dogs

Dog Sprayed by a Skunk: Family-Friendly Remedies, Fun Facts and Tips

If your dog just got sprayed by a skunk, take a deep breath. It is gross, yes, but it is also fixable. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I have seen plenty of “skunk incidents,” and the best outcomes come from doing a few simple things quickly, safely, and in the right order....

How to Untangle Matted Dog Hair

Mats happen to the best of dogs and the best of pet parents. A little friction from collars, harnesses, playtime, or a damp coat can turn into tight tangles fast, especially in doodles, poodles, spaniels, double-coated breeds, and long-haired mixes. The good news is that many mats can be safely...

When Should You Put a Dog to Sleep for Behavior?

As a veterinary assistant, I have sat with families making one of the hardest decisions they will ever face: when a beloved dog’s behavior has become so unsafe or so distressed that euthanasia is being discussed. If you are even searching this topic, you are not heartless. You are trying to...

How to Stop a Dog From Marking Inside the House

When a dog starts marking indoors, it can feel personal, frustrating, and honestly a little confusing. But in most cases, marking is not spite. It is communication. Dogs use urine to say, “I was here,” “this is mine,” or “I feel unsure about this space.” The good news is that with a...

How to Get Over the Loss of a Dog

Losing a dog changes the shape of your days. The quiet in the house feels louder. Your routines feel incomplete. And even when you know you gave your pup a beautiful life, the grief can still hit in waves that take you by surprise. As a veterinary assistant, I have seen how deep this bond runs....

Why Does My Dog Scratch His Ears?

If your dog is scratching at their ears, shaking their head, or rubbing their face on the carpet, you are not alone. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I see ear itching every week, and it often has an identifiable cause you can address with the right plan. The key is to figure out...

Why Do Dogs Scratch at Their Beds?

If you have ever watched your dog scratch, paw, or “dig” at their bed before curling up, you are not alone. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I see this question all the time because it looks so intentional. The good news is that, in most cases, bed scratching is normal canine...

Bloody Diarrhea in Dogs

Seeing blood in your dog’s stool can feel scary because it may signal anything from a mild stomach upset to a true emergency. As a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas, I’ve walked many families through this moment. The key is to stay calm, note the details, and act quickly when the warning...

How to Clean a Dog’s Ears

Ear cleaning sounds intimidating, but it is one of those simple habits that can make a big difference in your dog’s comfort and long-term health. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I have seen many ear problems that were preceded by mild wax buildup, trapped moisture, or a little...

Dog Scratching Home Remedies

If your dog is scratching nonstop, you are not alone. I see this all the time as a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, especially during allergy season. The good news is that many itchy dogs can get real relief at home once you figure out why they are itchy and you use safe, evidence-based...

Dog Coughing Up Yellow Mucus

If your dog is coughing up yellow mucus, it can feel alarming quickly. In my work as a veterinary assistant here in the Frisco, Texas area, I have seen this symptom range from a mild upper respiratory irritation to something that needs same-day veterinary care. Yellow mucus can reflect thicker...

Wellness Medicines for Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is one of those illnesses that can sound scarier than it is. It often shows up as a sudden, dry, honking cough that seems to come out of nowhere, especially after boarding, grooming, daycare, dog parks, or any place where lots of noses share the same air. The good news is that many...

Can You Give a Dog Imodium?

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I get this question a lot: Can I give my dog Imodium for diarrhea? Sometimes, yes. But only in the right dog, at the right dose, and for the right reason. Diarrhea can be something simple like a diet change or stress, but it can also be an emergency,...

Complete Treatment for Dogs With Lymphoma

If your dog has been diagnosed with lymphoma, I want you to hear this first: there are real, effective treatment options, and many dogs still feel like themselves during treatment. As a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas, I have seen how overwhelming those first appointments can be. My goal here...

Dog Liver Disease Symptoms: Help and Care

When a dog’s liver is struggling, the signs can be easy to miss at first and then suddenly feel urgent. As a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas, I’ve seen how much reassurance comes from knowing what to watch for, what to do next, and how to support your dog safely while you work with your...

Can a Dog Take Aspirin?

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I hear this question from caring families all the time: Can I give my dog aspirin? It feels like a simple, familiar medicine. But for dogs, aspirin is a medication that can help in limited situations and can also cause very real harm when used...

How to Make a Puppy Stop Whining

Puppy whining can tug at your heart and test your patience. The good news is that most whining is normal communication, not “bad behavior.” Puppies whine when they need something, feel unsure, or have not yet learned how to settle. With a few consistent routines and gentle training, you can...

Why Your Dog Is Coughing

If your dog is coughing, it can be anything from a simple throat irritation to something that needs veterinary care right away. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I always tell pet parents the same thing: a cough is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The good news is that with a few careful...

Senior Dementia in Dogs: Pet-Friendly Behavior Guide

Caring for a senior dog with dementia can feel heartbreaking and confusing. One day your sweet pup seems “mostly normal,” and the next they are pacing, staring at walls, or waking you up at 2 a.m. to wander the hallway. I am Shari Shidate, a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas, and I want you...

How to Get Skunk Smell Off a Dog

If your dog just got sprayed by a skunk, I know the feeling. It hits your nose first, then your whole house, then your clothes, and suddenly you are Googling at top speed. The good news is you can get the smell off your dog at home with the right steps and a little patience. The key is doing it...