Our Blog

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

Protect Your Puppy from Canine Parvovirus
Every puppy & dog parent needs to know these basics

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...

Natural Disaster Preparedness for Families with Pets
Keep your cats and dogs safe in wildfires, floods, and more

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 Prevention for Dogs & Cats
Monthly prevention is the key to avoiding this painful (and deadly) disease

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 Aren’t Healthy for Dogs
Studies Show these diets actually harm a dog’s heart

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....

A Purr-fect Love Story for Valentine’s Day
How a blind kitten found love, warmth, and family

3.5 minute readCaption: Dr Rebecca Davies, Medical Director of Firehouse Round Rock….When Dr Rebecca Davies met Cici, a fragile kitten with a fighting spirit, it was the start of a story of resilience, compassion, and love. For nearly two years, Williamson County...

Protect Your Pets from Coyotes, Bobcats, and Owls
Keep cats & dogs safe from local predators

3 minute readIt’s important to protect cats and dogs from local wildlife who might see our pets as a tasty meal, especially at night. Dr Natalie Davis has a friend who protects her Yorkie from the local hawk population with a spiked vest. “The spikes will deter...

Giving Back: Firehouse’s Season of Care
Ensuring pets receive essential medical services

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...

Garden Mushrooms Are Toxic to Dogs (And Outdoor Cats)
You can help your pet: recognize and prevent exposure after rainfall

3 minute readDogs (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...

How to Tell if Your Pet Has an Ear Infection
Know the symptoms and treatments for dogs and cats

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...

4 Halloween Treats to Keep Away from Your Pet

2 minute readStaying safe on Halloween doesn’t need to be tricky. Celebrate the spookiest night of the year by keeping your pet away from these hazards: #1: Candy bags and wrappers Bags and wrappers can be as dangerous to your pet as the treats they contain. Plastic...

Tips for brushing your puppy, kitten or full-grown pet’s teeth

Jan 23, 2020

An annual professional dental cleaning is truly the only way to keep pets’ teeth healthy.-Bacteria that form on your pet’s teeth can create heart disease and joint problems. Diabetic patients have more (and worse) dental disease.-Professional cleanings prevent and...

Adding a New Pet to the Family

Jan 13, 2020

Did you recently add a new member to the family? Congratulations! We know that this is an exciting time, but there is a lot to do and adjustments to make sure your pet is happy and healthy. So, what are the next steps? Dr. Alex Robb, veterinarian at Firehouse says. “A...

Preparing Your Pets For The Holidays In Central Texas

Dec 3, 2019

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...

GOBBLE, GOBBLE!

Nov 5, 2019

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...

Halloween Safety Tips

Oct 8, 2019

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...

Pumpkin Spice and All Things Nice

Sep 30, 2019

Autumn is upon us! As we move away from the uncomfortable heat of summer and into cooler days filled with pumpkin spice lattes and chunky sweaters, we need to make sure our pets are safe and prepared for this seasonal change. Firehouse is here with some tips for you...

Back to School Routine Changes Impact Pets, Too

Sep 11, 2019

It’s an exciting time of the year! Back to school season is a big transition for parents and kids. It’s also a big transition period for our pets. The start of the school year means that our pets may have to adjust to being alone for most of the day, which can create...

A Little More About Dr. Spencer

Sep 11, 2019

I think the qualities clients appreciate most are my patience and my compassion for their animals, who I know are like their family members. I know that visiting the vet can be stressful for both cats and dogs, so I take time with pets to make them comfortable during...

Introducing Firehouse Animal Health Center

Sep 11, 2019

Hello, Central Texas! I’m eagerly anticipating the opening of Firehouse Animal Health Center this November near the corner of Broadway and Alameda. As a Central Texas local for 18 years, I’m eager to run my own hospital. I have always cultivated the kind of experience...

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