Our Blog

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

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...

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...

Don’t waste money! Store your pet food right.
Original packaging, room temperature and storage location matter

May 3, 2021

Dr Hunter Bowen recommends storing dog and cat food in its original packaging, on a pantry shelf.You’ve done your research and chosen the best food for your cat and dog. Avoid these 3 mistakes once you get home. Don't decant food into new canisters, which could leach...

Introducing your cat to your newborn
Pets can grow to love your new baby with a few simple tricks

Apr 1, 2021

Dr Adriana Mendoza welcomed her baby girl in November 2020. She acclimated her cat before and after the birth so the two could become friends.Bringing a new baby into the house can be exciting but could also mean extra stress on your pets. Cats, fairly or unfairly,...

Humping: Dogs Mount For More Than Sexual Reasons
There’s no reason to be embarrassed, but action is required if it’s constant

Feb 13, 2021

2 min readMale and female dogs hump buddies due to sexual instinct, to play, or to command control. Call us if this has become a habit for your pet.Is there anything more awkward than your dog humping another dog at the park? Perhaps sniffing a guest’s groin. But...

Non-anesthetic dental procedures don’t work
Anesthesia is safe and provides your pet with a stress-free and pain-free cleaning.

Feb 2, 2021

Cats and dogs won't sit still for a dental cleaning. Anesthesia is the only way a vet can remove disease-causing bacteria from your pet’s teeth and gums.Recently, we’ve seen non-anesthetic dental procedures...

New guidelines: fix your cat by 5 months
Cats can live longer when spayed or neutered one month earlier

Jan 12, 2021

Raj the cat might look a bit nervous, but really Feline Fix by 5 is a more humane option: It reduces disease, improves behavior and controls unwanted cat populations.Research indicates a decrease in cancer, behavioral issues, overpopulation, and infections. Firehouse...

Firehouse awarded top Austin workplace
For the third year, your veterinary hospital ranked among the best places to work

Dec 3, 2020

Our win is your win: a happy team can focus on keeping your pets healthy! It’s also confirmation that our behind-the-scenes team building is working. Your pet benefits when our team feels valuable Every team member knows they're an important part of fulfilling our...

Nourish Your Pet with the Best Diet

Nov 3, 2020

You are what you eat! The saying is true for pets, too. Good nutrition is the single most important thing you can do to help your pet live a happy, healthy, and long life. That’s why we ask what you feed your pet at every visit. What is the best diet for an overweight...

Firehouse Makes An Impact Through Giving

Aug 12, 2020

Dr Justin Nelson at Firehouse Belterra (pre-COVID) helping a pet from WAG Shelter.Our charitable giving and community involvement reflect a deeply rooted commitment to lifelong wellness for animals that extends beyond the walls of our hospitals. When we launched...

Firehouse Pet Resort – coming to Round Rock this September

Jul 22, 2020

Firehouse Pet Resort – coming to Round Rock this September – will offer your cats and dogs an abundance of bells and whistles The team at Firehouse Animal Health Centers will offer your pets a new service starting this September: boarding and daycare for cats and...

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