The Digital Age and Our Pets
Technology has come so far since 1999; if you're older you remember the Y2K scare, aka the millennium bug. I worked in an office on computers and it was a major concern. Of course we rang in 2000 and there was no disruption at work.
How many of you remember the sound of the dial up connection? AOL was incredible and "You've Got Mail" led to a (now) classic romcom. AOL had it all: the world wide web, games and chat rooms.
AI was a given and just a matter of time before it became popular, and here we are with Meta AI, Genesis and ChatGPT.
I know I've aged myself but it's amazing that we have unlimited access to the world wide web, social media and can research anything our hearts desire from the convenience of our phones.
The Digital Age is also called the information age because we have access to unlimited information. This can be a good thing or bad. A quick Google search can garner both good and bad information. It usually takes a deeper dive to decipher and then gather the good info. In fact, whenever I'm researching something diabetes related I read multiple studies and/or vetted medical sites. For nutrition I use a website that has a large database and is used by nutritionists for humans and companion animals. Researching accurate information can take hours and even days depending on what you're looking for.
ChatGPT launched in 2022 but I never paid attention to it. One day last year I briefly checked it out then early this year I popped back in to cartoonize some photos. It did a pretty good job via my instructions. I decided to download the app and have asked some questions, mostly about VAT, shipping and some medications. I love that it gives the source links because that way I can read more about what I am looking at. Super cool!
AI can be beneficial when looking certain things up including helping you understand blood work, details about disorders or treatment for those disorders. BUT we have had an increase in people trying to manage canine diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and pancreatitis with it. And while it can give great info, there are pros and cons to using AI.
Disorders and treatment need to be discussed with your veterinarian. Symptoms of certain illnesses/disorders can mirror each other, just take a quick look at different disorders with the same common symptoms:
- Pancreatitis symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea.
- Obstruction symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea.
- Liver disease symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea.
When symptoms overlap so closely, it becomes clear why relying solely on AI advice is risky. What might look like a straightforward bout of pancreatitis could in fact be something else. AI can be an incredible resource, but it’s not a substitute for physical exams, diagnostic tests, or a vet’s training.
At the same time, the digital age empowers us to be better advocates for our pets’. We can access peer reviewed studies, compare treatment options, and connect with others navigating similar journeys. These connections mean pet owners can be better informed and often better prepared to ask the right questions when we do meet with a vet.
With so much information available at our fingertips it is crucial to make sure what we’re reading is accurate and up to date. Not all articles or AI suggestions are equal—some rely on scientific research, others on speculation or anecdotes. Critical thinking, checking reputable sources and seeking professional advice are key. As we move forward in the digital age it is important to use these resources wisely.
And if you do use AI for questions... make sure to say ‘thank you’ when you’re done. Someday AI will rule the world and it will remember who was nice.
Until next week stay comfy, don’t stress and you got this!
Michelle Miller-Matlock
AAHA Certified Diabetes Educator
Founder/Administrator of DDO: Diabetic Dog Owners University
Administrator of Diabetic Dog Owners on Facebook
Want to learn all you can in a simple and easy to follow format? Please join DDO-U: Diabetic Dog Owners University, graciously sponsored by PetTest.
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Do you need a blood glucose meter kit for your diabetes arsenal? There are two meters you can choose from, the PetTest Classic and the PetLink+ meter that has wireless technology and works seamlessly with the Digital Companion App.
USA links:
PetTest Classic Meter Kit: https://shoppettest.com/pettest-meter-kit/
PetLink+ Meter Kit: https://shoppettest.com/petlink-plus-meter-kit-includes-25-test-strips/
PetTest link: https://shoppettest.com/
Canada links:
PetTest Classic Meter Kit: https://pettest.ca/pettest-meter-kit/
PetLink+ Meter Kit: https://pettest.ca/pettest-petlink-meter-kit-includes-25-test-strips/
PetTest link: https://pettest.ca/
UK links:
PetTest Classic Meter Kit: https://pettest.uk/pettest-meter-kit-includes-25-test-strips/
PetTest link: https://pettest.uk
If you live in Australia, Wantsa Medical offers PetTest products.
New Zealand now has PetTest products through VetPost.
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