How does the PETHEALTH+ symptom checker work?

The checker applies vet-reviewed triage rules based on your pet's species and selected symptoms. It suggests an urgency level but cannot replace a physical examination by a registered veterinary surgeon.

Which pets does the symptom checker support?

All eight PETHEALTH+ species: dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles, small pets (guinea pigs, hamsters, rats), horses and farm animals (backyard poultry). Each has species-specific emergency signs such as colic, egg binding, wet tail and flystrike.

What is PETHEALTH+ and who writes the advice?

PETHEALTH+ is a UK pet health information platform providing vet-reviewed advice for dog, cat, bird, rabbit, reptile, small pet, horse and farm animal owners. Content is written in plain English and reviewed against current UK veterinary guidance before publication.

How does the symptom checker work?

The checker asks about your pet's species and symptoms, then applies vet-reviewed triage rules to suggest an urgency level — from home monitoring to emergency care. It does not replace a physical examination by a registered veterinary surgeon.

Pet symptom checker

Select your pet type, then choose any symptoms. Species-specific red flags for birds, reptiles, horses and poultry are included — but this cannot replace a physical examination by a registered vet.

1Pet
2Symptoms
3Result

Which pet are you checking?

Vet-reviewed triage rules · Last updated 2026-06-25 · Not a substitute for examination by a registered veterinary surgeon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the PETHEALTH+ symptom checker work?: The checker applies vet-reviewed triage rules based on your pet's species and selected symptoms. It suggests an urgency level but cannot replace a physical examination by a registered veterinary surgeon.
Which pets does the symptom checker support?: All eight PETHEALTH+ species: dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles, small pets (guinea pigs, hamsters, rats), horses and farm animals (backyard poultry). Each has species-specific emergency signs such as colic, egg binding, wet tail and flystrike.