Dog Health Glossary

Association of American Feed Control Officials. Sets minimum nutritional standards for commercial pet foods. When a food is "AAFCO complete and balanced", it meets these minimum requirements for the stated life stage.

A condition where the blood becomes too acidic (pH below 7.35). In dogs, can result from kidney disease, diabetes, toxin ingestion, or severe diarrhoea. Requires veterinary diagnosis and treatment.

The most abundant protein in blood plasma. Low albumin (hypoalbuminaemia) indicates poor nutrition, liver disease, or protein-losing conditions. Monitored in critically ill dogs.

Mutual grooming behaviour between dogs. Normal social bonding activity. Excessive allogrooming of one area may indicate a skin or pain issue in the target dog.

Reduction in red blood cells or haemoglobin. Causes include blood loss, haemolysis, or bone marrow failure. Signs: pale gums, lethargy, rapid breathing. Requires veterinary diagnosis.

Hereditary tendency to develop allergic reactions. In dogs, this typically presents as skin irritation, itching, and paw licking rather than respiratory symptoms as in humans.

Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. A raw feeding approach based on meaty bones, organs, and muscle meat proportioned to mimic ancestral canine diet. Nutritional balance requires careful planning.

Body Condition Score. A 9-point scale (1=emaciated, 9=obese) used to assess body fat. Ideal BCS is 4–5. Ribs should be easily felt but not seen. Used globally by veterinary practices.

The proportion of a nutrient that is actually absorbed and used by the body. Cooking can increase or decrease bioavailability depending on the nutrient. Important when comparing raw vs cooked dog food.

Describes breeds with shortened skulls and flat faces — Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus. These breeds have specific anaesthetic risks and exercise tolerance limitations.

Abnormally slow heart rate. In dogs, normal resting heart rate is 60–140 bpm depending on size. Bradycardia may indicate cardiac disease, hypothermia, or drug effects.

Severe muscle wasting and weight loss associated with chronic disease (cancer, heart disease, kidney disease). Different from simple starvation — involves inflammatory processes degrading muscle.

The number of calories (kcal) per unit weight or volume of food. High caloric density foods require smaller portions. Dry kibble typically 300–400 kcal/100g; wet food 70–100 kcal/100g.

Age-related neurological condition in older dogs. Similar to Alzheimer's in humans. Signs include disorientation, altered sleep cycles, reduced interaction, and house training accidents.

Surgical removal of testicles (male sterilisation). Also called orchiectomy. Affects hormone levels, may influence behaviour, reduces certain cancer risks. Timing recommendations vary by breed and size.

Complete Blood Count. A standard blood test measuring red cells, white cells, and platelets. Used to assess infection, anaemia, clotting ability, and general health status.

Coefficient of Inbreeding. A percentage indicating the probability that two copies of a gene are identical by descent. Lower COI (under 6.25%) generally associated with better health outcomes.

Constant Rate Infusion. Continuous intravenous delivery of drugs at a steady rate — used for pain management (opioids), sedation, and vasopressor support during anaesthesia or critical care.

Daily Energy Requirement. The total calories a dog needs per day, calculated by multiplying RER by a life stage/activity factor. Accounts for age, neutering, and activity level.

Core canine vaccine combination: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza. Often given as a single injection. Typically given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks, then every 1–3 years.

Difficulty breathing. Manifests as laboured breathing, extended neck, blue-tinged gums (cyanosis), or open-mouth breathing at rest. Always a veterinary emergency.

Electrocardiogram. Records the electrical activity of the heart. Used to diagnose arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, and electrolyte imbalances. Normal canine HR: 60–140 bpm.

Outward rolling of the eyelid, exposing the conjunctiva. Common in Bloodhounds, Basset Hounds, Saint Bernards. Can cause chronic eye irritation and infection.

Minerals in body fluids carrying electrical charge — sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate. Imbalances cause serious health problems. Monitored in ill or dehydrated dogs.

Inward rolling of the eyelid causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea. Causes pain, discharge, and corneal ulcers. Common in Shar-Peis, Chow Chows, Retrievers.

