Designer Mixes

Why Dogs Eat Grass

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I hear this question all the time: “Why is my dog eating grass?” The good news is that for many dogs, occasional grazing is normal. The more important question is whether it is safe , whether it is becoming frequent, and whether it is paired with...

Finding a new lump on your dog can make your stomach drop. I get it. As a veterinary assistant, I have seen how quickly worry spirals when someone notices swelling under the jaw, in front of the shoulders, or behind the knees. The good news is that swollen lymph nodes are not a diagnosis . They are...

Cats can absolutely come down with “colds,” and it can be surprisingly stressful to watch. The good news is that most mild cases improve with supportive care at home, especially when you know what to monitor and when to call your veterinarian. Important note: A “cat cold” usually means an...

As a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas, I hear this question all the time: “How much Benadryl can I give my 10 lb dog?” Benadryl can be helpful in certain situations, but dosing needs to be careful, and it is not the right choice for every dog or every “itch.” Important: This article is...

Seeing your dog feel hot, lethargic, and not quite themselves can be scary. The good news is that many fevers are manageable when you stay calm, confirm the temperature the right way, and know when to call your veterinarian. As a veterinary assistant, I always tell pet parents the same thing: a...

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I can tell you this happens more often than you would think: a dog grabs chicken bones from the trash, a plate, or the sidewalk and swallows before you can blink. It is scary, but you are not powerless. The goal is to stay calm, avoid the most common...

When your dog has a stomach ache, it can feel urgent and confusing. One minute they are fine, and the next they are drooling, refusing food, or asking to go outside over and over. The good news is that many tummy troubles are mild and short-lived. The important part is knowing what you can safely...

As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I get this question all the time: which vegetables are actually safe for puppies , and how do you serve them without causing tummy trouble? The good news is that many veggies can be a wonderful, whole-food topper or training treat for a growing pup...

Puppy tummies are sensitive on a good day. Add in growth spurts, curiosity, a brand-new environment, and a habit of tasting the world, and it is no surprise that many families deal with what feels like a daily puppy stomach ache or daily stomach upset. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco,...

Few things feel as frustrating as realizing fleas have moved in. The good news is that with a calm plan and a little consistency, most families can clear a flea problem at home without panic buying a dozen products. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I like to keep this evidence-based...

Hi, I’m Shari Shidate, a veterinary assistant in Frisco, Texas. If you have a puppy with fleas, I want you to take a deep breath: this is common, fixable, and you can do it safely. The key is using puppy-appropriate products, treating the environment , and knowing when to call your veterinarian....

Hot spots can show up fast and look alarming, especially on fluffy mixed breeds where irritated skin hides under a thick coat. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I have seen how quickly a small itch can turn into a wet, painful patch when dogs lick, chew, and scratch nonstop. The good...

Finding a tick on your dog can make your stomach drop. I get it. In Texas, ticks are part of life for many families, and they can carry illnesses that affect both pets and people. The good news is this: removing a tick safely is usually quick and simple when you know what to do, and what not to do....

Yes, dogs absolutely can get constipated, and it is not uncommon . In my work as a veterinary assistant, I see it most often after a change in routine, a diet shift, too many bones or chews, or when a dog is not drinking enough water. The good news is that mild constipation is often manageable at...

When a dog is straining to urinate , having accidents, or licking their genital area nonstop, it is easy to feel worried and helpless. As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you this with confidence: bladder stones are fairly common in small animal practice (especially in certain breeds and life...

If your cat is limping on a front paw, it can feel scary and confusing, especially when they still want to play, eat, or jump on the couch like nothing happened. As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you this is one of the most common concerns I see. The good news is that many causes are treatable...

When an older dog starts peeing in the house, it can feel confusing and even a little heartbreaking. Please know this: in senior dogs, indoor accidents are very often a medical issue, a mobility issue, or a routine issue, not “bad behavior.” The good news is that once you identify the cause,...

Seeing diarrhea in the litter box can be unsettling, especially when your cat cannot tell you what feels “off.” The good news is that many cases are short-lived and treatable once you identify the likely trigger. The not-so-good news is that diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration and can also...

Nighttime potty training is one of the most stressful parts of raising a puppy, and I get it. Sleep is precious, and nobody wants surprises on the carpet at 2 a.m. The good news is that house training at night is very teachable when you combine puppy biology, a predictable routine, and kind,...

Bringing a cat into a dog household can absolutely work, but the goal is not a “cute first meeting.” The goal is safe, low-stress coexistence built over days to weeks (sometimes longer). As a veterinary assistant, I have seen introductions go beautifully when families slow down, manage the...