dogs

Play biting is a very common reason families reach out for help, and I get it. Those puppy teeth are sharp, and even adult dogs can get mouthy when they are excited. The good news is that most play biting is a normal, fixable behavior when you use consistent, kind training and set your dog up for...

A dog with an upset stomach can go from perfectly playful to looking miserable in a matter of hours. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I see tummy troubles every single week, and the good news is that many mild cases resolve with calm, supportive care at home. The tricky part is...

Hypothyroidism is one of those conditions that can sneak up on you. Many dogs do not look “sick” in an obvious way at first. Instead, guardians notice slow changes like weight gain, low energy, a dull coat, or recurring skin issues. As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you this is a common...

Seeing your puppy throw up their food can be scary, and I want you to know you are not alone. In veterinary clinics, vomiting is one of the most common reasons puppy parents call in. The tricky part is that the cause can be simple (ate too fast) or serious (blockage, infection, parasites). This...

When your dog has an upset stomach, it can become scary quickly. One minute they are their normal, happy selves, and the next you are hearing gurgling sounds, seeing grass eating, or dealing with vomiting or diarrhea. I am Shari Shidate, a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas, and here is the...

Arthritis is one of those conditions that can sneak up on dogs and families. Many pups do not cry out. Instead, they quietly change their habits, avoid certain movements, and compensate in ways that can look like “slowing down” or “being stubborn.” The good news is that when you know what...

Bringing home a rescue dog is one of the most meaningful things you can do. It is also a big change for your dog, even if they seem excited on day one. Most rescue pups have experienced at least one major life disruption, and your job in these early days is simple: create safety, predictability,...

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I have seen something over and over. Dogs are incredibly good at loving us, and often very quiet about their discomfort until they cannot be anymore. If you are searching for end of life signs, you are not being dramatic. You are being attentive....

As a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas, I get this question all the time: what age can you give a puppy a bath? For many puppies, around 8 weeks old is a reasonable first “true bath” milestone, but the safest answer depends on your puppy’s health, size, temperature control, vaccines, coat...

If you have ever watched your dog sit down and scoot her bottom across the floor, you are not alone. It is common, usually fixable, and it is your dog’s way of saying, “Something back here feels itchy, full, or uncomfortable.” In veterinary medicine we call this behavior scooting . Sometimes...

Pancreatitis can feel like it comes out of nowhere. One day your dog is begging for snacks, and the next they are vomiting, seeming painful, and refusing food. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I can tell you this is one of those conditions where fast, calm action really matters. The...

Puppies grow fast, and the early weeks can feel like a blur of naps, zoomies, and learning curves. The good news is that most puppy challenges are normal developmental milestones, not “bad behavior.” When you know what to expect and how to respond, you can keep your home pet-friendly, your...

If your dog is scratching nonstop, you are not imagining it. Chronic itch is one of the most common reasons families end up at the vet, and it can make everyone miserable, including your dog. The good news is that most itchy dogs improve a lot once you identify the trigger and follow a simple,...

Skunk spray is one of those dog moments you never forget. The smell is intense, it sticks to fur, and it can make even calm dogs panic. But here is the reassuring truth I have seen again and again as a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas: with the right first aid steps and a simple behavior plan,...

Choking is one of the scariest emergencies a pet parent can face because it can turn serious in seconds. The good news is that you can learn what to look for and what to do, calmly and step by step. As a veterinary assistant, I always tell families the same thing: act quickly, but do not panic....

Saying goodbye to a dog is one of the hardest decisions we ever make. If you are here because you are wondering, “How do I know when it’s time?” I want you to know two things: you are not alone, and you are not “giving up.” In veterinary medicine, euthanasia is considered a final act of...

If you love dogs, you want them feeling comfortable in their own skin and energized for all the fun stuff: walks, playtime, and couch cuddles. Hookworms can quietly steal that comfort. They are tiny intestinal parasites that attach to the lining of a dog’s small intestine and feed on blood. In...

Seeing your dog get bitten is scary. The good news is that many bite wounds heal very well when you respond quickly and thoughtfully. As a veterinary assistant, I have seen the best outcomes happen when owners do three things right away: separate the dogs safely, check for injuries you cannot see...

When people say “Alzheimer’s in dogs,” they are usually talking about Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD). It is a brain aging condition that can look a lot like human dementia: confusion, disrupted sleep, accidents in the house, and personality changes. As a veterinary assistant, I want you...

If your dog suddenly sounds like something is stuck in their throat, you are probably thinking one thing: kennel cough. As a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas, I can tell you this is one of the most common reasons pet parents call in worried. The good news is that most dogs recover well with...