About dogcalcs

dogcalcs is a collection of free, browser-based calculators for dog owners. There are 3 live tools today, with 39 planned.

The idea

Dog owners search for very specific numbers: how much to feed, whether what the dog just ate is dangerous, how old the dog really is, what size crate to buy. The existing answers are usually a calculator that shows a number with no explanation, wrapped in a thousand words written for a search engine rather than a person.

This site does the opposite. The calculator sits at the top of the page, the formula and its source sit underneath it, and there is no padding in between.

Principles

• Show the working. Every tool prints the formula it used and where the numbers came from.
• Test the maths. Calculation code is separate from interface code and covered by unit tests. See the methodology.
• Refuse to guess. Invalid input produces an error, never a plausible-looking wrong answer.
• Stay fast. Pages are static HTML. Only the calculator itself loads any JavaScript, and it loads after the page is readable.
• Keep your data. Everything runs in your browser. Nothing you type is sent anywhere.

Who writes this

dogcalcs is an independent site, not a veterinary practice. The tools are built from published veterinary guidelines and papers, all listed on the sources page. They are not a substitute for professional advice; please read the medical disclaimer.

Corrections

If a formula or a constant is wrong, we want to know. Get in touch and include the source you think we should be using.