Common Issues & Solutions

Can't Hear Anything

Problem: Complete silence or only static

Solutions:

1. Check microphone isn't blocked
   • Remove phone case completely
   • Clean microphone opening
   • Make sure your hand isn't covering the mic
2. Verify correct microphone location
   • iPhone 7-12: Bottom left
   • iPhone 13+: Bottom right
   • This side should face your dog's chest
3. Increase volume
   • Turn up phone volume to maximum
   • Increase headphone volume
   • Check that headphones are properly connected
4. Check app permissions
   • Go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone
   • Ensure Snoopy has microphone access enabled

Heartbeat Too Quiet

Problem: Can barely hear the heartbeat

Solutions:

1. Wet the fur more thoroughly
   • The most common issue
   • Hair should be soaking wet and flat against skin
   • Reapply water if it dried during attempts
2. Improve positioning
   • Microphone must be directly over heartbeat
   • Press more firmly (but gently)
   • Try angling the phone slightly
3. Reduce background noise
   • Turn off all appliances
   • Close windows
   • Set phone to airplane mode
   • Ask family members to be quiet
4. Use Bluetooth headphones
   • AirPods or quality Bluetooth headphones
   • Wired headphones often have poor audio quality

Too Much Noise in Recording

Problem: Recording full of scratching, rustling, or background noise

Solutions:

1. Stay completely still
   • Don't talk during recording
   • Hold your breath
   • Keep phone perfectly still
2. Control environment
   • Turn off HVAC/fans
   • Close doors and windows
   • Record at night when neighborhood is quiet
   • Move away from appliances
3. Prevent fur rustling
   • Wet fur thoroughly
   • Keep your hand steady
   • Don't adjust position during recording
4. Check for phone interference
   • Enable airplane mode
   • Turn off vibration
   • Disable all notifications

Dog Won't Stay Still

Problem: Dog keeps moving or getting up

Solutions:

1. Better timing
   • Try during natural nap times
   • After walks or play sessions
   • Before bedtime when they're tired
2. Make it comfortable
   • Use their favorite blanket
   • Let them lie in preferred spot
   • Don't force positions they dislike
3. Desensitization
   • Practice positioning without recording first
   • Reward calm behavior with treats
   • Start with short sessions
   • Build up to longer recordings
4. Calm environment
   • Reduce your stress (dogs sense it)
   • Use calm voice and gentle touch
   • Remove distractions (other pets, toys)
   • Try petting them with free hand during recording

Can't Find the Heartbeat

Problem: Can't locate heartbeat by touch

Solutions:

1. Search systematically
   • Start behind left front leg
   • Move toward center of chest slowly
   • Try moving up/down an inch
   • Should feel pulsing against your palm
2. Breed considerations
   • Large breeds: May need to press firmly through muscle
   • Small breeds: Heartbeat often faster, may be harder to feel
   • Overweight dogs: May need to search wider area
3. Ask your vet
   • At next checkup, ask vet to show you the exact spot
   • They can mark it with a sharpie (if you're comfortable)
   • Take a photo for reference
4. Watch tutorial videos
   • Visit our Facebook page for breed-specific videos
   • See demonstrations with similar sized dogs

App Crashes or Freezes

Problem: App closes unexpectedly or stops responding

Solutions:

1. Update the app
   • Check App Store for updates
   • Install latest version
2. Restart your iPhone
   • Force quit the app
   • Restart your device
   • Try again
3. Free up storage
   • Delete old recordings you don't need
   • Check phone storage (Settings > General > iPhone Storage)
   • Snoopy needs ~200MB free space
4. Reinstall the app
   • Delete and reinstall from App Store
   • Your purchase is saved - you won't be charged again

Playback Issues

Problem: Can't hear recording when playing back

Solutions:

1. Check volume
   • Phone volume at maximum
   • Disconnect headphones to use speaker
   • Try different headphones
2. Recording failed
   • If file size is very small (< 100KB), recording didn't capture audio
   • Try recording again with better positioning
   • Ensure microphone access is enabled
3. File corrupted
   • Delete and record a new one
   • Restart app if problem persists

Sharing Issues

Problem: Can't share recording with vet or via email

Solutions:

1. Check file size
   • Recordings are typically 2-5MB
   • Large files may fail to send
   • Try shorter recordings (10-15 seconds is enough)
2. Use alternative methods
   • If email fails, try messaging apps
   • WhatsApp, Messages, or Messenger usually work
   • Can also use AirDrop on Apple devices
3. Export first
   • Save recording to Files app
   • Share from there instead
4. Internet connection
   • Need WiFi or cellular data to share
   • Check your connection strength

Unusual Readings

Problem: Recording sounds strange or concerning

When to share with your vet:

• Irregular rhythm (skipped beats)
• Racing heartbeat when dog is calm
• Abnormal sounds (whooshing, clicking)
• Significant change from previous recordings
• Dog showing symptoms (cough, fatigue, panting)

Still Need Help?

If you've tried these solutions and still experiencing issues:

1. Check our FAQ - Visit Facebook.com/snoopydoghealth for video tutorials
2. Contact support - Use our contact form
3. Include details:
   • iPhone model and iOS version
   • Dog breed and size
   • What you've already tried
   • Screenshots if relevant

We typically respond within 24-48 hours. We're committed to helping you succeed with Snoopy!