Designer Mixes

Why Does My Dog Shake His Head? Ear Mites vs. Infection

When a dog starts shaking their head, it can look a little dramatic, and it is easy to assume it is “just an itch.” But persistent head shaking is often a sign that something is going on inside the ear canal. In my work as a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas, I see two common culprits over...

Dachshund Back Problems: Preventing IVDD

Dachshunds are brave, funny, and wonderfully devoted. They are also built a little differently than most dogs, and that unique “long back, short legs” body type is exactly why we need to talk about IVDD. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is one of the most common serious neurologic conditions...

Alaskan Malamute vs. Husky: Size and Personality

If you have ever met an Alaskan Malamute and a Siberian Husky and thought, “Aren’t these basically the same dog?” you are not alone. They can look like close cousins (because they are), but they were developed for different jobs and that shows up clearly in both size and personality . As a...

Border Collie Energy: Exercise Needs for Herding Breeds

Border Collies are famously bright, athletic, and intensely driven. That energy is a wonderful gift when it is channeled well. But when it is not, you may see pacing, barking, chewing, fence-running, nipping, or a dog who simply cannot settle. As a veterinary assistant, I have seen it many times:...

Golden Retriever Cancer Risks

Golden Retrievers are famous for their gentle temperament, family-friendly nature, and that classic, sunny smile. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I also know something else about Goldens: in everyday practice and in breed health discussions, they are often mentioned as a breed with...

Why Is My Dog Panting at Night? Anxiety vs. Pain

Nighttime panting can be unsettling. One minute your dog is resting, and the next they are breathing fast, pacing, or staring at you with wide, worried eyes. As a veterinary assistant, I want you to know two things can be true at once: many causes are manageable, and some deserve prompt veterinary...

Carprofen for Dogs: Safety and Liver Risks

Carprofen is among the most commonly prescribed pain relievers for dogs, especially for arthritis and post-surgery discomfort. It can be a true quality-of-life medication for many pups. At the same time, it is still an anti-inflammatory pain medication, and these drugs come with real safety rules,...

Havanese Velcro Dog Guide

The Havanese has a big reputation in a small, fluffy package: they are famously devoted, people-focused companion dogs. If you have ever heard someone call a Havanese a “Velcro dog,” that is usually not an exaggeration. Many Havanese strongly prefer to be with their person most of the day,...

Rottweiler Temperament: Good Family Dogs?

Rottweilers have a big reputation, and it is not always fair. In my experience around dogs in clinic settings and with families at home, a well-bred, well-socialized Rottweiler is often steady, deeply loyal, and surprisingly gentle with the people they trust. So are Rottweilers good family dogs?...

Why Does My Dog Stare at Me?

If you have ever looked up from your laptop and found your dog quietly watching you like you are the most interesting thing in the world, you are not imagining it. Dogs stare for reasons, and it is often a normal, helpful form of communication. As a veterinary assistant, I like to remind families...

Cocker Spaniel Ear Issues and Temperament

Cocker Spaniels are famous for their soft eyes, feathered coats, and those beautiful, floppy ears. But as a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I can tell you this breed comes with two big “must-knows” for families: (1) ear care is not optional, and (2) their temperament is typically...

Pomeranian Personality and Care

Pomeranians may be tiny, but they take up a lot of space in your life in the best way. These fluffy little companions are alert, expressive, and famously confident. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I see plenty of Pom personalities who act like they are running the whole clinic, and...

If you have ever watched your dog suddenly sprint in circles, bounce off the couch, and look like they are powered by pure joy, you have witnessed the zoomies. These episodes are often referred to as FRAPs , short for Frenetic Random Activity Periods (sometimes written as “Period” in the...

Chow Chow Aggression Myths and Tongue Color

Chow Chows are one of those breeds that people think they already understand. You have probably heard that they are “naturally aggressive” or that their blue-black tongue means something wild about temperament or health. As a veterinary assistant, I have met plenty of Chows who are calm,...

Pug Health Issues: Breathing, Eyes, and Skin Folds

Pugs are little comedians in a compact body, and I completely understand why people fall head over heels for them. Their signature flat face, big eyes, and adorable wrinkles are also the exact reasons they can be prone to a few predictable health challenges. As a veterinary assistant, I like to...

Corgi Shedding, Back Issues, and Temperament

Corgis are famous for their big personalities, adorable low-to-the-ground build, and yes, a whole lot of fluff. As a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas, I meet plenty of Corgis and Corgi mixes, and the same three questions come up again and again: Why do they shed so much? Are they prone to back...

Great Dane Lifespan and Common Health Problems

Great Danes have a way of filling up a room and your heart. They are gentle, goofy, and unforgettable. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I also see the other side of loving a giant breed: their health needs can be complex, too. The good news is that when you understand what Great...

Vestibular Disease: Why Your Old Dog is Dizzy

If your senior dog suddenly seems dizzy or wobbly, it is scary. I have seen families rush in thinking their dog is having a stroke , and honestly, the symptoms can look very similar at first glance. The good news is that many older dogs with vestibular disease improve significantly with the right...

Heartworm Disease in Dogs

Heartworm disease is one of those conditions I wish every pet parent understood before it ever becomes an emergency. It is preventable, it can be life-threatening, and it often stays quiet for a long time while the damage is building. Heartworms are long, spaghetti-like parasites that live...

Pink Eye in Dogs: Bacterial vs. Viral Symptoms

If your dog’s eye looks red, has discharge, or seems irritated, it is natural to call it “pink eye.” In veterinary medicine, we usually use the word conjunctivitis , which means inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin tissue that lines the eyelids and covers part of the eyeball. Here is the...