dogs

What Causes Parvo in Puppies

As a veterinary assistant, I wish every puppy parent could see how preventable parvo can be. Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that attacks fast-growing cells in the body, especially the lining of the intestines and the bone marrow. In puppies, that can turn into severe vomiting,...

Dog Blockage Symptoms

When a dog has a blockage, time matters. I have seen sweet, playful pups go from “a little off” (quieter than usual, skipping a meal) to truly sick within hours. The tricky part is that early blockage symptoms can look like a mild tummy upset, especially if your dog is the type who tries to...

What Should I Feed My Dog With Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is one of the most common reasons dog parents call the clinic. Sometimes it is a quick, mild tummy upset. Other times, it is your dog’s body waving a big red flag that they need help fast. The good news is that many mild cases improve with the right short-term diet, hydration, and close...

When Do Puppies Reach Full Size?

Puppies grow fast, then suddenly it feels like they slow down overnight. If you are wondering when your puppy will reach their full size , the honest answer is: it depends on their adult size, genetics, and overall health. The good news is you can usually make a pretty accurate estimate by looking...

Do Dogs Get Pneumonia

Pneumonia can happen in dogs, and it may be more common than many pet parents realize, especially in dogs who are prone to aspiration or already dealing with a respiratory infection. The good news is that most dogs do very well with prompt veterinary care and solid at-home support. As a veterinary...

Dogs Vomiting Yellow: Step-by-Step Answers

Seeing yellow vomit from your dog can be alarming, especially when it seems to come out of nowhere. In many cases, that yellow color is bile , a digestive fluid made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile is normally released into the small intestine to help digest fats, but when a dog...

Stop Puppy Crying at Night

Bringing home a puppy is equal parts joy and sleep deprivation. Nighttime crying is incredibly common, especially in the first days and weeks, because your puppy just went from sleeping in a warm pile of littermates to being alone in a new place with new sounds and smells. The good news: nighttime...

Dogs With Diarrhea Treatment Guide

Diarrhea is one of the most common reasons dog parents call a veterinary clinic, and I get it. It is messy, stressful, and it can feel urgent. The reassuring news is that many cases are mild and short-lived, especially when you respond quickly with the right at-home care. The important part is...

My Dog Gets the Hiccups a Lot

Hiccups can look funny at first, but if your dog gets them a lot, it is normal to wonder if something else is going on. In most dogs, hiccups are harmless and short-lived. But recurrent hiccups can also be a clue that your pup is eating too fast, feeling stressed, dealing with mild tummy...

Bright Yellow Dog Vomit: Family-Friendly Advice You Need

Seeing bright yellow vomit on the carpet is upsetting, especially when kids are watching and asking questions. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I want you to know two things can be true at once: yellow vomit is often caused by something simple, and sometimes it is a sign you should...

CCL Tear in Dogs Care Tips

A torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is one of the most common causes of knee-related hind-limb lameness in dogs, and it can feel scary, fast. One day your dog is running like normal, and the next they are toe-touching, limping, or refusing to put weight on a back leg. The good news is that with...

How to Tell If Your Dog Has Heartworms

Heartworm disease is one of those scary topics because the earliest stages can be quiet, and by the time symptoms show up, a dog may already have significant heart and lung damage. The good news is that heartworm disease is preventable , and it is detectable with a simple test at your veterinary...

Why Do Dogs Lick Me?

If you live with a dog, you have probably been “kissed” at least once. Sometimes it is sweet and gentle. Other times it feels like your pup is determined to wash your entire hand. So why do dogs lick us? As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I hear licking questions all the time. The...

Coconut Oil for Dogs’ Skin

If your dog’s skin is itchy, flaky, or just not looking its best, coconut oil might be on your radar. I get it. It feels like a simple, natural solution, and in some cases it truly can help. But coconut oil is not a cure-all, and using it the wrong way can make certain skin problems worse....

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Chicken Bones

It happens fast. One second your dog is sniffing the kitchen trash, the next they are crunching a chicken bone like it is a prize. As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you this is one of the most common panic calls we get. The good news is that many dogs do okay, but chicken bones can be...

How Dogs Act When in Heat

When a female dog is “in heat,” she is in the active phase of her estrous cycle . You may also hear people say she is “in season.” From a veterinary assistant perspective, the biggest takeaway is this: the heat period affects hormones, behavior, and the reproductive tract, so what you see...

How to Decide When to Put Your Dog Down

Making the decision to say goodbye is one of the hardest, most loving responsibilities we take on as dog parents. If you are searching for answers, it usually means your heart already knows something important: your dog is struggling, and you want to prevent suffering while still honoring their...

Can Dogs Get a UTI?

Yes, dogs can absolutely get urinary tract infections (UTIs). As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you this is one of those issues that can look “minor” at first, then quickly become painful and complicated if it is ignored. The good news is that most UTIs are very treatable, especially when...

Dog Vomiting Yellow Mucus: What It Means and What to Do

If you have ever watched your dog retch and bring up yellow, foamy mucus , you know it is alarming. The good news is that this specific type of vomit is often linked to bile , and many cases are manageable once you understand the likely triggers. The not-so-good news is that sometimes yellow vomit...

Toxic Fruits for Dogs: Need-to-Know Tips

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I see it all the time: a well-meaning family shares a “healthy” snack, and suddenly their dog is vomiting, acting wobbly, or worse. Fruit can be a wonderful treat for dogs, but a few specific fruits are truly dangerous, even in small amounts....