Plain-English definitions for pet health, grooming, training, and more. Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or a seasoned pro, our glossary breaks down the terms you’ll encounter at the vet, the groomer, and everywhere in between.
10 pet care terms defined and counting
Dog Anxiety
BEHAVIOR
Dog anxiety is a behavioral condition in which a dog experiences excessive fear, nervousness, or apprehension in response to specific triggers or situations. Common forms…
Dog Socialization
TRAINING
Dog socialization is the process of exposing a puppy or dog to a variety of people, animals, environments, sounds, and experiences in a positive and…
Feline Leukemia
HEALTH
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that infects cats and suppresses the immune system, making them vulnerable to secondary infections, anemia, and certain cancers….
Grain-Free Diet
NUTRITION
A grain-free diet for pets is a type of commercial pet food formulated without grains such as wheat, corn, rice, barley, and oats. These diets…
Heartworm Prevention
HEALTH
Heartworm prevention refers to the use of monthly medications — typically oral chewables, topical treatments, or injectable options — that protect dogs and cats from…
Kennel Cough
HEALTH
Kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis) is a highly contagious respiratory illness in dogs caused by a combination of bacteria and viruses. It produces a distinctive dry,…
Pet Insurance
INSURANCE
Pet insurance is a health insurance policy for your dog or cat that reimburses you for eligible veterinary expenses. Like human health insurance, plans typically…
Pet Microchipping
HEALTH
Pet microchipping is the implantation of a tiny radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip — about the size of a grain of rice — under your pet's…
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
HEALTH
A puppy vaccination schedule is a veterinarian-recommended timeline of core and non-core vaccines given to puppies during their first year of life. Core vaccines protect…
Spay vs Neuter
HEALTH
Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures that remove a pet's reproductive organs to prevent breeding. Spaying refers to the removal of a female animal's ovaries…