5 Free Apps to Track Your Pet’s Health Metrics

Apps for Pet’s Health Metrics

Because your dog’s poop schedule deserves as much respect as your gym calendar.

Hey Vortex fam 

Welcome back to another Data & Tools Tuesday! Today, we’re diving into something close to every pet parent’s heart: keeping track of your fur baby’s health without losing your mind (or your notebook full of vet visits and worming dates).

As a vet who’s currently battling my own mobility challenges (hello, arthritis and osteoporosis; not the guests I invited ), I’ve become deeply dependent on tools that make life easier, especially when I can't physically be on my feet all day chasing chart files or furry clients. That’s why I’m obsessed with pet health tracking apps, because if I can’t run after your cat, I need to know what their last poop looked like, Brenda!

Whether you’re a new pet parent or an overachiever with a spreadsheet of stool samples (no judgment), here are 5 FREE apps that’ll keep your pet’s health metrics as tight as a lab report.

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1. Tractive GPS App (Best for: Curious cats and adventurous dogs)

Platform: iOS & Android

Why it rocks: Tractive’s app is designed to work with their GPS tracker, but even without the hardware, the app gives you access to health tips, pet activity logging, and wellness education — for free! You can explore how pet tracking works, set routines, and get more mindful about your pet’s daily rhythm.

Vet Vortex Pro Tip: Even basic tracking habits, like jotting down walk lengths or playtime can help detect pain, boredom, or brewing health issues.

P.S. You might’ve heard of Pawfit, another GPS tracker with an awesome app and yes, it’s excellent. BUT it requires buying a tracker and paying a subscription after the trial period, so it didn’t make the “free apps” cut this time. If you're willing to invest in gear, it's definitely worth exploring: 

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2. DogLog (Best for: Multiple pet households)

Platform: iOS & Android

Why it rocks: DogLog is basically a group project that doesn't fall apart. You can share your pet’s profile with multiple people, track meds, potty breaks, food intake, exercise… even barking fits (looking at you, Mr. Beagle).

My story: When I was in and out of hospital, I used DogLog with my friend who was babysitting my senior dog, Roxy. It let me follow along with Roxy’s daily routines and yes, I teared up the first time I saw she ate her full bowl again.

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 3. PetDesk (Best for: Vet appointments + reminders)

Platform: iOS & Android

Why it rocks: It connects with participating vet clinics, sends you reminders for shots, flea treatments, and meds, and stores all your pet’s health records in one tidy digital folder. No more hunting for that vaccine card under your fridge.

Tell me: Have you ever missed a deworming dose and had a mini panic attack? You’re not alone.

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4. 11pets (Best for: Rescue moms, chronic illness tracking)

Platform: iOS & Android

Why it rocks: 11pets was made for pet lovers who need to track everything from temperature to weight trends, symptoms, medications, and grooming sessions. It’s especially helpful for rescue organizations or pets with chronic conditions.

Data Nerd Alert: You can visualize health trends over time; so you can tell if Fluffy’s cough really is getting better or if it's just been a fluke week.

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5. Pet First Aid by American Red Cross (Best for: Emergency-ready pet parents)

Platform: iOS & Android

Why it rocks: It may not track your dog’s calorie count, but it’ll teach you CPR, what to do if your dog is choking, or how to spot early signs of heatstroke. It’s like having a mini vet in your pocket, minus the sarcasm.

Blessing's Pro Tip: I recommend this app to every client, especially in areas where emergency clinics aren’t close. Knowing what to do in the first five minutes can save a life.

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Final Bark :Why This Matters

As someone who currently relies on tools more than mobility, I can tell you this: These apps aren’t just convenient, they’re empowering. You don’t need to be a vet to keep tabs on your pet’s vitals. With the right data at your fingertips, you can:

• Detect early signs of illness.
• Prep for your vet visits like a boss.
• Share accurate info when emergencies happen.

And best of all? You build a stronger connection with your pet because you're tuned into the rhythms of their life, even the weird ones (like peeing only on the neighbor’s hibiscus bush).

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Already using one of these apps? Got another fave we missed? Let us know in the comments or DM us on Instagram!

From Your friendly vet (who may or may not have tried to FaceTime her dog).

Check out previous post - Can Dogs Eat Chocolate in Tiny Doses?