dogs
Browse articles in dogs on Designer Mixes

Cure for Diarrhea in Dogs
Diarrhea in dogs is common, stressful, and often messy. The good news is that most mild cases improve quickly with the right home care and a little detective work. As a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas, I have seen the full range, from simple diet slip-ups to true emergencies. This guide walks...
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Dog Hot Spots: How to Treat and Prevent Them
Hot spots can show up fast and feel dramatic. One day your dog is fine, and the next you notice a wet, angry-looking patch of skin that seems to spread by the hour. As a veterinary assistant (and lifelong pet lover), I can tell you this is one of the most common skin issues we see, especially in...
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What To Do When Your Dog Is Scared Of Thunder
Thunderstorms are loud, unpredictable, and packed with cues dogs notice more than we do. If your dog shakes, pants, hides, drools, barks, or tries to bolt when thunder hits, you are not being “dramatic” by taking it seriously. Storm fear is common, and for some dogs it can grow into true noise...
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Dog Addison’s Disease Care and Training Tips
Addison’s disease can sound scary, especially the first time you hear it at your veterinarian’s office. The good news is that with the right medication plan, smart routines, and gentle training, many dogs with Addison’s live full, happy lives. In my work as a veterinary assistant, I have seen...
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Lyme Disease in Dogs: Signs and What to Do
As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I can tell you one thing I see over and over: Lyme disease can be sneaky. Some dogs look perfectly fine after a tick bite, then weeks or even months later they start limping, acting tired, or running a fever. The good news is that when you know the...
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Will Chocolate Hurt Dogs?
As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I hear this question all the time, usually right after someone realizes a dog grabbed a brownie off the counter. The honest answer is: chocolate can absolutely hurt dogs , and in some cases it can be life-threatening. But not every exposure is an...
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Dog Vomiting Yellow Foam
Seeing your dog vomit yellow foam can be scary, especially when it seems to come out of nowhere. As a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas, I have talked with many worried pet parents about this exact issue. The good news is that yellow foam is commonly tied to stomach irritation or an empty...
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How to Treat a Dog With Parvo
Parvovirus, often called parvo , is one of the most serious illnesses we see in puppies and unvaccinated dogs. It attacks fast-dividing cells, especially in the intestines and bone marrow. That is why it can cause severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and dangerously low white blood cells....
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What Causes a Dog to Shiver
Shivering can look scary, especially when it comes out of nowhere. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I have seen shivering mean everything from “I’m cold” to “I need a vet today.” The good news is that many causes are simple and fixable. The key is knowing what to watch for...
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Stop Excited Peeing in Dogs
If your dog urinates when they are excited, you are not dealing with a “bad dog.” In my work as a veterinary assistant, I see this all the time, especially in puppies, adolescents, and sweet, sensitive dogs who love people a little too much. The good news is that excited urination is usually...
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Daily Symptoms of Heartworm in Dogs
Heartworm disease can feel confusing because many dogs look totally normal at first. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I have seen how often the earliest signs are subtle and easy to dismiss as “just getting older” or “a little out of shape.” The goal of this quick guide is...
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Signs Your Dog Has Parvo
Parvo is one of those words that can make any dog parent’s stomach drop, and for good reason. Canine parvovirus is highly contagious, can become life-threatening quickly, and often hits puppies the hardest. The reassuring part is that when owners recognize the early signs and get help fast, many...
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What To Do For A Puppy With Diarrhea
Diarrhea in puppies is common, but it is never something to ignore. Puppies dehydrate faster than adult dogs, and diarrhea can be your first clue that something is irritating the gut, stressing the body, or causing an infection. The good news is that many mild cases improve quickly with simple,...
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How to Stop Your Dog From Chewing Shoes
Shoe chewing is one of the most common behavior complaints I hear as a veterinary assistant, and I get it. It is frustrating, expensive, and sometimes even dangerous for your dog. The good news is that shoe chewing is very often improvable with a mix of management, training, and meeting your...
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What Causes Bladder Infections in Dogs
Bladder infections in dogs are common, uncomfortable, and usually treatable, but they can become serious if ignored. In the clinic, we often see pups who start with a small change like a few extra potty trips and end up with a painful urinary tract infection (UTI). The good news is that once you...
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Loving Dogs and Fleas
If you love dogs, you already know this truth: fleas do not care how clean your home is or how much you adore your pup. Fleas are opportunists. The good news is you can protect your dog with a calm, consistent plan that the whole household can follow safely. In this guide, I will walk you through...
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Puppy Poop Soft and Smelly
Soft, smelly puppy poop is one of the most common worries I hear from new pet parents. The good news is that most cases are fixable with a few targeted steps. The tricky part is knowing when it is a normal adjustment (new home, new food, new treats) and when it is a sign your puppy needs veterinary...
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Heartworm Symptoms in Dogs
Heartworm disease is one of those conditions I wish every pet parent understood before it ever becomes a problem. It is caused by a parasite (Dirofilaria immitis) spread by mosquito bites, and it can quietly damage the heart and lungs for months before you see obvious signs. The good news is that...
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Bloody Stool in Dogs: Causes, What It Means, and What to Do
Seeing blood in your dog’s stool can make your stomach drop, and I completely understand why. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I have talked with many families who noticed it suddenly and feared the worst. The good news is that bloody stool has a wide range of causes , from mild...
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Kennel Cough Symptoms and Care Tips
Kennel cough is one of those illnesses that can sound scarier than it usually is. The cough can be loud, dramatic, and persistent, and it often shows up right after a dog has been around other dogs. The good news is that most healthy dogs recover well with supportive care and a little patience. As...
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