Our Blog

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

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...

My Dog Has Lost Its Appetite
Common reasons and when to visit the vet

2 minute read If your dog is behaving normally, is responsive, and alert, there’s no need for immediate concern. However, call us if your dog has missed more than two meals, is lethargic, vomits, or has loose stools. When Lucy the doodle stopped eating in May, her dog...

My Pet Vomited: What Should I Do?
Essential advice for vomiting cat or dog

2.5 minute readDr Sherry Hill, Medical Director and veterinarian at Firehouse Cedar Park, offers tips for a vomiting pet.Last Saturday, Lucy, a playful Golden Retriever, threw up after her usual morning walk. Her owner, Jenna, panicked and wondered what to do next....

Routine lab tests keep your cat or dog in their prime
We recommend the best ones below

Oct 3, 2022

1.5 min read When Patrick ate Sago Palm roots this summer, his mom knew she had to rush him to the ER. Sago Palms are toxic to dogs and most attractive (and easy to eat!) when recently dug up. Luckily, Patrick is now fine and his personality has returned to normal. ...

If You Are Facing the Loss of Your Pet
When your pet dies, we are here with answers and support

Sep 8, 2022

2min read Sean’s older cat Gracie limped with pain. She began to bump into walls and urinate in the living room. Then, when Sean’s younger cat began to groom Gracie, he realized it was time to prepare for her death. Our cats and dogs are family, so it’s...

Does your pet have back-to-school jitters?
Help your pet get back to our regularly scheduled program.

Aug 8, 2022

1 min read Chloe started hiding shoes around the house. That’s when her pet parents knew something was up. Saying hello to fall includes a shift in routines Structured schedules, commitments, and fresh classmates become the new normal. Believe it or not, pets...

6 Signs Your Pet Has Allergies
Dogs suffer more often than cats

Jul 30, 2022

2 min read Mort the pug suffers from allergies all year long. His mom, Vet Tech Maria, controls his allergies using medicated baths and Cytopoint injections. Allergies are no joke. And pets can’t tell us how they feel. Yet, they're manageable in most cases. Keep your...

Pet Allergies Happen All Year Long
Know the triggers to prevent suffering

Jul 26, 2022

1 min read Allergens are small particles that our bodies might react to. Allergens enter a pet’s body through their skin, ears, and nose. Dogs can suffer from allergies all year long. Year-round triggers include: -Environmental elements: grass, cedar, mold, pollen....

Protect Your Pup From Heat Exhaustion
Keep your cool pet from turning into a hot dog this summer

Jul 7, 2022

1.5 min read Active pets can overheat in the sun. You can enjoy summer and protect your pet from the dangers of heatstroke. “I...

Head off a heat emergency
If your pet has heatstroke, stay cool and take these steps

Jul 6, 2022

1.5 min read Watch your pet for signs of overheating when outdoors. If you notice them staggering, becoming weak, or collapsing, contact...

Our Careful and Common Sense Approach to Vaccines
We Customize the Plan for Your Dog and Cat

Jun 27, 2022

3.5 minute read Firehouse customizes vaccine plans for each pet. We’ll chat at your pet’s yearly check-up. Then, we recommend only the vaccines your pet needs based on your lifestyle and environment. Our advice is conservative and based on common sense. Vaccines are...

5 Tips for Senior Cats
Easy ways to protect your best bud

Jun 7, 2022

1 min read Cayli never imagined her cat would end up with just one tooth. Cayli, a vet tech,, wishes she knew the importance of dental care when Midnight was young. “It wasn’t something I ever really thought about,” says Cayli. Midnight has had all her teeth...

« Older Entries

Next Entries »