Quick Answer
Omelo's scan feature is the most-used tool in the app. Point your camera at your pet's ears, eyes, nose, skin, or teeth and get an instant assessment. Here is what the scan checks, how accurate it is, and what to do with the results.
Omelo's scan feature is the most-used tool in the app. Point your camera at your pet's ears, eyes, nose, skin, or teeth and get an instant assessment. Here is what the scan checks, how accurate it is, and what to do with the results.
Reviewed by Dr. Ashim Sarkar, BVSc & AH (DVM Reg: JVC5589), veterinarian with 2.5 years of hands-on experience in small animal practice. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for your pet's health concerns.
Your pet cannot tell you what hurts. The scan helps you see it.
The most common way Omelo users start a conversation is by sending a scan. "I've taken a scan of my pet's ear. Can you check if there are any issues?" This message appears more than any other. Pet parents know something looks off but do not know if it is serious. The scan bridges that gap.
**What the scan checks**
Ear scan
The ear scan analyses the visible ear canal and outer ear for:
- Redness or inflammation
- Discharge (colour and apparent texture)
- Swelling
- Signs of mites or infection
- Wax buildup patterns
Ear infections are one of the most common health issues in dogs, especially in breeds with floppy ears like Cocker Spaniels, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers. Early detection saves weeks of treatment and significant discomfort.
Eye scan
Checks for:
- Discharge (clear, white, yellow, or green)
- Redness or bloodshot appearance
- Cloudiness or opacity
- Tear staining
- Swelling around the eye
Eye problems can escalate rapidly. A mild conjunctivitis today can become a corneal ulcer next week. The scan helps you decide whether to monitor at home or see a vet.
Nose scan
Analyses for:
- Dryness or cracking
- Discharge (clear vs coloured)
- Colour changes
- Crusting or scabbing
- Symmetry
A healthy nose varies throughout the day — wet after a nap, dry after lying in the sun. But persistent changes, especially asymmetrical ones, need attention.
Track this episode in Omelo. Know if it gets worse.
Skin scan
Checks for:
- Rashes and redness
- Hot spots
- Lumps and bumps
- Hair loss patterns
- Fungal infection signs (ringworm)
- Parasites (visible ticks or flea dirt)
Skin is the largest organ and often the first place internal problems show up. Allergies, hormonal issues, and nutritional deficiencies all manifest on the skin first.
Teeth scan
Analyses for:
- Tartar and plaque buildup
- Gum redness or swelling
- Visible fractures or damage
- Discolouration
Dental disease affects 80 percent of pets by age 3. Most pet parents never look inside their pet's mouth until the breath becomes unbearable. The teeth scan catches problems early.
How to get the best scan results
1. Good lighting — natural daylight works best. Avoid harsh overhead lights that create shadows.
2. Steady hand — brace your elbow against your body for stability.
3. Correct distance — close enough to see detail, far enough to include the whole area. Usually 10-15 cm away.
4. Clean the area first — gently wipe away any discharge or debris before scanning for the clearest image.
5. Keep your pet calm — treats and a soothing voice help. Do not force a scan if your pet is distressed.
What to do with the results
The scan gives you one of three signals:
- Looks normal — continue monitoring, no action needed
- Something to watch — monitor over the next few days, re-scan to track changes
- See a vet — the scan has identified something that needs professional examination
The scan does not replace a vet
Omelo's scan is a triage tool, not a diagnostic device. It helps you decide whether something needs attention now or can wait. It helps you describe what you see to your vet with clarity. And it gives you a visual record over time — so when you do visit the vet, you can show them the progression.
Why pet parents love the scan
In our user data, scan-related messages are the single most common opening interaction. Pet parents use it for routine checks ("just making sure her ears look okay") and for urgent concerns ("this red bump appeared today"). It turns "I think something might be wrong" into "here is exactly what I see, and here is what the AI thinks."
Download Omelo free and try your first scan. It takes 30 seconds.
