dogs

Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs: Grades, Treatment, and Life Expectancy

Mast cell tumors (MCTs) are one of the most common malignant skin tumors in dogs. If you have found a new lump on your dog, you are not overreacting by wanting it checked quickly. Mast cell tumors can look like almost anything: a small, soft bump, a firm nodule, a scab that will not heal, or a...

Morkie (Maltese Yorkie Mix): Personality, Size, and Health Tips

The Morkie is a Maltese Yorkie mix, a tiny companion dog with a big heart and an even bigger opinion. In my work as a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas, I see a common theme with Morkies. They bond deeply, they love being close to their people, and they thrive when their routine is consistent....

Cavapoo Breed Guide

The Cavapoo is one of those dogs that seems to fit into almost any lifestyle, and there is a reason they are so popular. This designer mix combines the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle, often resulting in a small companion dog with a friendly temperament, a soft coat, and a strong...

Best Diet for Dogs With Liver Disease

Liver disease can feel scary because the liver does so many jobs at once: filtering toxins, helping with digestion, storing nutrients, and supporting the immune system. The good news is that nutrition can make a meaningful difference for many dogs. With the right diet, we can often reduce symptoms,...

Aussiedoodle (Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix)

The Aussiedoodle is what happens when you blend the Australian Shepherd’s work-driven temperament with the Poodle’s bright, people-focused personality. In real life, that often looks like a dog who is affectionate, athletic, and always ready for the next activity. As a veterinary assistant here...

Homemade Dog Food for Heart Disease

When your dog is diagnosed with heart disease, it can feel scary and overwhelming. I get it. As a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas, I have seen how much peace of mind people get when they can do something practical at home. The good news is that nutrition can support overall management,...

Coccidia in Dogs

Coccidia can sound scary, especially when your puppy has diarrhea and you are trying to figure out what changed. The good news is that coccidia is common, usually treatable, and very preventable with a few practical habits at home. As a veterinary assistant, I see it most often in puppies, newly...

Bernedoodles are one of those “best of both worlds” mixes that can truly fit into a lot of families. They blend the Bernese Mountain Dog’s gentle, people-focused personality with the Poodle’s brains and often a lower-shedding coat. But I always tell potential owners the same thing I tell...

Upset Stomach in Dogs: Care Guide

Few things worry a dog parent faster than vomiting, diarrhea, or that sad, “my tummy feels weird” look. The good news is that many mild upset stomachs in dogs resolve with simple, safe at-home care. The important part is knowing when to watch and support and when to call your veterinarian right...

How to Wean Puppies From Mom

Weaning is one of those puppy milestones that feels simple until you are living it. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I see the same worries over and over: Is it too soon? Are the puppies eating enough? Why is mom suddenly avoiding them? The good news is that most of what you are...

Giardia in Dogs: Care Tips for Pet Lovers

If your dog has ever had sudden diarrhea that seems to come out of nowhere, you have probably worried about giardia. I see this concern a lot, and for good reason. Giardia is common, it spreads easily, and it can make dogs (and sometimes people) pretty miserable. The good news is that with quick...

Treat Fleas on Dogs

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I can tell you this with a lot of compassion and a little bit of urgency: fleas are not just “itchy.” They can cause skin infections, trigger allergic reactions, spread tapeworms (usually when a dog swallows an infected flea), and in severe...

How Long Can a Puppy Be Left Alone?

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I hear this question all the time, and it makes sense. Puppies are adorable, but they are also babies. They need frequent potty breaks, gentle training, and a safe setup so they do not practice problem behaviors while you are gone. The encouraging...

Benadryl Dosage for Dogs

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I get asked about Benadryl for dogs all the time. It is one of those over-the-counter meds that can be genuinely helpful in the right situation, and genuinely risky if we guess the dose or use it when we should not. Let’s walk through the...

GERD Symptoms in Dogs

If your dog keeps lip-smacking, gulping, regurgitating, or acting uncomfortable after meals, it might be more than a “sensitive tummy.” One possible culprit is GERD, which stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease . As a veterinary assistant (Frisco, Texas), I have seen how frustrating...

Diet for Dogs With Diarrhea

Diarrhea is one of the most common reasons dog caregivers call a vet clinic, and I get it. It is messy, stressful, and it can make you worry fast. The good news is that many cases of mild diarrhea improve with the right short-term diet, smart hydration, and close observation. This guide focuses on...

What Can I Feed My Dog With Diarrhea?

When your dog has diarrhea, it is easy to feel worried and a little helpless. I get it. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I have seen how fast a mild tummy upset can turn into dehydration and fatigue, especially in small dogs and seniors. The good news is that many cases of simple...

What to Expect After Your Dog Gets Spayed

Spaying is one of the most common surgeries in veterinary medicine, and for most dogs it is a smooth, predictable recovery. Still, it can feel scary the first time you bring your dog home and she is sleepy, wobbly, and not quite herself. I am Shari Shidate, a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas,...

What Fruits Can Dogs Have

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I hear this question all the time: “What fruits can my dog have?” The encouraging answer is that many fruits can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet when you choose the right ones, serve them safely, and keep portions small. Fruit is not a...

How to Know If Your Dog Has Kidney Failure

Kidney disease can be sneaky. I have seen plenty of dogs still wagging their tails while their kidneys are quietly struggling behind the scenes. The “secrets” are not really secrets at all. They are patterns. Small changes at home, paired with the right veterinary tests, can help you catch...