User Guide

1. Getting Started

1.1 Download & Install

GentleMao currently supports iOS 16.0 and later. You can search for "GentleMao" on the App Store or download directly here.

1.2 Registration & Login

GentleMao offers three login methods:

Email registration: Enter your email and password to create an account. A verification email will be sent -- click the link in your inbox to complete registration.
Sign in with Apple: Tap "Sign in with Apple" and verify with Face ID or Touch ID. You can choose to hide your email address.
Sign in with Google: Tap "Sign in with Google" and select your Google account to complete verification.

Tip: When using Sign in with Apple with "Hide My Email," all app features work normally. Apple automatically forwards notification emails to your real inbox.

1.3 First-Time Use

After your first login, the app will guide you through the medical disclaimer. Once confirmed, you'll enter the main screen and can start adding your first pet.

2. Home & Pet Meadow

2.1 Pet Meadow

The home screen features a cozy meadow scene where your pets appear as animated characters. Tap on a pet to access their detailed profile. The meadow gets livelier as you add more pets.

2.2 Adding a Pet

Tap the "+" button in the top-right corner of the home screen and fill in:

Name (required): Your pet's name
Species (required): Cat, dog, or other
Breed (optional): e.g., Calico, Shiba Inu
Sex (optional): Male, female, or neutered/spayed
Birthday (optional): An approximate date is fine
Weight (optional): Current weight in kg
Photo (optional): Choose from your photo library or take a new one
Diagnosis (optional): e.g., kidney disease, tumor -- used for AI analysis context

2.3 Pet Profile

Tap on a pet to access their detailed page, which shows:

Basic info and profile photo
Today's QoL score summary
7-day QoL trend line chart
Weight trend chart
Today's medication status
Quick-access buttons for all features

2.4 Daily Summary

On the pet's detail page, you get an at-a-glance overview of today's care status, including QoL score, whether today's log is complete, and medication progress.

3. Daily Care Journal

3.1 Quality of Life (QoL) Scoring

GentleMao uses a modified HHHHHMM scale to assess your pet's quality of life across 7 dimensions, each scored 0-10:

Pain -- Does your pet seem comfortable today? (weight x2)
Appetite -- Did they eat well today? (weight x1.5)
Hydration -- Is their water intake normal? (weight x1.5)
Mobility -- Can they move around on their own? (weight x1)
Happiness -- Are they still playful or affectionate? (weight x1.5)
Hygiene -- Is their body clean? (weight x1)
Overall -- How do you feel they're doing today? (weight x1.5)

The system calculates a weighted average displayed as a 0-10 score. Long-term trend charts let you see the direction of change over time.

Tip: There is no absolute "good" or "bad" QoL score -- what matters is observing the trend. If scores decline steadily, the system will gently suggest discussing care direction with your vet.

3.2 Weight Records

Enter today's weight (in kg) in the daily log. The system automatically charts weight trends. For pets in hospice care, weight changes are an important health indicator.

3.3 Notes & Voice Memos

Each daily log can include text notes and voice memos. When you're too busy to type, just hold the record button and speak.

3.4 AI Symptom Assessment

After completing a daily log, you can ask AI to review today's QoL scores and notes, providing observation tips and comfort care suggestions in a gentle tone.

Important: AI symptom assessment is for reference only and does not constitute a veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows abnormal symptoms, please consult your veterinarian.

4. Medication Management

4.1 Adding Medications

On the "Medications" page, tap "+" to add a new medication:

Medication name: e.g., "Semintra," "Cerenia"
Dosage: Amount per dose, e.g., "1 tablet," "0.5ml"
Frequency: How many times per day
Notes: Special instructions, e.g., "Take after meals," "Keep refrigerated"
Reminder times: Set custom reminder times with multiple time slots
Inventory count (optional): Remaining quantity

4.2 Dose Logging

When you administer medication, tap "Done" on the medication card. The system records the time and updates the daily medication progress. If a dose is skipped, you can choose "Skip" and optionally note the reason.

4.3 Inventory Tracking

If you set an inventory count, it automatically decrements each time you log a dose. When inventory drops below your alert threshold, the system notifies you to restock.

4.4 AI Drug Interaction Check

When multiple medications are added, use "AI Drug Interaction Check." AI analyzes potential interactions between all current medications and flags them by concern level.

Important: AI drug interaction checks are for reference only and do not constitute medication advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making any medication changes.

5. AI Analysis Features

5.1 Blood Test Reports

Manual Entry

On the "Blood Tests" page, tap "+" to add a report, then select "Manual Entry." You can enter individual test values (e.g., BUN, Creatinine, HCT) with quick-select options for common items.

OCR Photo Upload

Select "Photo Upload" mode and point your camera at the paper report. AI automatically recognizes values and fills them in. Please verify the results and correct any errors manually.

PDF Upload

If you have a digital report (PDF), you can select and upload it. AI will attempt to extract and populate the values.

AI Analysis

After creating a report, tap "AI Analysis." AI interprets each value based on your pet's species and age, flags abnormalities, and provides observation suggestions in easy-to-understand language.

