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Firehouse is committed to keeping your pet happy and healthy while preventing disease.

Algae Awareness for Austin Dog Owners
Blue-green algae cause illness (or death). Keep your pets out of affected waters.

3 minute readBlue-green algae is a year-round growth found in Austin waterways. It produces a dangerous toxin that can be deadly to dogs. Please read below to keep your pet safe.Dr Natalie Davis recalls the scary day her dog Dakota got sick after they spent the...

Canine Parvovirus: Potentially Deadly & Expensive to Treat
Puppies and unvaccinated adult dogs are susceptible to this disease

3 minute readParvovirus is something we’ll be battling forever,” says Dr Davis. “But we have great preventive measures.“We did gold standard of care, and little Bean turned the corner,” says Dr Davis, one of our veterinarians at Firehouse 183. “And (she) ended up...

Disaster Preparedness for Pet Families
Families with cats & dogs can plan ahead with these simple tips

3 minute readEnsure your pet’s safety by getting them microchipped. A microchip with up-to-date information greatly increases the chances of being reunited with your pet if they become lost, especially during emergencies or natural disasters.Natural disasters like...

Heartworm Disease in Cats & Dogs
Why monthly prevention is essential for your pet

4 minute readWhen a mosquito bites an animal with heartworm disease, they transfer the disease to the next animal they bite.In vet school, Dr Natalie Davis’s roommate adopted an adorable German Shepherd puppy named Winnie. At Winnie’s first puppy visit, the...

Grain-Free Foods Cause Heart Disease in Dogs
Rethink your pet’s diet. Choose nutrition that supports long-term heart health.

3 minute readSeemingly healthy grain-free pet diets aren’t helpful to a dog's health. In fact, research shows they cause issues with the heart.“Everybody just wants what’s best for their pets,” says Dr Natalie Davis, a veterinarian at Firehouse 183 in Austin, Texas....

From Fragile to Thriving: Cici’s Tale
How love and devotion saved a shelter kitten’s life

3.5 minute readIt’s important to protect cats and dogs from local wildlife who might see our pets as a tasty meal, especially at night.When Dr Rebecca Davies met Cici, a fragile kitten with a fighting spirit, it was the start of a story of resilience, compassion, and...

Season for Caring: Firehouse Gives Back
Providing medical care for pets and families

3 minute read“We do everything the pet needs,” says Dr Brianna Armstrong, Medical Director of Firehouse183. “It’s an incredible opportunity to provide healthcare with an underserved community.”“We give because pets bring joy to their humans and offer support during...

Watch for Toxic Garden Mushrooms
Keep pets safe after rainy weather.

3 minute read Dogs (and outdoor cats) are curious. They might sniff, lick, or eat things they discover during walks or backyard playtime.Garden mushrooms are a year-round hazard for dogs and outdoor cats in Central Texas. That’s because our lawns become breeding...

What Every Pet Owner Should Know About Ear Infections
Identify the symptoms early so cats and dogs heal fast

5 minute readDr Natalie Davis’s tips for managing ear infections are: 1) Regularly clean your pet's ears with vet-approved cleaners, 2) Keep ears dry after swimming or bathing, and 3) Consult your vet for accurate diagnosis and treatment.Dr Natalie Davis is our newest...

Cat Not Touching Its Food? Don’t Wait, Call Us!
Advice for pet owners when cats avoid meals

2 minute read Cats shouldn’t go through phases of not eating. Any significant reduction in food intake could be a sign of an issue.   Stella, a 5-year-old domestic shorthaired cat, recently stopped eating her favorite tuna-flavored kibble. Her pet dad Doug...
Every Geriatric Pet Should Have an Abdominal Ultrasound

Every Geriatric Pet Should Have an Abdominal Ultrasound

Veterinary medicine has come a long way over the last few decades. We used to spend our days (and still do) putting out fires all day and practicing reactive medicine. But what if you could prevent the fires before they ever started? Or, at least, catch it early...

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Introducing Your Pups to Your Newborn

Introducing Your Pups to Your Newborn

Dogs are often a couple’s “first child” and are treated as members of the family. When the family grows and parents welcome their first human baby, a bit of prep work can make all the difference for furry friends. Dr. Adri Mendoza of Firehouse Animal Health Center...

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How Do I Find a Great Veterinarian?

How Do I Find a Great Veterinarian?

We all dread the day that our beloved 4 legged friends get sick and need to go to the vet. That can be an extremely stressful time. If and when that time comes, you want to know you are at the right place. But how do you really know if you have found the best place...

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What Happens in the Back?

What Happens in the Back?

“I don’t want you to take my pet in the back.” As veterinarians, we occasionally hear that statement. For every time we hear it said aloud, I assume there are five or ten others that feel that way but don’t feel comfortable enough to share. Most veterinarians will...

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End of Life Care At Firehouse Animal Health Austin

End of Life Care At Firehouse Animal Health Austin

When people find out I am a veterinarian, there is one very common response that comes back. “I just couldn’t deal with euthanizing pets.” I have always thought that to be a strange response. I understand why they say it, but I never looked at Veterinary Medicine as...

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