Welcome to our Pet Glossary! Find definitions for common pet care terms from A to Z, perfect for both new and experienced pet owners. Explore terms related to health, behavior, and training, and learn how to care for your furry family members.
Taking in a pet from a shelter and giving it a permanent home.
Hostile behavior like growling, biting, or lunging, often due to fear or stress.
Grooming a pet with a brush to remove loose hair and dirt, helping maintain coat health.
A group of animals with specific characteristics passed down through generations.
Training a dog to view a crate as a safe and secure space.
A natural behavior in pets that helps with teething or relieves boredom.
The process of removing loose fur from a pet’s undercoat to reduce shedding.
The administration of medications to eliminate internal parasites in pets.
Activities designed to stimulate a pet mentally and physically, improving their quality of life.
The humane act of ending a pet’s life to relieve suffering, usually due to terminal illness.
Tiny parasitic insects that bite and irritate pets, often causing itching and discomfort.
Temporarily caring for an animal before they find their permanent home.
The act of cleaning and maintaining a pet’s coat, nails, ears, and teeth.
Rapid growth periods in puppies and kittens, often requiring additional care.
A parasitic worm that infects the heart and lungs of pets, mainly transmitted by mosquitoes.
Breeds or pets that produce fewer allergens, often chosen by people with allergies.
Illnesses caused by harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, or fungi in pets.
Separating a sick pet from healthy ones to prevent the spread of illness.
A common behavior in dogs, often a sign of excitement or the desire for attention.
The areas where bones meet, important for mobility and affected by conditions like arthritis.
A contagious respiratory disease in dogs, often spread in boarding facilities or parks.
Young cats, often requiring special care for feeding, vaccinations, and socialization.
The process of cutting a pet’s nails to prevent overgrowth and discomfort.
A condition where pets feel unwell, often indicated by drooling, vomiting, or lack of appetite.
A condition where pets are overweight, leading to potential health problems like heart disease.
A degenerative joint disease that causes pain and inflammation in the joints of older pets.
Organisms that live off a host pet, such as fleas, ticks, and worms.
The process of teaching a young dog basic commands, house training, and social skills.
The process of isolating a sick or potentially sick pet to prevent the spread of illness.
A term used to describe the overall well-being of a pet, including their comfort and happiness.
A viral disease that affects the brain and spinal cord of mammals, including pets.
Infections affecting the respiratory system of pets, such as kennel cough.
A condition where pets experience distress when left alone, leading to destructive behavior.
The surgical removal of a female pet’s reproductive organs to prevent pregnancy.
The process when puppies and kittens lose their baby teeth and grow adult teeth.
Methods to prevent ticks from attaching to pets, including topical treatments and tick collars.
A common issue with cats that may indicate stress or a medical problem.
Sores that can appear in a pet’s mouth, stomach, or other parts of their body, often due to infection.
A medical injection that protects pets from infectious diseases.
The act of forcefully expelling food or liquids from a pet’s stomach, often caused by illness.
Parasitic infections in pets that can be internal (intestinal) or external (skin).
A vocalization often made by pets, especially dogs, to express discomfort or desire for attention.
A diagnostic tool used to view the internal structure of a pet’s body, including bones and organs.
A method used to detect certain parasites by using another animal as a vector for testing.
A common dental issue in pets, often indicating poor oral hygiene or tartar buildup.
A loud vocalization often made by cats, usually when they’re in distress, pain, or during mating behavior.
A burst of energy where pets run around excitedly, often in circles.
Diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans, such as rabies and ringworm.