Our Blog

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

A Guide: Vaccinations for Cats and Dogs
Our careful, common sense approach. Customized for your pet.

3.5 minute read Vaccines are an important piece of your pet’s wellness plan to prevent certain diseases. Firehouse customizes immunization plans for each pet. We’ll chat at your pet’s yearly check-up. Then, we recommend only the vaccines your pet needs...

Ask the vet: Springtime pet care tips for Central Texans
Keep your cat and dog healthy in 2024

2.5 min readDr Brianna Armstrong has you covered with springtime tips to keep your pets healthy and happy.We asked Dr Brianna Armstrong, Medical Director at Firehouse 183, to prep us for Springtime in Central Texas. Keeping Pets Safe During the Eclipse We’re all...

Achieve better pet behavior with these pro tips
Dog behavior explained: Q&A with trainer Candace Nolte

6 min readBehavior is the number one reason that dogs are returned to shelters. Candace Nolte offers tips to build a positive relationship with your 4-legged friend.Are you having dog behavioral issues? Or did you just adopt a dog and want to make them a well-mannered...

Coughing & Respiratory Issues in Dogs in 2023 and 2024
“Mystery” illness has new treatments

1 min readThe current “mystery” respiratory illness is severe. We can see you fast at our 183 and Cedar Park locations if symptoms arise.The current strain of coughing a respiratory issues in dogs isn't ordinary kennel cough. It's a prolonged cough, leading to severe...

5 questions you’ve always wanted to ask your vet, but were too embarrassed to ask
Candid answers to awkward cat and dog topics

2 min readThere’s no topic we’re uncomfortable with. So bring us your questions! Is your dog’s penis sticking out? Is your cat humping stuffed animals? Did your pet ingest marijuana? We’re here to answer all your questions. Doctors Rivas & Bonnet answer questions we...

Firehouse’s 4 Pillars of Care
The core beliefs that guide your pet’s care: wellness, nutrition, dental, and fear/anxiety/stress

8 min readPets bring us immeasurable joy and companionship. Firehouse Animal Health Center’s mission is to prevent your cat, dog, and exotic pet from getting sick so they can stay by your side – healthy and happy – for as long as possible. Our care guidelines are...

Ease Your Pet’s Stiff Joints in 2024
3 tips for cold weather days

3 min read "Before starting Librela, Dizzy wasn't using all four legs to go up and down the stairs," says Firehouse 183 Client Service Coordinator Lisa Berletch of her 8-year-old Sheltie. "She was also hesitant to jump and run at full speed." Dizzy started...

Why Do Cats Knead? 
Here’s why cats “make biscuits.”

3 min read “Simply put, kneading brings cats peace and comfort,” says Georgie Chadwick, Hospital Manager at Firehouse Westlake. Kneading is when cats rhythmically push their paws against a soft surface, often with a kneading motion like the way dough is kneaded.  A...

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

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,...

How To Manage Diabetes in Pets
Early detection and solutions make life easier for pet parents

7.5 min read Dr Luke Rivas at Firehouse Westlake helped a cat whose owners didn’t understand why she was urinating outside the litter box. “We drew blood and diagnosed feline diabetes,” he says. “We put her on insulin and I could tell she was feeling better at her...

2023 Travel Tips for Pet Owners
How to vacation with your cat and dog

Mar 1, 2023

3 min read “My dogs and I love to travel to Lubbock, TX to visit my family,” says Savannah. “We always stop at a dog-friendly gas station on the way, so they can run around and make new friends.” Here are tips to prepare for any adventure with your cat and dog. #1:...

The Benefits of Pet Dental X-rays
Images help us look deeper, below the gum line

Feb 7, 2023

Check out the Audio Version of this Post!2.5 minute read In a recent dental cleaning with Dr Tabares, x-rays showed one of our feline patient’s had baby teeth hidden behind her permanent teeth. Baby teeth that don’t fall out can do damage to the adult teeth because...

Our New Year’s Resolutions – A note from 2 pets ✏️
(5 ways to love us more in ‘23)

Dec 29, 2022

Read: 1.5 min It’s us—Juniper & Raja. You might have seen us on the Firehouse magnet. We’re Firehouse pets and official mascots. 😊 We’ve noticed this time each year that you make a list of ways to improve your life. It seems like a great idea! On behalf of your...

6 pet trends that gained popularity in the last decade
You should embrace 5 and ignore one of them

Dec 5, 2022

4 min read Firehouse turned 10 in April 2022. It’s fun to look back and see progress in animal care. Dr Stacy Mozisek at Firehouse Westlake has seen trends come and go over the last decade. She reflects on 6 ideas that gained popularity in the last decade. Here, she...

Pet-proof your holiday decor
How to keep your cats and dogs off the Naughty List

Dec 2, 2022

1 min read Decorated Christmas trees and a fully lit menorah or kinara are showstoppers. Ornaments, lights, and seasonal scents add to the festive feeling of the season. They also seem like shiny new playthings to your curious pet. When decorating your home for the...

A Feast for All Beasts
Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Your Pet

Nov 4, 2022

1 min read Charlie Brown always shared Thanksgiving with Snoopy. If you plan carefully, your pets can join in on the holiday too. Some human foods are unsafe for pets. Yet, plain ingredients (or single ingredients) are fine. Avoid a Thanksgiving trip to the ER with...

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...

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

Jul 30, 2022

2 min read Goldie’s allergies strike in the summer. Her eyes get red and oozy, her paws swell, and her eating is disrupted. Goldie’s mom says, “everything is affected and she feels miserable.” Firehouse doctors and vet tech, Mary, helped Goldie with an injection and...

« Older Entries

Next Entries »