Pet glossary

Anal glands

Two small scent sacs either side of a dog or cat's anus. If they do not empty naturally they can become impacted or infected - signs include scooting and licking; a vet or groomer can express them.

BARF diet

Biologically Appropriate Raw Food - a feeding approach built on raw meat, bone and organs. It has fans and critics; talk to your vet first, as it carries handling and balance risks.

Bloat (GDV)

Gastric dilatation-volvulus: the stomach fills with gas and can twist. A life-threatening emergency, most common in deep-chested dogs. Get to a vet immediately.

Body condition score (BCS)

A hands-on 1 to 9 (or 1 to 5) scale for judging whether a pet is underweight, ideal or overweight, based on how easily you can feel the ribs and see a waist. More useful than the scales alone.

Booster

A repeat dose of a vaccine that tops up immunity after the initial course. Intervals vary by vaccine and local rules - your vet sets the schedule.

Brachycephalic

Flat-faced breeds like pugs, bulldogs and Persian cats. The short skull can mean breathing trouble, overheating and eye problems - worth knowing before you buy.

Castration

The surgical neutering of a male animal (removal of the testicles). See also spay/neuter.

Cherry eye

A prolapse of the tear gland of the third eyelid, showing as a red lump in the corner of the eye. Common in some breeds; it usually needs a minor surgical repair rather than removal.

Cone (Elizabethan collar)

The cone-shaped collar that stops a pet licking or biting a wound or stitches while they heal. Also called an e-collar or the 'cone of shame'; soft and inflatable versions exist.

Coprophagia

Eating faeces - its own or another animal's. Common in dogs and usually behavioural rather than serious, though it is worth ruling out diet gaps or parasites with a vet.

Crate training

Teaching a pet to see a crate as a safe, calm den rather than a punishment - useful for house-training, travel and giving a dog somewhere to settle.

Dental disease (periodontal)

Inflammation and infection of the gums and tooth-supporting structures from built-up plaque and tartar. Very common in adult pets; it causes pain and bad breath and is prevented by dental care.

Dewclaw

The extra 'thumb' claw higher up on a dog or cat's leg. It doesn't touch the ground, so it can overgrow and needs checking when you trim nails.

Distemper

A serious, contagious viral disease in dogs affecting the gut, lungs and nervous system. Routine core vaccination protects against it.

FeLV

Feline leukaemia virus - a contagious virus spread between cats through close contact that weakens the immune system. A vaccine exists; testing is advised before introducing a new cat.

FIV

Feline immunodeficiency virus - a slow virus mainly spread by bite wounds between cats that gradually impairs immunity. FIV-positive cats can live long lives kept indoors and stress-free.

FVRCP

The core combination vaccine for cats, protecting against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia.

Gestation

The pregnancy period. Roughly 63 days in both dogs and cats, though it varies a little by individual and litter.

Grooming

Caring for the coat, skin, nails, ears and teeth - brushing, bathing, clipping and checking over. How much is needed depends heavily on the breed.

Hairball

A wad of swallowed fur that a cat coughs up, formed during grooming. Occasional ones are normal; frequent hairballs or retching without producing one warrant a vet check.

Heartworm

A parasitic worm spread by mosquito bites that lives in the heart and lungs. Prevention is simple and cheap; treatment is difficult, so most vets advise year-round protection.

Hip dysplasia

A malformed hip joint, often inherited in larger breeds, where the ball and socket fit poorly and wear unevenly. It leads to pain and arthritis; weight control and vet care help manage it.

Hot spot

Acute moist dermatitis - a red, raw, often weepy patch of irritated skin that a pet has licked or scratched. Common in warm, humid weather and thick-coated dogs.

Hypoallergenic

A pet less likely to trigger allergies, usually because it sheds little dander. No animal is truly allergen-free, but some breeds suit allergy sufferers better.

Kennel cough

A highly contagious respiratory infection causing a harsh, honking cough. Spreads where dogs mix - kennels, daycare, parks. A vaccine is available.

Litter training

Teaching a cat (or rabbit, or ferret) to use a litter tray. Cats usually take to it naturally; the trick is a clean tray in a quiet spot.

Luxating patella

A kneecap that slips out of its groove, common in small breeds. Signs include a skipping hop on a back leg. Mild cases are managed; severe ones may need surgery.

Microchip

A rice-grain-sized ID chip placed under the skin. Scanned at vets and shelters, it links to your contact details - the best way to be reunited with a lost pet. Keep the registry up to date.

Neuter

To surgically prevent an animal from reproducing. Often used for both sexes, though 'spay' is the female term and 'castration' the male one. See spay/neuter.

Obligate carnivore

An animal that must eat meat to survive, like the cat, which needs nutrients such as taurine found only in animal tissue. It is why cats cannot thrive on a dog or vegetarian diet.

Parvovirus (parvo)

A severe, highly contagious gut virus, especially dangerous to unvaccinated puppies. Causes vomiting and bloody diarrhoea; vaccination is the core protection.

Rabies

A fatal viral disease affecting the brain, transmissible to humans. Vaccination is legally required in many places and for most international travel.

Ringworm

A fungal skin infection (not a worm) causing circular patches of hair loss and scaly skin. It is contagious and zoonotic - it can pass to people - so handle and treat it carefully.

Senior pet

A pet in the later stage of life - broadly from about 7 years in dogs and cats, earlier for giant breeds. Often needs diet tweaks and more frequent vet checks.

Socialisation

Gently exposing a young animal to people, other animals, sounds and situations during its key early window, so it grows up confident rather than fearful.

Spay

The surgical neutering of a female animal (removal of the ovaries, usually with the uterus). See spay/neuter.

Spay/neuter

Surgically preventing reproduction - 'spay' for females, 'neuter' or 'castration' for males. Beyond birth control it can reduce certain cancers and behaviours.

Subcutaneous

'Under the skin.' You'll hear it for injections (like many vaccines) and for the at-home fluids some older or kidney-patient pets receive.

Tartar

Hardened plaque on the teeth that brushing alone can't remove. Left to build up it leads to gum disease, so dental care and occasional cleaning matter.

Titer test

A blood test measuring antibody levels to check whether a pet still has immunity, sometimes used to decide if a booster vaccine is needed.

Vaccination (core vs non-core)

Core vaccines are recommended for nearly every pet (rabies, distemper, parvo, FVRCP). Non-core ones, like kennel cough or Lyme, depend on lifestyle and risk.

Weaning

The gradual switch of puppies or kittens from their mother's milk to solid food, usually from around three to eight weeks of age.

Whelping

The act of a dog giving birth to a litter. Gestation is roughly 63 days; know the signs of labour and when a birth is not progressing so you can call the vet.

Worming (deworming)

Treating a pet for intestinal parasites such as roundworm, tapeworm and hookworm. Done on a regular schedule, especially for puppies, kittens and outdoor pets.

Zoonotic

A disease that can pass between animals and people - rabies, ringworm and some worms among them. Good hygiene and routine prevention keep the risk low.

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