Designer Mixes

Worms in Cats: Types, Symptoms, and Deworming

If you have ever cleaned the litter box and thought, “Wait, what is that ?” you are not alone. Intestinal parasites are common in cats, especially kittens, outdoor cats, and any cat that hunts. The good news is that most worms and protozoal infections are treatable, and you do not have to...

How to Stop a Dog From Eating Poop

If your dog is eating poop, you are not alone. In my work as a veterinary assistant, I hear this complaint all the time, and I promise there is a way forward. The fastest path is to stop treating it like a mystery and start treating it like a habit with access. When we control access and teach an...

Last Days of Kidney Failure in Dogs: What Families Often See

When a dog is nearing the end of life from kidney failure, families often tell me the same thing: it feels like the symptoms change quickly , and it is hard to know what is “expected” versus what is an emergency. I’m Shari Shidate, a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas, and this is a...

Collapsed Trachea in Dogs: Stents, Surgery, or Medical Management

When your dog has a collapsed trachea, the hardest part is often not the diagnosis. It is the decision-making: Do we keep managing medically , or is it time to consider a tracheal stent or surgery ? As a veterinary assistant, I have seen how stressful this feels for families, especially when...

Miniature Schnauzer: Temperament, Grooming, and Health

The Miniature Schnauzer is one of those small dogs that take their job seriously. They are bright, people-oriented, and famously alert, which is exactly why so many families love them. That same watchful nature can also show up as frequent barking, especially if no one teaches them when it is time...

Irish Setter: Exercise, Grooming, and Family Life

The Irish Setter is one of those dogs that looks like a work of art and acts like your happiest running buddy. They were developed as sporting dogs, built to cover ground with speed and stamina, then come home ready to be part of the family. If you love an upbeat, people-oriented dog and you can...

Shih Tzu: Temperament, Grooming, and Health

The Shih Tzu is one of those breeds people fall for fast. They are small, expressive, and famously people-focused. But living happily with a Shih Tzu is not just about enjoying the cuddles. It is about understanding their grooming needs, keeping their eyes and airway comfortable, and supporting...

Saint Bernard: Size, Temperament, and Drool-Smart Care

Saint Bernards have a way of making people smile. They look like living teddy bears, they often adore kids, and they can be wonderfully calm housemates. But as a veterinary assistant in Texas, I have to add the practical truth: a gentle giant is still a giant. Size changes everything from training...

West Highland White Terrier: Grooming, Skin Health, and Temperament

West Highland White Terriers, or Westies, are bright little dogs with big terrier confidence. That sturdy build and crisp white coat are part of the charm, but they also come with a reality many Westie families discover early: grooming is not optional, and skin care often needs extra attention. As...

Bichon Frise Temperament, Grooming, and Allergy Realities

The Bichon Frise is one of those dogs that seems to come preloaded with charm. They are cheerful, people-focused, and often great in apartments and family homes alike. But that adorable white “cotton ball” coat comes with real maintenance, and the term hypoallergenic deserves a reality check....

Jack Russell Terrier Energy and Training

Jack Russell Terriers are tiny athletes with turbocharged brains. In my work as a veterinary assistant, they are some of the most fun dogs to work with, and also some of the quickest to get bored. If you are considering a Jack Russell, or you already share your couch with one who would rather be...

Dalmatian: Energy, Training, and Urinary Health

Dalmatians are unforgettable. They are athletic, bright, affectionate, and often hilariously opinionated. They are also a breed with a few very specific needs that are easier to handle when you know what you are looking at from day one. In this guide, I will walk you through four big Dalmatian...

Italian Greyhound: Personality, Care, and Fragility Tips

Italian Greyhounds, often called Iggies, are elegant little sighthounds with a soft, affectionate nature and a body that can feel almost made of glass. As a veterinary assistant, I love how tuned-in they are to their people. I also see how easy it is for new owners to underestimate their needs...

English Bulldog: Temperament, Breathing, and Daily Care

English Bulldogs have a way of winning hearts fast. They are loyal, comical, and often happiest right next to their people. But as a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I can tell you the other side of the story is just as important: the English Bulldog’s adorable, flat-faced look comes...

Papillon Personality, Training, and Coat Care

Papillons are small dogs with big brains and even bigger opinions. As a veterinary assistant, I love how much joy this breed can pack into a tiny body. They are alert, affectionate, and impressively athletic for a toy breed. They can also be sensitive, vocal, and quick to learn both good habits and...

Greyhound Temperament, Exercise, and Adoption Tips

Greyhounds have a reputation for speed, and that part is absolutely true. What surprises most families is what comes after the sprint: many Greyhounds are calm, polite, and wonderfully low-drama housemates. As a veterinary assistant, I love helping adopters set realistic expectations, because the...

Urgent Care vs. Emergency Vet: When to Go Now

When your dog or cat suddenly looks “off,” your brain goes straight to worst-case scenarios. I get it. In the clinic, we see the same pattern every day: loving pet parents trying to do the right thing, fast, with limited information. This page is here to help you triage , meaning sort symptoms...

Buying a Designer Mix Puppy Safely

Bringing home a designer mix puppy should feel exciting, not stressful. Unfortunately, puppy scams and careless breeding practices are common online, especially when a mix is in high demand. The good news is that you can protect yourself with a simple, repeatable process. Below is a practical...

Flea Dirt on Dogs and Cats

If you have ever spotted little black specks in your dog or cat’s coat and wondered, “Is that flea dirt or just plain dirt?”, you are in the right place. As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you this is one of the most common owner questions, and the good news is that you can often get a...

Microchipping Dogs and Cats

As a veterinary assistant, I have seen the relief on a family’s face when a lost dog or cat is reunited because a microchip led straight to the right phone number. I have also seen the heartbreak when a pet had a chip, but the record was empty or outdated. The chip itself is only half the system....