PawsMathAbout PawsMath
PawsMath is a free collection of 16 calculators and guides for dog and cat owners. We built it because everyday pet questions like How much should I feed her? Is this much chocolate dangerous? When are the puppies due? deserve quick, clear answers that are grounded in real veterinary science rather than guesswork or the old "one year equals seven" myths.
What we do
- Turn published veterinary formulas into simple tools anyone can use on a phone.
- Explain how every result is calculated, so you understand the number and its limits.
- Highlight when a situation needs a veterinarian instead of a calculator.
- Write longer guides on topics a number alone can’t cover, like which foods are toxic to dogs.
Our sources and methods
Our calculators are based on widely accepted references in veterinary medicine, including:
- The resting energy requirement (RER) equation and life-stage factors used in veterinary nutrition and the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines.
- Toxic dose thresholds for theobromine and xylitol published in veterinary toxicology references such as the Merck Veterinary Manual and by animal poison control services.
- Life stage definitions from the AAHA canine and AAHA/AAFP feline life stage guidelines.
- Peer-reviewed research, such as the 2020 UC San Diego study on the epigenetic clock in dogs.
We review each tool periodically and show the last-reviewed date on every page. Where sources disagree, we choose the more cautious value and say so.
Who runs PawsMath
PawsMath was started by Tarik Aziz, who looks after the calculators and writes the guides. Every page is checked against the veterinary sources listed at the bottom of it, and corrections sent in by readers are reviewed and fixed. If you spot something that looks wrong, please get in touch.
What we are not
PawsMath does not provide veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Our tools give estimates for healthy animals and cannot account for your pet’s full medical history. Always follow the advice of your veterinarian, and in an emergency contact a vet or animal poison control service immediately.
How the site is funded
PawsMath is free to use. We may show advertising to cover hosting and development costs. Advertising never influences our calculations or content.
Get in touch
Spotted an error or have an idea for a new calculator? We’d love to hear from you. Visit our contact page.