Designer Mixes
About Shari Shidate
I’m Shari Shidate, a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas. Designer Mixes shares practical, prevention-focused guidance for mixed-breed dogs—wellness ro...
Complete List of Vegetables Dogs Can Eat (And Which To Avoid)
A practical guide to 61 vegetables dogs can eat, with simple prep and portion tips, caution notes for gassy greens, and a clear avoid list (alliums, wild mus...
18 Nutritious Homemade Dog Food Recipes (Meals and Treats)
Make your dog’s meals more nourishing with 18 homemade recipes for full meals and treats, plus clear safety rules, storage tips, and guidance to keep diets...
Ear Mites in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Home Care
Is your cat scratching and shaking their head? Learn the signs of ear mites, how vets diagnose them, the most effective treatments, and safe home care to pre...
Causes of Cat Itching and How to Stop It
From fleas and allergies to food sensitivities, ear mites, infections, dry skin, and stress—learn what cat itching looks like, safe steps to try at home, a...
Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds: Best Cats for Allergy Sufferers
No cat is truly hypoallergenic, but some breeds may be easier to tolerate. Explore Siberian, Balinese, Russian Blue, Rex, Sphynx, and practical HEPA and clea...
Why Do Cats Knead? Meaning and Behavior Explained
Cats knead for comfort, scent marking, bonding, and sometimes stress relief. Learn what kneading means, how to read body language, and what to do if claws, b...
Low Maintenance Pets: Easy Pets for Busy Owners
Find a pet that fits your schedule. This guide explains what “low maintenance” really means and compares adult cats, betta/community fish, geckos, and in...
Cane Corso Dog Breed: Temperament, Size, and Care Guide
A practical Cane Corso breed guide covering temperament, adult size, exercise and enrichment, training and socialization, grooming, nutrition, health risks, ...
Betta Fish Tank Mates: Safe and Unsafe Options
Learn which tank mates work best with bettas, which are hit-or-miss, and which to avoid. Includes tank size guidance, setup tips, and stress signs to watch for.
Why Does My Cat Lick Me? Affection or Something Else?
Cat licking can mean affection, grooming, attention-seeking, stress relief, or overstimulation. Learn 8 common causes, safety tips, and when a vet visit is b...
Cat Eye Discharge: Causes, Colors Explained, and Treatment
Noticed gunk in your cat’s eyes? Use this color guide (clear, white, yellow/green, brown, blood-tinged) to spot causes, clean safely at home, and know when...
Why Does My Dog Lick Me? Behavior Explained
Dog licking can mean affection, attention-seeking, stress relief, appeasement, or even discomfort. Learn what to look for, when it’s unsafe, and how to cur...
Cat Pregnancy: Signs, Timeline, and Care Guide
Wondering if your cat is pregnant? Learn early signs, how long pregnancy lasts, how vets confirm it, a week-by-week timeline, nutrition and nesting tips, and...
Why Do Dogs Hump? Causes and How to Stop It
Dog humping isn’t always sexual. Learn the most common triggers (excitement, stress, attention, habit, hormones), when to see a vet, and a step-by-step pla...
Why Is My Dog Whining? Common Causes and Solutions
Dog whining can signal excitement, attention-seeking, anxiety, pain, potty needs, or boredom. Learn how to read body language, spot red flags, and respond sa...
How to Get Rid of Cat Pee Smell Permanently
Cat urine odor comes back when uric acid crystals remain. Learn how to find hidden spots, blot correctly, use enzyme cleaners, treat each surface, and preven...
Dog Stroke: Warning Signs, Treatment, and Survival Chances
Sudden head tilt, wobbliness, nystagmus, or confusion can signal a dog stroke—or a dangerous mimic. Learn what to do immediately, how vets diagnose it, and...
How Long Do Cats Live? Indoor vs Outdoor Lifespan Explained
Indoor cats often live 12–18+ years, while outdoor cats face higher risks. Compare lifespan ranges and learn safety, enrichment, and vet-care tips to help ...
Why Is My Dog Shaking? Causes and When to Worry
From cold and excitement to pain, illness, toxins, and neurologic issues—learn what dog shaking looks like, how to tell tremors vs seizures, and when it’...