Our Blog

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

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....

Signs and solutions for excessive exercise
Drs Barbara Boechat and Michelle Henthorne offer advice

4 minute readDrs Boechat and Henthorne chat about exercise. They advise walking your dog a little every day instead of a lot all at once.Picture riding your bike on a sunny day with your dog trotting beside you. His ears are flapping in the wind and you’re delighted...

8 Summer Safety Musts for Your Pets
Learn How to Have a Healthy Summer with Tips from Drs Sherry Hill and Kristen Ussery

2 minute readPrep for a healthy summer alongside your pets with Dr Sherry Hill and Dr Kristen Ussery’s safety tips. Let’s keep our pets safe this summer. We’ve asked Dr Sherry Hill and Dr Kristen Ussery to share their tips and stories with us as we head into the...
You were gifted a puppy or kitten for the holidays. Now what?

You were gifted a puppy or kitten for the holidays. Now what?

Congratulations! We know that this is an exciting time, but also there is a lot to do and adjustments to be made to make sure your pet is happy and healthy. So, what are the immediate next steps? Dr Ashley Opyt, Medical Director at Firehouse Kyle, says "The first two...

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The Holidays are Here!

The Holidays are Here!

The Holiday season is upon us and so is the hustle and bustle of this busy time of year. As visitors come and go, keep an eye on your pet to ensure they don't escape through an unintentionally open door. In fact, now would be a good time to get a microchip if your pet...

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GOBBLE, GOBBLE!

GOBBLE, GOBBLE!

While you sit down to Thanksgiving feast in your finest stretchy pants, remember that certain kinds of human food can cause tummy upset, diarrhea, or possible food poisoning in our furry friends. It’s always best to keep your pets on their regular diet, even during...

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Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween Safety Tips

Boo! Halloween will be here soon. While you are busy celebrating, keep in mind that this spooky holiday can be an extremely scary time for your pets! The constant doorbell ringing and noise of eager trick or treaters might cause unnecessary stress to our favorite...

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Please Switch Your Dog to a Non-Grain-Free Diet

Please Switch Your Dog to a Non-Grain-Free Diet

The FDA released data at the end of June that links grain-free diets – and food rich in peas, lentils, soy or other legumes -- to heart issues in dogs. At Firehouse, we never recommended grain-free diets because we never saw any evidence that these diets provided a...

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Keeping Your Pets Happy, Healthy, and Safe this Summer

Keeping Your Pets Happy, Healthy, and Safe this Summer

Summer is a great time to be outside, relax, and take a break from the busy year. However, loud storms and fireworks, high temperatures and time in the water can all be dangerous for pets. The good news is, with some preparation, there are many strategies that can...

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Dogs and cats get skin cancer, too.

Dogs and cats get skin cancer, too.

The sun is strong and Central Texans need to protect their skin and their pets’ skin, too. Yes, dogs and cats can get skin cancer. Since May is Skin Cancer Awareness month, we want to share the two kinds of skin cancer in pets you need to be aware of. Below you'll...

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Firehouse Westlake Turns 7!

Firehouse Westlake Turns 7!

As the original Firehouse Austin location turns seven this week, Dr. John Faught reflects on the changes and growth over the last seven years. We love our clients and our patients One thing I'm most blown away by is the amazing growth this hospital has sustained. When...

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