What does the veterinary review cover?
The review covers three things: the age conversion formulas (the AVMA size model, the puppy interpolation, the cat conversion and the UC San Diego epigenetic clock), the life stage boundaries and lifespans by size, and every sentence that describes health, development, vaccines, nutrition or care. Design, layout and non-medical copy are not part of it.
For the formulas, the reviewer checks that our implementation matches the source the page cites, that rounding is consistent, and that edge cases such as puppies under 3 months and dogs past 20 years behave sensibly. For life stages, the reviewer confirms the boundaries against the AAHA canine guidelines and the AAFP feline guidelines. For health statements, the reviewer reads every sentence and either approves it, rewrites it or asks for a citation from a primary source such as the Merck Veterinary Manual.
How does the review process work?
A page is drafted by the writing team, sent to [Vet name], DVM with its sources and returned with approvals or changes. Nothing with a medical claim is published until it is approved. Each page then shows the reviewer's name and [Review date], and the review is repeated when a cited guideline is updated or a reader reports an error.
- Draft. The writer prepares the page with a link to a named source for every number.
- Review. The veterinarian checks formulas, stages and health statements, and marks anything unsupported.
- Revise. The writer applies the changes; the veterinarian confirms.
- Publish and date. The page goes live with the reviewer's credentials and the review date.
- Re-review. Triggered by guideline updates, reader corrections sent to [email protected], or at least once a year.
What is and isn't medical advice on Pawometer?
Nothing on Pawometer is medical advice for your individual dog or cat. The site provides general, reviewed educational information about age, life stages and typical development. It cannot examine your pet, does not diagnose or treat any condition, and is not a substitute for a consultation with a veterinarian who knows your animal.
Veterinary review makes the information on this site accurate in general. It does not make it specific to you. A 10-year-old Labrador is a senior on our chart, but whether your Labrador needs a joint supplement, a diet change or bloodwork is a question only your own veterinarian can answer after an exam.
If your pet shows signs of illness, pain, sudden weight change or a change in behavior, contact a veterinarian or an emergency clinic. Please do not email medical questions to the site; we are not able to answer them, and waiting for a reply could delay care.
