Pets Dictionary

agility trials: A growing competitive sport in which handlers lead their animals through a timed obstacle course with the use of voice and physical motions without the aid of a leash.

alpha: The lead position in a group, or the mentality and desire to become head of a pack. In the case of pets, the humans should be at the top of this pecking order.

American Kennel Club (AKC): A well-recognized organization that maintains standards and registration for a substantial list of recognized dog breeds with strict adherence to genetic purity.

American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA): The official organization that promotes recognized rabbit breeds and oversees licensing of judges.

anal glands: In animals, these are small sacs located on either side of the anus that contain an odorous substance that is used in self-defense and as a scent marker.

animal shelter: Usually a public-supported facility that accepts homeless, lost and abandoned animals and at one time was referred to as a "dog pound."

blown coat: A reference to the typically two times annually when a ferret has shed its old coat and the new coat has not yet fully grown in.

breed standard: An officially recognized set of characteristics by which any animal may be judged within its own specific breed; also called "bench standard."

bucks: Male rabbits.

castration: A common and recommended surgery that involves removal of the testicles in a male animal. Also called neutering or altering.

characteristics: A standard breed reference that helps identify and categorize an animal through its attitude and physical appearance.

Chelonian: A common professionally used term to refer to the family of turtles, terrapins and tortoises, which are members of the order Testudines.

clutch: A group of eggs from one laying by a bird or reptile.

cocks: Male birds, regardless of species.

cockatiel: A smaller member of the cockatoo family and a popular choice for a household pet.

companion dogs: Can be a reference to non-working canines that are generally household pets, but can also refer to those that have achieved competitive success in Novice A and B obedience trial classes and received the designation "C.D." after their names.

dam: Any number of female animals that have given birth.

dander: Small skin particles that animals shed that can become attached to fabric or become airborne and may cause allergic reactions in humans when inhaled.

declaw: An often controversial procedure in which a cat's claws are surgically removed from the nailbed to prevent destruction of furniture and fabrics. This leaves the animal defenseless. Also known as an "onychectomy."

descenting: The surgical removal of the anal sacs to prevent an animal, such as a ferret, from evacuating the glands when frightened.

dewclaw: An additional digit located on the inner sides of an animal's legs, usually the front and sometimes the back, and found in mammals, reptiles and birds.

docile: A calm temperament and important characteristic for any animal in a domestic environment.

doe: Female animal, such as a rabbit, that is capable of giving birth.

ectothermic: Describes cold-blooded animals, such as turtles, that need to rely on external temperatures and the environment to stay cool or warm.

Elizabethan collar: A cone-shaped protective device, typically plastic, used by veterinarians that attaches at an animal's neck to prevent it from licking or scratching at a wound or stitches.