dogs

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Dogs

When a dog has ongoing vomiting, diarrhea, gassiness, or weight loss, it can feel like you are stuck on a frustrating loop of “better for a week, then back to square one.” Chronic GI signs have a long list of possible causes, but one common long-term cause (especially after the basics like...

Dog Aggression Toward Other Dogs

Seeing your dog stiffen, lunge, or erupt into barking when another dog appears can feel scary and embarrassing. I get it. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I have talked with many loving pet parents who worry they have a “bad” dog. The truth is, dog-on-dog aggression is a...

Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

If your dog seems perfectly fine all winter, then suddenly starts licking paws nonstop in spring or gets a red, bumpy belly after rolling in the grass, seasonal allergies may be the culprit. As a veterinary assistant, I see this pattern all the time, especially in active dogs who spend a lot of...

Urinary Incontinence in Spayed Dogs

If your spayed female dog is leaving wet spots where she sleeps, or you notice a little urine dribbling when she is resting, you are not imagining it and you are not alone. As a veterinary assistant, I have talked with many loving owners who feel confused or even guilty about this change. The...

Puppy Not Eating: Common Causes and When to Worry

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, and it can also be a little nerve-wracking when they turn their nose up at dinner. The good news is that a brief dip in appetite is common, especially during the first few days after rehoming. The not-so-good news is that puppies can get dehydrated and low...

Puppy Feeding Chart by Age and Weight

Puppies grow fast, and their calorie needs change just as quickly. The easiest way to feed confidently is to use three anchors at the same time: your puppy’s age , their current weight , and their body condition (how lean or chubby they look and feel). This guide gives you a practical feeding...

Weimaraner Energy, Exercise, and Health

The Weimaraner is famous for that sleek silver-gray coat and soulful stare, but the trait that shapes daily life the most is energy. This is an athletic, people-focused sporting and pointing breed that often needs around 2 or more hours of daily activity (exercise plus training and enrichment) to...

Shorkie (Shih Tzu Yorkie Mix): Personality, Size, and Health Tips

If you are looking for a small dog with a big heart and an even bigger opinion, the Shorkie might be your perfect match. This Shih Tzu Yorkie mix often blends the Shih Tzu’s cuddly, people-focused nature with the Yorkshire Terrier’s bold, alert, take-charge energy. The result is a pint-sized...

Poochon (Bichon Frise Poodle Mix): Personality, Size, and Health

The Poochon, also called a Bichpoo, is a Bichon Frise and Poodle mix known for a soft, often low-shedding coat and an upbeat, people-loving personality. In my work as a veterinary assistant, I think of the Poochon as an always-by-your-side companion: affectionate, bright, and usually happy to trade...

Whippet Temperament, Speed, and Care

Whippets look like miniature racehorses in dog form, but living with one often surprises people in the best way. Yes, they can hit breathtaking speeds in a sprint. But in most homes, a Whippet is a gentle, affectionate “shadow dog” who loves soft blankets, quiet companionship, and a predictable...

Irish Doodle Temperament, Energy, and Care

The Irish Doodle is a mix of two famously people-oriented dogs: the Irish Setter and the Poodle. When you blend the Setter’s happy-go-lucky enthusiasm with the Poodle’s intelligence and athleticism (Poodles were originally water retrievers), you often get a companion who is friendly, energetic,...

Can You Give a Dog Pepto Bismol? Dosage and Safety

If you have ever watched your dog pace, lick their lips, or rush outside with diarrhea, you know how helpless it can feel. Pepto Bismol is a common human over-the-counter stomach remedy, and many pet parents wonder if it is safe for dogs. In some cases, veterinarians do use bismuth subsalicylate...

Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for Allergy Sufferers

If you love dogs but allergies make you miserable, you are not alone. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I meet families every week who want a dog that is easier on the nose and eyes. The good news is that there are breeds and designer mixes that may work better for some allergy...

Akita: Temperament, Loyalty, and Care Guide

The Akita is one of those breeds that leaves a lasting impression. Powerful, dignified, and deeply loyal, an Akita can be a devoted companion who takes family protection seriously. At the same time, this is not a “go with the flow” dog. Akitas are independent thinkers with strong instincts, and...

Bordoodle Temperament, Size, and Care

Bordoodles are a Border Collie Poodle mix known for big brains, big energy, and a strong desire to be involved in everything you do. When they are well matched with an active home and given consistent training, they can be incredible companions. When they are under-exercised or under-stimulated,...

Homemade Dog Food for Dogs With Epilepsy

When a dog has seizures, it can feel like your whole life shrinks down to one question: What can I do to help? Medication is often the foundation of treatment, but nutrition can play a supportive role for some dogs, especially when it is planned with your veterinarian or a board-certified...

Splenic Tumors in Dogs: Symptoms, Emergencies, and Treatment

As a veterinary assistant, I have seen how quickly a “normal day” can turn into an emergency when a dog has a splenic mass. The tricky part is that splenic tumors may not cause obvious signs until bleeding occurs, and then the symptoms can look like sudden weakness, collapse, or a dog who...

Fish Oil for Dogs

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I can tell you one supplement comes up again and again in real clinic conversations: fish oil. When it is chosen well and dosed correctly, omega-3s can make a noticeable difference in a dog’s skin, coat, joints, and sometimes even certain...

Bernedoodle vs Goldendoodle

If you are deciding between a Bernedoodle and a Goldendoodle, you are already in a very good place. Both mixes can be affectionate, people-oriented, and wonderfully trainable. The best fit usually comes down to three everyday realities: size, temperament, and the time and budget you can truly...

Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs: Symptoms, Stages, and What to Expect

Hemangiosarcoma is one of the most heartbreaking cancers we see in dogs because it often grows silently and is discovered during an emergency. As a veterinary assistant, I have watched families go from “He was fine yesterday” to facing big decisions in a single afternoon. The good news is that...