- Microchip
- A tiny rice-grain-sized implant placed under a pet's skin that stores a unique ID number. When scanned by a vet or shelter, the number is looked up in a registry to find the owner's contact details. It only works if the registry information is kept current.
- Microchip registry
- A database that links a microchip's ID number to the owner's contact details. A pet's chip and registry must match and be up to date for the chip to help reunite a lost pet.
- Digital pet identity (DID)
- A verified, portable digital identity for a pet that links their records, ownership and history in one place the owner controls — reducing reliance on scattered paperwork and single registries.
- E-Passport
- A digital version of a pet's identity and health documentation that can be shared electronically with vets, shelters, borders or carers, rather than relying on physical paperwork.
- Vaccination
- A treatment that helps a pet's immune system protect against specific infectious diseases. Core vaccines are recommended for most pets; non-core vaccines depend on lifestyle and risk.
- Booster
- A repeat vaccination given at intervals to maintain immunity over time. Your vet sets the schedule based on the vaccine, your pet and local guidelines.
- Titer test
- A blood test that measures the level of antibodies against a disease, which can help indicate existing immunity and inform vaccination decisions in consultation with your vet.
- FVRCP
- A common core combination vaccine for cats protecting against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia.
- DHPP
- A common core combination vaccine for dogs protecting against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parvovirus and parainfluenza.
- Spaying / neutering
- Surgical procedures that prevent reproduction — spaying for females, neutering for males. They also reduce certain health and behaviour risks; discuss timing with your vet.
- Brachycephalic
- Describes flat-faced breeds (such as French Bulldogs, Pugs and Persians) whose shortened skull and airways can cause breathing difficulty and heat sensitivity, requiring extra care.
- Hip dysplasia
- A common inherited condition, especially in larger breeds, where the hip joint develops abnormally and can lead to arthritis and pain. Maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce strain.
- Luxating patella
- A kneecap that slips out of place, common in small and toy breeds. Severity varies, and some cases need veterinary or surgical management.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- The most common heart disease in cats, in which the heart muscle thickens. Some breeds are predisposed, and screening helps with early detection.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV / bloat)
- A sudden, life-threatening emergency, mainly in large deep-chested dogs, where the stomach fills with gas and may twist. It requires immediate veterinary care.
- Zoonotic
- Describes a disease or parasite that can pass between animals and people. Good hygiene and preventive care reduce zoonotic risks.
- Body condition score (BCS)
- A standardised way vets assess whether a pet is underweight, ideal or overweight by feel and appearance, used to guide feeding and weight management.
- Double coat
- A coat with a soft insulating undercoat beneath a longer outer coat. Double-coated breeds shed seasonally and generally should not be shaved, as the coat regulates temperature.
- Hypoallergenic
- Loosely describes breeds that shed less or produce less loose dander and may be better tolerated by some allergy sufferers. No pet is truly allergen-free.
- Dander
- Tiny flecks of skin shed by animals that, along with proteins in saliva, are a common trigger for pet allergies.
- Dewormer
- A medication that treats or prevents internal parasites such as roundworms and tapeworms. Your vet recommends a schedule based on age, lifestyle and risk.
- Flea & tick prevention
- Regular products (topical, oral or collar) that protect pets from fleas and ticks, which can cause disease and discomfort. Year-round prevention is often advised.
- Dental disease
- Build-up of plaque and tartar leading to gum inflammation and tooth problems — very common in pets, especially small breeds. Regular tooth brushing and vet checks help prevent it.
- Wellness exam
- A routine preventive veterinary check-up that monitors weight, teeth, heart, and overall health to catch problems early, even when a pet seems well.
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