dogs
Browse articles in dogs on Designer Mixes

Why Is My Dog Vomiting?
Seeing your dog vomit can be upsetting, especially when it happens out of the blue. The good news is that many causes are mild and short-lived. The hard part is knowing when it is a simple tummy upset and when it is an emergency. As a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas, I always tell pet parents...
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Top Toxic Fruits For Dogs
As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I get asked this all the time: “Which fruits are actually dangerous for dogs?” Fruit can be a wonderful treat, but a few common ones can cause anything from an upset stomach to kidney failure. This list focuses on the fruits I most want you to...
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20 Fruits To Safely Feed Your Dog
As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I get asked about “safe people food” all the time. Fruit is one of the easiest upgrades you can make for a dog’s treat routine, but it has to be done thoughtfully. Some fruits are wonderfully nourishing in small amounts, and others can be...
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Quick Homemade Dog Treats That Beat Store-Bought
As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I hear it all the time: you want to give your dog treats they love, but the store-bought options can be pricey, heavily processed, or full of extra ingredients you do not really need. The good news is you can make simple, budget-friendly treats at...
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Dog Not Eating or Drinking: What to Do
When a dog suddenly stops eating or drinking, it can feel scary and confusing. As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you this is one of the most important changes to take seriously. Sometimes it is stress or a mild stomach upset. Other times it is pain, infection, or something that needs urgent...
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End-of-Life Care at Home: Comfort Tips and What to Expect
When a beloved dog is nearing the end of life, home is often the kindest place to be. Familiar scents, favorite blankets, and the people they trust most can lower stress and help them rest. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I have seen how powerful simple comfort measures can be for...
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Caring for a Dog With Reduced Mobility
When a dog starts moving more slowly, slipping on floors, or struggling to stand up, it can feel scary and heartbreaking. The good news is that there are practical steps you can take at home to improve comfort and keep your dog safely included in everyday life. Whether your pup has arthritis ,...
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Managing Pain in Senior Dogs
Watching a dog slow down with age can tug at your heart. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I hear the same question all the time: “How do I know if my senior dog is in pain, and what can I safely do about it?” The good news is there are many effective, science-backed options. The...
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Do Dogs Know When You’re Sick?
As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I hear this question all the time: Do dogs actually know when you’re sick , or are they just being extra cuddly? The evidence and real-life experience point to this: dogs often can detect when something is “off” in the people they love. They...
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Can Dogs Smell Cancer?
As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I have seen dogs do truly surprising things with their noses. Many pet parents have shared stories that sound almost unbelievable: a dog that keeps sniffing one spot on a person’s body, pawing at a breast, pressing their nose to a mole, or suddenly...
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Complete List of Vegetables Dogs Can Eat (And Which To Avoid)
If you have ever looked at your dog while you are chopping veggies and thought, Can I share this? you are not alone. Vegetables can be a simple way to add fiber, antioxidants, hydration, and variety to your dog’s diet. The key is knowing which vegetables are dog-safe , how to prepare them, and...
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18 Nutritious Homemade Dog Food Recipes (Meals and Treats)
Starting your dog’s day with real, nourishing food can feel like a small change, but it can support steadier digestion, stable energy, and a healthy coat over time. As a nutrition and lifestyle medicine practitioner, I also want to be clear about one important point: homemade dog food can be...
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Cane Corso Dog Breed: Temperament, Size, and Care Guide
Powerful, devoted, and quietly confident, the Cane Corso is a guardian breed that tends to bond deeply with its people. This is not a “set it and forget it” dog. When you pair the right home with consistent training, thoughtful socialization, and a steady daily rhythm, the Cane Corso can be a...
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Why Does My Dog Lick Me? Behavior Explained
Dog kisses can feel sweet, silly, and sometimes a little gross. If you have ever wondered, why does my dog lick me? you are not alone. Licking is a normal canine behavior, but it can mean different things depending on your dog’s body language, the situation, and how intense the licking is. And...
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Why Is My Dog Whining? Common Causes and Solutions
Dog whining can be one of the most confusing sounds for pet parents. It can mean excitement, discomfort, anxiety, or a simple request for attention. The key is to look at the full picture: your dog’s body language, the timing, and any recent changes in routine, environment, or health. Important...
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Dog Stroke: Warning Signs, Treatment, and Survival Chances
Seeing a dog suddenly lose balance or seem “not themselves” is scary. While strokes are thought to be less common, or at least less commonly diagnosed, in dogs than in people, they do happen. The most important takeaway is this: stroke-like symptoms are always an emergency , whether the cause...
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Why Is My Dog Shaking? Causes and When to Worry
Seeing your dog shake can be unsettling, especially if it seems to come out of nowhere. In many cases, shaking is harmless and short-lived, like after a bath or during a burst of excitement. But sometimes it is your dog’s way of signaling discomfort, pain, illness, or fear. In this guide, I will...
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Bloat in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, and Emergency Treatment
Bloat is one of those words that can sound harmless, like a little extra gas. But in dogs, “bloat” can also mean a true emergency called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) , where the stomach fills with gas and may twist. That twist can cut off blood flow and quickly become life-threatening. If...
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Dog Fever: Symptoms, Causes, and How to Treat It
When your dog is not acting like themselves, it is natural to worry. A fever can be one of the body’s ways of fighting infection, but it can also signal something more serious that needs prompt veterinary care. In this guide, I will walk you through what dog fever is, how to spot it at home,...
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How Cold Is Too Cold for Dogs? A Temperature Safety Guide
Cold weather can be refreshing for some dogs and risky for others. I always remind pet parents that “too cold” is not one magic number. It depends on your dog’s size, coat, age, health, and what they are doing outdoors. Use this guide to make quick, confident decisions and keep winter walks...
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