Sable
A coat colour pattern in dogs, cats, and rabbits where individual hairs have dark tips.
Scurf
Dandruff or flaky skin is often seen in dogs, cats, or horses with dry coats.
Serpentine Gait
A wavy or slithering walking motion is seen in some reptiles and certain dog breeds.
Shadowing
A behaviour where a pet closely follows their owner everywhere.
Shivering Reflex
A natural reaction in small or thin-coated pets to generate body heat.
Shock Molt
A sudden shedding of feathers in birds due to stress or fear.
Sidewinding
A unique way certain dogs, like Greyhounds, run at high speeds with a diagonal motion.
Silkie
A unique, fluffy-feathered breed of chicken that is sometimes kept as a pet.
Slink Fur
A rare, extra-soft type of fur is found in newborn animals before their adult coats grow.
Slinking
A type of cautious, low-body movement seen in nervous or hunting cats.
Soft Mouth
A dog can carry objects gently without damaging them (common in retrievers).
Spinning
Repetitive behaviour in dogs is often due to excitement, anxiety, or herding instincts.
Splooting
When a dog or cat lies flat on their belly with their hind legs stretched out behind them.
Stridulation
The sound some insects or reptiles make by rubbing body parts together (e.g., crickets).
Submissive Grin
It is a rare but friendly behaviour where dogs show their teeth as a sign of appeasement.
Substrate
Bedding or flooring appropriate for reptiles, birds, or small animal habitats.
Sunning
When reptiles, birds, or even some dogs stretch out in the sun to regulate their body temperature.
Supperation
This is a rare term for particularly cats' vocalizations to summon their kittens.
Swayback
A spinal curvature is seen in older horses and some large dog breeds due to aging or genetics.
Sweat Glands (Paw Pads)
Dogs and cats only sweat through their paw pads, not their entire bodies.
Swishing Tail
A feline body language cue indicating excitement, irritation, or focus on prey.