from me,
💜 Dr. Lily
P.S. Have you tried using AI for your pet’s health? Just send an email to info@integrativepet.com — I would love to hear your story!
P.P.S. Catch my episode with Ron Sosa on The My Dog Is Better Than Your Dog Podcast 👇
WE’RE NOW OPEN UNTIL 7 PM ON MONDAYS
We know when you’re working during the day, it can be hard to get to the vet on time so we’re now open from 10am to 7pm on Mondays 💖