Designer Mixes

Cat Dandruff: What to Do

If you have noticed white flakes on your cat’s back, along their spine, or around the base of the tail, you are not alone. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I see “cat dandruff” come up all the time, especially in winter or in cats who are a little less enthusiastic about...

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...

Quick Homemade Cat Treats

If you have ever flipped over a bag of cat treats and thought, What is all of this? , you are not alone. Some store-bought treats are loaded with starches, vague “meat meals,” added flavors, and extra calories that add up quickly. The good news is you can make simple, cat-safe treats at home in...

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...

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...

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...

Food Allergies in Cats

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I hear this all the time: “My cat is itchy, licking constantly, or having tummy trouble. Could it be the food?” Sometimes, yes. But food allergies in cats can look a lot like fleas , environmental allergies, infections, or even stress. The good...

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...

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...

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 ,...

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...

Diagnose and Treat Fleas on Cats at Home

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I can tell you one thing with confidence: fleas are sneaky. Many cats have fleas long before you ever spot one. The good news is that you can often suspect (and sometimes fairly confidently confirm) fleas at home, as long as you know what to look for...

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...

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...

How To Discipline a Cat

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I hear a version of this all the time: “My cat knows better, but she keeps doing it.” The tricky part is that cats do not learn like dogs do. What looks like “spite” is usually normal cat behavior mixed with stress, boredom, or an environment...

About Shari Shidate

I’m Shari Shidate, a Veterinary Assistant based in Frisco, Texas, and I’m so glad you’re here. Designer Mixes was created out of equal parts curiosity and care: curiosity about what makes mixed-breed dogs so wonderfully unique, and care for the everyday choices that support their health,...

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...

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...

Ear Mites in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Home Care

Few things are more frustrating than watching your cat scratch nonstop. If you have noticed intense ear itching, dark debris, or head shaking, ear mites may be the culprit. The good news is that ear mites are very treatable, but they require the right approach and a little patience to fully clear....

Causes of Cat Itching and How to Stop It

When a cat cannot stop scratching, licking, or overgrooming, it is easy to assume it is just “dry skin.” In reality, itching can come from many causes, from fleas to food sensitivities to infections. The good news is that most cases improve significantly once you identify the trigger and...