Death of apparently healthy neonatal puppies in the first two weeks of life. Causes include infections, congenital defects, poor nutrition, hypothermia, or inadequate milk intake.

Intravenous or subcutaneous administration of fluids to correct dehydration, support blood pressure, or deliver medications. Rate and fluid type depend on patient status.

Leaving food available at all times, allowing a dog to eat whenever it wants. Can lead to obesity in many dogs. Not recommended for multi-dog households or dogs prone to weight gain.

Surgical attachment of the stomach to the body wall to prevent GDV (bloat). Commonly performed prophylactically in giant breeds (Great Danes, German Shepherds) at the time of neutering.

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus. Life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and rotates. Most common in large, deep-chested breeds. Requires emergency surgery. Signs: distended abdomen, unproductive retching.

The period of pregnancy in dogs, typically 63 days (58–68 days) from ovulation. Divided into three trimesters. Whelping box should be prepared by day 58.

The percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells. Normal range: 37–55% in dogs. Low = anaemia; high = dehydration or polycythaemia. Key diagnostic indicator.

Malformation of the hip joint where the ball and socket don't fit together correctly. Hereditary and environmental causes. Common in Labradors, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers.

Body temperature above normal (>39.2°C / 102.5°F). Mild hyperthermia = fever; severe = heat stroke. Dogs cannot sweat — they cool primarily by panting. Extremely dangerous in brachycephalic breeds.

Abnormally low blood glucose. Common in toy breeds, neonates, and diabetic dogs on insulin. Signs: weakness, trembling, seizures, coma. Rub honey on gums and go to vet immediately.

Having a weakened immune system. These dogs are more susceptible to infections and may react poorly to live vaccines. Causes include disease, medication, or genetic factors.

Mating of closely related individuals. Increases homozygosity (identical gene copies), which can unmask recessive diseases. Measured using COI (Coefficient of Inbreeding).

Infectious tracheobronchitis. Highly contagious respiratory infection caused by multiple pathogens. Produces a distinctive honking cough. Usually self-limiting; severe cases need antibiotics.

Standard unit of food energy. Often written as "kcal" or colloquially "calorie" (capital C). A 10kg moderately active adult dog needs approximately 400–500 kcal/day.

Lethal Dose 50 — the dose of a substance that is fatal to 50% of test animals. Used to define toxicity thresholds in our emergency calculators. Lower LD50 = more toxic.

Bacterial infection spread through infected urine (often from rats/wildlife). Can cause liver and kidney failure. Vaccine available but not always included in standard protocols — discuss with your vet.

Luteinising Hormone surge. The hormonal trigger for ovulation in female dogs, occurring approximately 24–48 hours before ovulation. Detected by blood test to optimise breeding timing.

Misalignment of teeth. In dogs, this can cause mouth pain, difficulty eating, or injuries to soft tissues. Common in brachycephalic breeds and small dogs with large teeth.

Acid-base disorder where the blood pH falls below normal due to metabolic causes. Commonly seen in kidney disease, diabetes (ketoacidosis), or toxin ingestion.

Implantation of a small RFID chip under the skin. Provides permanent identification — linked to a national database. Required by law in many countries. Should be registered and kept updated.

Abnormal heart sound caused by turbulent blood flow. Graded 1–6 in intensity. Some are benign (flow murmurs in puppies); others indicate structural heart disease requiring monitoring.

Abnormal uncontrolled cell growth — the medical term for tumours/cancer. Can be benign (non-spreading) or malignant (invasive/metastatic). Most common in older dogs.

Surgical sterilisation — spaying (female: removal of ovaries/uterus) or castration (male: removal of testicles). Timing recommendations vary by breed and size — discuss with your vet.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug. Reduces pain and inflammation. Dog-specific NSAIDs include carprofen, meloxicam, grapiprant. NEVER give human NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) — toxic to dogs.

The fertile period of a female dog's reproductive cycle when she will accept mating. Typically occurs twice yearly, lasting 7–10 days. Optimal breeding window is day 10–14 of the cycle.

