How effective is an online symptom checker for pets?

Online symptom checkers provide only vague diagnosis results, says Boston Street Animal Hospital. These symptom checkers lack accuracy because they have no access to a pet’s medical history and no way to perform a physical exam.

Pet owners should use online symptom checkers for educational purposes only, according to Web-DVM. Owners should seek immediate veterinary care for any sick or injured pets. Information on pet-related websites and blogs can be outdated or inaccurate, warns Boston Street Animal Hospital. The clinic's website lists several credible online resources available to pet owners who are seeking accurate and professional information about their pets.