dormir
Dormir means to sleep. Use it to talk about rest, recovery, and a pet getting enough sleep.
Common Phrases
- necesitar dormir — to need to sleep
- dormir bien — to sleep well
Example
Hoy necesita dormir un poco mas.
Today it needs to sleep a bit more.
Common Mistake
Do not translate word-for-word as hacer dormir. Use dormir or necesitar dormir.
el pelo
El pelo means the fur (or hair). In pet care, it often refers to a coat that you brush or keep clean.
Common Phrases
- cepillar el pelo — to brush the fur
- tener el pelo suave — to have soft fur
Example
Cepillo el pelo con cuidado.
I brush the fur carefully.
Common Mistake
Avoid mixing it with la piel (skin). For fur, use el pelo, not la piel.
el premio
El premio means the treat or reward. It is common in training to reinforce good behavior.
Common Phrases
- dar un premio — to give a treat/reward
- premio pequeno — small treat
Example
Doy un premio despues del paseo.
I give a treat after the walk.
Common Mistake
Do not use un regalo for training treats. Use un premio for a reward.
jugar
Jugar means to play. With pets, it often means interactive play that provides exercise and mental stimulation.
Common Phrases
- jugar con el perro — to play with the dog
- jugar un rato — to play for a while
Example
Me gusta jugar un rato en casa.
I like to play for a while at home.
Common Mistake
Do not say jugar con plus a direct sport. Use jugar + sport (no con), but for pets use jugar con + animal/person.
feliz
Feliz means happy. Use it to describe a pet that feels safe, relaxed, and content.
Common Phrases
- estar feliz — to be happy
- muy feliz — very happy
Example
Esta feliz con su cama.
It is happy with its bed.
Common Mistake
Do not use ser feliz for a temporary mood. For how it feels now, use estar feliz.
el pienso
El pienso means pet food (usually dry kibble). It is common for dogs and cats.
Common Phrases
- comprar pienso — to buy pet food
- pienso para perros — dog food
Example
Compro pienso de buena calidad.
I buy good-quality pet food.
Common Mistake
Do not confuse it with pienso meaning I think. As a noun, use el pienso.
la correa
La correa means the leash. It is essential for safe walks and control outdoors.
Common Phrases
- llevar la correa — to carry the leash
- poner la correa — to put on the leash
Example
Pongo la correa para salir.
I put on the leash to go out.
Common Mistake
Do not use el correa. The correct gender is la correa.
suave
Suave means soft. Use it for fur, beds, blankets, and anything with a gentle texture.
Common Phrases
- cama suave — soft bed
- pelo suave — soft fur
Example
La manta es suave.
The blanket is soft.
Common Mistake
Do not confuse suave with dulce. Use suave for texture, not taste.