Reduced urine output (below 1 ml/kg/hour). Indicates kidney dysfunction, dehydration, or urinary obstruction. Requires urgent veterinary evaluation.

Highly contagious, often fatal viral infection affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Most dangerous in unvaccinated puppies. Signs: severe bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargy. Vaccination is critical.

Packed Cell Volume. Essentially the same as haematocrit — the percentage of blood that is red cells. Normal: 37–55%. Quick bedside test available via centrifuge.

Excessive thirst (drinking more than 100ml/kg/day). Often paired with polyuria. Key sign of diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, Cushing's disease, or hypercalcaemia.

Excessive urination. Closely linked with polydipsia. Important diagnostic indicator of systemic disease — diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, hypoadrenocorticism.

Protrusion of the lower jaw beyond the upper jaw (underbite). Normal in some breeds (Bulldogs, Boxers) but a fault in others. Can cause eating difficulties if severe.

Life-threatening uterine infection common in intact middle-aged to older female dogs. Signs: increased thirst, lethargy, vaginal discharge. Requires emergency spay. Prevented by spaying.

Resting Energy Requirement. The calories a dog needs to maintain basic bodily functions at rest. Formula: 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75. The starting point for all canine calorie calculations.

Passive, effortless expulsion of undigested food from the oesophagus. Different from vomiting (which involves abdominal contractions). Suggests oesophageal disease (megaoesophagus, etc).

Life-threatening infection-triggered systemic inflammatory response. Signs: fever or hypothermia, rapid breathing, collapse, altered mentation. Veterinary emergency requiring intensive care.

The demographic description of a patient: species, breed, age, sex, and reproductive status. The first information recorded in any veterinary consultation. Used to calculate drug doses.

Abnormal narrowing of a passage — e.g. pulmonic stenosis (heart), pyloric stenosis (stomach outlet), tracheal stenosis. Severity determines whether treatment is needed.

Abnormally fast heart rate. In dogs, typically defined as >160 bpm (large breeds) or >180 bpm (small breeds) at rest. Can indicate pain, fever, anaemia, or cardiac disease.

The toxic compound in chocolate. Dogs metabolise it far more slowly than humans. Dark chocolate and cooking chocolate are most dangerous. White chocolate contains very little.

Blood test measuring antibody levels to determine if a dog has adequate protection against a disease. Can replace some booster vaccinations if titres are sufficient.

Blood measurement of all proteins combined (albumin + globulins). High total protein may indicate dehydration or infection; low indicates nutritional deficiency or liver/kidney disease.

Laboratory analysis of urine. Provides information on kidney function, urinary tract infections, diabetes, and hydration status. A key component of a wellness blood panel.

Hives — raised, itchy welts on the skin. An acute allergic reaction. Usually triggered by insect bites, vaccines, or food. Often self-resolving but may require antihistamines.

Disorder of the balance system (inner ear or brainstem). Signs: sudden head tilt, falling, circling, nystagmus (rapid eye movement). Can look like a stroke but often resolves without treatment.

Twisting of an organ on its axis, cutting off blood supply. Gastric volvulus (GDV) is the most critical. Intestinal volvulus also occurs. Both are surgical emergencies.

The act of a dog giving birth. Average litter size 4–6 puppies. Gestation ~63 days. Puppies should arrive every 20–60 minutes. If more than 4 hours between puppies, seek veterinary advice.

World Small Animal Veterinary Association. International veterinary body that publishes global guidelines on nutrition, vaccination, parasitology, and pain management. Our calculators reference WSAVA guidelines.

Artificial sweetener highly toxic to dogs. Found in sugar-free gum, peanut butter, baked goods, and dental products. Causes rapid insulin release, hypoglycaemia, and liver failure. Very low toxic dose.

Disease transmissible between animals and humans. Examples: rabies, leptospirosis, ringworm, salmonella, campylobacter, toxocara. Regular vet checks and hygiene reduce transmission risk.