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

🎃 Fear Free Costume Tips for Pets

Halloween decorations and costumes can be fun, but they may also pose risks for pets. Keep cords, candles, and small decorations (such as glow sticks, plastic spiders, or miniature skeletons) out of reach, and be sure your pet’s costume is comfortable and safe. 1....

Adventure Ready: 5 Safety Tips for Hiking and Camping With Pets

Make sure to pack caution in your travel bag with these top 5 trail tips from Firehouse Animal Health Centers!#1: Plan with weather and terrain in mind Research trail conditions, difficulty level, elevation, and expected weather before you plan your trip. Be prepared...

5 Ways to Support Pets With Separation Anxiety

Dogs and cats are naturally social creatures who thrive on the comfort and connection of their owners. While it’s normal for pets—and even pet parents—to feel a little uneasy during time apart, some dogs and cats experience severe emotional distress. Separation...

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...

Cats and dogs hate New Year’s Eve fireworks
Your pet’s ears are sensitive to sound

Nov 30, 2023

Loud bangs and pops scare pets and can make even the most well-behaved pet misbehave or run away. We have tips.Bruno is one of the few cats who doesn't scare easily during New Year’s Eve and July 4th fireworks. “When I first adopted Bruno,” says Dr Sherry Hill,...

Diabetes in Pets: New Meds Can Help
Two new products that help you and your pet

Oct 26, 2023

7.5 min read Bella's recurring infections signaled a deeper issue. Diabetes was revealed, and her family adopted a structured care routine. Today, Bella is thriving. Her soft purr is a testament to her parent’s love. We’re so glad they brought her to Firehouse Round...

Safety strategies for living with a deaf dog
Guidelines for owners of pets with hearing impairments

Aug 31, 2023

Franklin’s family realized he was hard of hearing soon after they adopted him. “We learned he might have hearing issues when he was just a puppy,” says Katie, Franklin’s mom.

Grass-eating in dogs
7 possible causes you should know

Aug 25, 2023

3 min read Milo is a 6-month-old mini Bernadoodle who really likes to chew on grass in his mom’s lawn. “I think Milo eats grass for...

When should you spay or neuter your kitten?
Research shows cats stay healthiest when procedure is completed by 5 months

Aug 2, 2023

We first reported new recommendations for spaying and neutering cats by 5 months in January 2021. We continue to support these guidelines from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Research shows the...

Can You Trust Dr Google?
Your Vet's Input Matters Most

Aug 1, 2023

2 min read “A client turned to Google after they found a bump on their pet’s stomach. Dr Google warned it could be cancer,” says Maria, a Vet Tech at Firehouse Round Rock. “Turns out it was just a nipple.” Many pet owners turn to the internet for help when it comes...

Seeking a Lost Cat or Dog?
4 Ways to Track Them Down

Jun 27, 2023

2 min read More pets go missing during July 4th fireworks celebrations than at any other time of the year. The loud bangs and pops scare both dogs and cats. We’ve written tips to help pets feel safe and secure during Independence Day festivities. In this blog,...

A Guide to Pet Safety on Boats and Lakes
Stay safe by planning ahead

Jun 1, 2023

2 min read “I bought a doggy life jacket for Mort last summer,” says Maria, a Vet Tech at Firehouse Round Rock. “I taught him to swim and then did lots of trial runs in the life jacket to ensure he was comfortable before outings to Lake Austin. I also made sure the...

The Effects of Stress on Your Cat
You know your pet best. Call us if you see strange behavior.

Apr 7, 2023

4 min read “Vayda is my oldest of 3 cats,” says Rose, a Vet Tech at Firehouse Round Rock. “She is 7-years-old and doesn’t enjoy being in the cat carrier or in the car. She vomits, urinates, and cries from stress. With the help of her doctor, we’ve found a...

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