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Pet Care Glossary

Everything you need to know about pet health, nutrition, and care. Browse terms A-Z or search for a specific topic.

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A

Adoption General
The process of becoming the legal owner of a pet, often from a shelter or rescue organization. Paws Source supports local rescues and encourages adoption.
AKC (American Kennel Club) General
A registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States. While not required for all dogs, some owners use it for breeding records and competitions.
Anal Glands Health
Sacs on either side of a pet's anus that produce a smelly fluid. They sometimes require manual expression by a groomer or vet if they become impacted.

B

Boarding Service
Overnight care for your pet when you are away. Paws Source offers secure, comfortable boarding facilities with 24/7 monitoring.
Behavioral Assessment Health
An evaluation by a professional to understand a pet's behavioral issues, such as aggression or anxiety, to create a training plan.
Biotin Nutrition
A B-vitamin often added to pet supplements to support healthy skin, coat, and nails.

C

Coat Conditioning Grooming
Treatments applied during grooming to soften the fur, reduce static, and improve shine. Available in our professional grooming packages.
Consultation Service
A meeting with a vet or expert. Paws Source offers 24/7 virtual vet consultations for immediate advice.
Calories (kcal) Nutrition
The unit of energy in food. Proper calorie intake is crucial to prevent obesity. Use our nutrition calculator to find the right amount for your pet.

D

Dewclaws Health
Extra toes located higher up on a pet's leg, similar to human thumbs. They may need trimming during grooming.
Deworming Health
Administering medication to eliminate intestinal parasites like roundworms or tapeworms. Regular deworming is essential.
Dry Food Nutrition
Kibble. A convenient, shelf-stable diet option that helps maintain dental health by reducing plaque buildup.

E

Electrolytes Health
Minerals in the body that carry an electric charge. Important for hydration, especially after exercise or illness.
Enrichment General
Activities or toys that simulate a pet's natural behaviors, preventing boredom and promoting mental health.

F

Flea Preventative Health
Medications or treatments used to stop fleas from infesting a pet. Paws Source carries vet-approved brands.
Food Sensitivity Nutrition
An immune reaction to a specific ingredient in food, often causing skin issues or digestive upset. A limited ingredient diet may help.

G

Grooming Service
The practice of keeping a pet's fur, nails, teeth, and ears clean and trimmed. See our full range of grooming services.
Geriatric Health
Refers to elderly pets. Senior pets often need specific nutrition, joint support, and more frequent vet checks.

H

Heartworm Health
A serious parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Prevention medication is critical and widely available.
Hematoma Health
A collection of blood outside the blood vessels, often seen as a swollen flap in a dog's ear, usually requiring vet attention.

K

Kibble Nutrition
Small, dry, compressed pieces of food for cats and dogs. The most common form of commercial pet food.
Kennel Cough Health
A highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs, often contracted in boarding facilities. Symptoms include a harsh, dry cough.

M

Microchip General
A tiny electronic device implanted under a pet's skin for permanent identification. Scannable by vets and shelters.
Moisture Content Nutrition
The percentage of water in pet food. Wet food has higher moisture content, which can aid hydration for cats.

N

Neutering Health
Surgical removal of a male pet's reproductive organs. Helps control population and reduces certain health risks.
Nutrition Plan Service
A personalized dietary recommendation based on your pet's age, breed, weight, and health conditions. Available via our Paws Pro plan.

P

Paw Balm Grooming
A moisturizing cream applied to paw pads to protect them from ice, salt, hot pavement, or dryness.
Parvovirus Health
A dangerous, highly contagious virus affecting dogs, primarily unvaccinated puppies. Vaccination is the best prevention.
Puppy/Kitten General
The juvenile stage of dogs and cats respectively. They require specific nutritional formulas and socialization.

S

Spaying Health
Surgical removal of a female pet's reproductive organs. Prevents unwanted litters and reduces risk of uterine infections.
Socialization General
The process of exposing a young pet to different people, animals, and environments to build confidence and reduce fear.
Supplements Nutrition
Additions to a pet's diet to provide extra nutrients, such as omega oils, probiotics, or glucosamine for joints.

T

Ticks Health
Parasites that attach to the skin and feed on blood. They can transmit diseases like Lyme disease. Regular checks are important.
Teeth Cleaning Service
Dental hygiene procedures ranging from daily brushing to professional scaling under anesthesia to prevent periodontal disease.

V

Vaccination Health
A biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease. Core vaccines are essential.
Vet Telehealth Service
Remote veterinary care via video or phone. Paws Source offers 24/7 access to certified vets for non-emergency advice.

W

Wellness Exam Health
A routine checkup for a healthy pet to monitor weight, heart rate, teeth, and overall condition, usually recommended annually.
Wet Food Nutrition
Moist, canned, or pouch-based pet food. Often higher in protein and water content, appealing to picky eaters.