Guides
Pet care guides
Straight answers to the questions owners actually ask — feeding, life stages, vaccinations and health checks, across all six species Pets Depot AI supports.
Dog
When does a puppy become an adult dog?A small dog is an adult by about 12 months; a giant breed isn't until around 24. Here's the full breakdown by size, and why it matters for food.
When is a dog considered a senior?Small dogs become seniors around 11 years, giant breeds as early as 6. Here's the age by size, and what changes in their care.
Puppy vaccination schedulePuppy shots start at 6–8 weeks and finish at 16 weeks or later, with rabies alongside. Here's the full schedule and what each vaccine covers.
Is my dog overweight?You should be able to feel your dog's ribs easily and see a waist from above. Here's the simple check vets use, and what to do about it.
What should I feed my dog?Look for 'complete and balanced' for your dog's life stage — that phrase tells you more than any claim on the front of the bag.
How do I choose the right dog food?Match the life stage, check for 'complete and balanced', then judge by your dog's body condition rather than the brand.
What supplements does my dog need?Most healthy dogs on a complete diet need no supplements at all. Here's when they genuinely help — and when they can do harm.
What do I need for a new puppy?The genuinely essential list for a new puppy, what can wait, and the first-week priorities most guides skip.
When should I take my dog to the vet?Some symptoms mean go now, others can wait for an appointment. Here's how to tell the difference.
What does it cost to own a dog?The recurring costs people forget, why size changes everything, and how to budget realistically before you commit.
Can AI tell if my dog is sick?AI can flag visible changes but cannot detect internal illness or pain. Behaviour remains the most reliable signal you have.
Cat
When does a kitten become an adult cat?Cats reach adulthood at around 2 years, not 1. Here's the full life-stage timeline and when to change food.
Kitten vaccination scheduleKitten shots start at 6–8 weeks with FVRCP, repeat every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks, plus rabies. Here's the full timeline.
Is my cat overweight?You should feel your cat's ribs easily and see a waist from above. Here's the check, and why feline weight loss needs care.
What should I feed my cat?Cats are obligate carnivores — they need a complete, high-protein formula for their life stage. Here's what matters and what doesn't.
How do I choose the right cat food?Cats are obligate carnivores. Look for complete and balanced, high animal protein, and consider wet food for water intake.
What do I need for a new kitten?The essentials for a new kitten, why litter tray count matters more than people expect, and first-week priorities.
When should I take my cat to the vet?Cats hide illness. A male cat straining in the litter tray is an emergency — here's what else can't wait.
Bird
What should I feed a budgie?Formulated pellets should be the base of a budgie's diet — seed and millet are treats. Here's why, and how to switch a seed-addicted bird.
How do I know if my bird is sick?Birds hide illness until they can't. Fluffed feathers, tail bobbing and sitting low are late-stage signs needing urgent care.
How long do budgies live?Budgies typically live 5–10 years, though well-cared-for birds reach 15+. Diet is the single biggest factor.
How do I choose food for my bird?Formulated pellets should form the base for most pet birds. Here's how to choose them and what else belongs in the bowl.
Guinea pig
Why do guinea pigs need vitamin C?Guinea pigs can't make their own vitamin C and develop scurvy without a daily source. Here's how much and where to get it.
What should I feed a guinea pig?Unlimited grass hay is the base, with vitamin-C fortified pellets and fresh vegetables. Here's the full breakdown.
How do I choose food for a rabbit or guinea pig?Hay first for both species — but guinea pigs need vitamin C fortification that rabbit food doesn't provide.
Rabbit
What should I feed a rabbit?Unlimited grass hay is the base of a rabbit's diet — pellets are a measured supplement, not the main meal.
How do I know if my rabbit has dental problems?Rabbit teeth grow continuously and dental disease is common. Drooling, dropping food and weight loss are the signs to watch.
Horse
What should I feed a horse?Grass or hay at 1.5–2% of body weight daily is the base of every horse's diet. Grain is added only as workload requires.
How do I check my horse's body condition?Body condition scoring assesses fat cover at six points. Most horses should sit at 4–6 on the 9-point Henneke scale.
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