dogs

Maltipoo vs Cavapoo

Choosing between a Maltipoo (Maltese + Poodle) and a Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Poodle) can feel a little like choosing between two great small coffees at your favorite shop. Both are affectionate, people-focused, and popular with families who want a smaller “doodle-type”...

Homemade Dog Food for Liver Disease

If your dog has liver disease, food can become part of the treatment plan. In my work as a veterinary assistant in Frisco, I have seen how the right diet can help a dog feel brighter, eat more willingly, and maintain a healthier weight while the medical team works on the underlying cause. The key...

Homemade Dog Food for Dogs With Cancer

When a dog is diagnosed with cancer, it can feel like the ground shifts under your feet. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I have sat with families through that first wave of fear and confusion. The good news is this: nutrition is one place where you can take meaningful, loving...

Roundworms in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Roundworms are one of the most common intestinal parasites I see talked about in clinics and rescues, especially in puppies. The good news is that roundworms are very treatable. The even better news is that with a simple prevention plan and a little yard and home cleanup, you can dramatically...

Leptospirosis Vaccine for Dogs: Is It Worth It?

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I hear this question all the time: “Do I really need the lepto vaccine?” The honest answer is: it depends on your dog’s lifestyle and your local risk. Leptospirosis is a preventable disease that can become life-threatening quickly, and it can...

Cockapoo vs Labradoodle

If you are deciding between a Cockapoo and a Labradoodle, you are already looking at two of the most beloved Poodle mixes for good reason. Both can be smart, affectionate, and family-friendly. But they are not interchangeable. Size, energy level, coat care, and predictability can be very different...

Epilepsy in Dogs: Diagnosis, Medication, and Long-Term Care

Seeing your dog have a seizure is scary, even when you do everything “right.” The most important thing to know is this: a single seizure does not automatically mean epilepsy . Epilepsy is a chronic condition, often defined as recurrent, unprovoked seizures over time. Many veterinary neurology...

Tapeworms in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

If you have ever spotted something that looks like tiny grains of rice near your dog’s rear end, on their bedding, or in their poop, your stomach probably dropped. The good news is that tapeworms in dogs are very common and very treatable. The catch is that treatment only truly “sticks” when...

Stages of Tracheal Collapse in Dogs

Tracheal collapse can feel scary because it often shows up as a sudden honking cough, gagging, or noisy breathing, especially in small breed dogs. As a veterinary assistant, I want you to know this: most dogs do best when we identify the grade of collapse, reduce triggers, and match treatment to...

Most Intelligent Dog Breeds Ranked by Trainability

When people search for the “most intelligent dog,” they are usually looking for one thing: a dog that learns fast and listens well. In veterinary clinics, we see the real-life impact of that kind of intelligence every day. Highly trainable dogs often thrive with structure, clear communication,...

Simparica Trio Side Effects in Dogs

As a veterinary assistant, I love when dog parents ask safety questions before giving any medication. Simparica Trio is a popular monthly chew that protects many dogs very well, but like any prescription parasite preventive, it can cause side effects in some pets. The goal is not to panic. It is to...

Best Small Dogs for Seniors Over 70

When you are over 70, the “best” dog usually is not the one with the flashiest coat or the biggest personality. It is the one who fits your energy level, your home, and your day-to-day routines. As a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas, I have seen how the right small, calm companion can...

Dog Pregnancy Week by Week

If you think your dog might be pregnant, you are probably watching her every move and wondering what is normal and what is not. Canine pregnancy is short and busy, typically about 62 to 64 days from ovulation (often quoted as 63 days on average), and a lot changes from week to week. Below is a...

Cluster Seizures in Dogs

Seeing your dog have a seizure is scary. Seeing more than one in a short window can feel downright panicky. Cluster seizures are a true veterinary emergency because the risk of overheating, reduced oxygenation (especially with prolonged seizures or airway compromise), aspiration, and status...

Belgian Malinois: Temperament, Training, and Care

The Belgian Malinois is athletic, brilliant, and intensely driven. In the right hands, they are one of the most capable working dogs on the planet. In the wrong home, they can become anxious, destructive, and difficult to manage and, in some situations, unsafe. As a veterinary assistant, I have...

Rhodesian Ridgeback: Size, Exercise, Lifespan, and Health

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a powerful, athletic hound with a big heart and a bigger need for purposeful exercise. They are famously loyal to their people, often reserved with strangers, and they do best with owners who enjoy training, structure, and daily activity. If you are considering a...

Cataracts in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and Living With Vision Loss

Cataracts are a common cause of cloudy-looking eyes and vision loss in dogs, especially as they age. The good news is that you can often spot them early, and many dogs do beautifully with treatment, monitoring, or simple lifestyle adjustments. As a veterinary assistant, I want you to feel confident...

Can Dogs Eat Cheese? Safe Types and Lactose Risks

Cheese is one of those foods that makes dogs look at us like we are holding treasure. The good news is that many dogs can eat small amounts of certain cheeses. The not-so-good news is that cheese can also trigger tummy trouble, add extra calories fast, and in a few cases can be genuinely dangerous....

Can Dogs Eat Rice? White vs. Brown and Safe Portions

Yes, most dogs can eat rice, and it can be a helpful, gentle carb when used the right way. In my experience in a vet clinic, rice comes up constantly in real life, especially in the classic “chicken and rice” bland diet for mild tummy trouble. The key is choosing the right type of rice, cooking...

Yes, dogs can eat salmon, and it can be a wonderful, nourishing protein when it is fully cooked . The big safety issue is that raw (or undercooked) salmon can be dangerous for dogs in certain regions because it can carry a parasite linked to a potentially fatal illness called salmon poisoning...