Glossary

Short, plain-language definitions of the terms used across Evergreen Friends.

Body-condition score

A hands-on, visual rating of a pet's fat cover and shape used to judge whether it is underweight, ideal, or overweight.

Brachycephalic

Having a short, flat skull and muzzle (as in French Bulldogs or Persian cats), which can bring breathing and heat-tolerance challenges.

Core vaccine

A vaccine recommended for essentially all pets because it protects against serious, widespread, or dangerous disease.

Double coat

A coat with a soft insulating undercoat beneath a coarser outer coat, which sheds seasonally and needs regular brushing.

Neutering

The surgical sterilisation of a pet; commonly used for the castration of a male animal.

Spaying

The surgical sterilisation of a female animal, typically removing the ovaries or ovaries and uterus.