Trend Charts

With multiple reports accumulated, view historical trends for each value. Select items (e.g., BUN, Creatinine) to see line charts showing changes over time.

5.2 X-Ray Observation

Capture or Upload

You can upload X-ray images by photographing a lightbox display or selecting from your photo library.

AI Observation Notes

After uploading, tap "AI Observe" for AI Vision to describe observations in the image. This helps you discuss imaging findings with your vet.

Important: AI X-ray observation is descriptive only and does not constitute imaging diagnosis. Formal image interpretation must be performed by a veterinarian or veterinary radiologist.

6. Vet Visit Records

6.1 Adding Visit Records

On the "Vet Visits" page, tap "+" to add a new record:

Visit date: Date and time of the appointment
Hospital/Vet: Name of the clinic or veterinarian
Diagnosis: Vet's diagnosis or observations
Treatment: Procedures or treatments performed
Notes: Vet's instructions or follow-up notes
Next visit (optional): Scheduled follow-up date
Cost (optional): Visit expense

6.2 Attachments

Each visit record supports photo attachments (e.g., prescriptions, diagnostic reports). These are securely stored in the cloud for easy access later.

6.3 AI Vet Visit Helper

Before a visit, use "AI Vet Visit Helper." AI reviews your pet's recent QoL logs, medications, and blood test data to prepare:

A list of questions to ask your vet
A summary of recent observations
Data trend highlights

So you never forget what to ask during the appointment.

7. Expense Tracking

7.1 Adding Expenses

On the "Expenses" page, tap "+" to log a new expense:

Amount: Expense amount
Category: Medical, medication, food, supplies, other
Date: Date of purchase
Notes (optional): Additional details

7.2 Charts & Analytics

The expense page provides visual charts:

Category pie chart: Breakdown of spending by category
Monthly trend: Total spending trend over time
Cumulative total: Overall spending to date

These insights help you understand care costs and organize records.

8. More Features

8.1 Care Knowledge Base

GentleMao includes 22 expert care articles across three themes:

Home care: Subcutaneous fluid administration, nutrition management, environment setup
Observation guides: Pain recognition, vital sign monitoring, emergency assessment
Nutrition & diet: Kidney disease diets, appetite stimulation, supplements

All articles are cross-referenced with veterinary literature and written in a warm, practical tone.

8.2 Memory Timeline

The timeline connects the important moments in your pet's life -- first adoption, first vet visit, trips, anniversaries. Add events and attach photos to tell your pet's complete life story.

8.3 Emotional Support

Caring for a pet in hospice is a demanding journey. GentleMao includes a mood journal with guided writing prompts to help you process your feelings, along with gentle self-care reminders to take care of yourself too.

8.4 Advance Care Directive

While your pet is stable, take time to think about and document future care preferences:

Whether to accept emergency resuscitation
Preference for aggressive treatment vs. comfort care
Euthanasia considerations and personal boundaries
After-life arrangement preferences

Making these decisions during calmer times helps you face difficult moments with more clarity and peace.

8.5 Settings

Find settings in the "More" tab:

Notifications: Manage medication reminders, journal reminders, etc.
Account: Change password, manage Passkeys
Subscription: View current plan, upgrade, or manage subscription
Data export: Export care records as PDF
Delete account: Permanently delete your account and all data

9. Subscription Plans

GentleMao offers a free plan and two paid subscription tiers. For details, see the Plans & Pricing page.

Core care features (QoL tracking, medication management, vet visit records, etc.) are completely free. The free plan includes 2 AI analysis and 2 OCR uses per month, resetting monthly. Subscribe for more.

10. FAQ

Q: Does GentleMao cost money?

Core features are completely free, including QoL tracking, medication management, vet visit records, expense tracking, and the knowledge base. The free plan includes 2 AI analyses + 2 OCR scans per month, resetting monthly. Subscribe for more.

Q: Is my data secure?

All data is transmitted via HTTPS encryption and stored on secure cloud servers. The database uses Row Level Security (RLS) so you can only access your own data. During AI analysis, only pet care data is sent -- no personal owner information is ever transmitted.

Q: Can I trust the AI analysis results?

AI analysis results are for reference only and do not constitute veterinary diagnoses or medical advice. AI can help you understand data, spot trends, and prepare vet visit questions, but all medical decisions should be made in consultation with a licensed veterinarian.

Q: Can I track multiple pets?

The free plan supports 1 pet. The Family plan (NT$199/mo) supports 2 pets. The Big Family plan (NT$399/mo) supports unlimited pets.

Q: How do I cancel my subscription?

Subscriptions are managed through the Apple App Store. Go to iPhone Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions > GentleMao > Cancel Subscription. You'll retain access until the current period ends.

Q: My pet has passed away. Can I keep the records?

Absolutely. You can set a "Rainbow Bridge date" on your pet's profile, and all records are permanently preserved in your account.

Q: How do I delete my account?

Go to "More" > "Settings" > "Delete Account." Once confirmed, all your data will be completely removed within 30 days and cannot be recovered.

Q: What if I have problems?

Please email us at pawpeace0225@gmail.com and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

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