Our Blog

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

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...

Next Steps When Your Cat Stops Eating
Call the vet! Plus, more advice from your Firehouse veterinarians.

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...

What to Do When Your Dog Stops Eating
Causes and when to seek veterinary advice

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...

Quick Tips For Vomiting Pets
What do you do first? When should you worry? Quick tips for a 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....

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...

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. The...

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 Your pet might become persnickety! Yet, a picky eater isn’t necessarily cause for alarm. “Something I didn’t expect is Bachan, who is 11, has increasingly become picky with food” says Alex, a CSC at Firehouse Westlake. “When it first started happening, I...

« Older Entries

Next Entries »