Our Blog

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

Firehouse Gives & Gives to Austin Pets
Why we continue to support the Statesman’s Season for Caring program

3 minutes 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 Can Harm Your Pet
Tips to protect your dog or outdoor cat

3 minutes 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...

Protect Your Pet from Painful Ear Infections
Advice on symptoms, prevention, and treatment for cats and dogs

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...

When Your Cat Says “No” to Food: Call The Vet!
Next steps to ensure your cat’s well-being

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...

Is Your Dog Not Eating? Here’s What Might Be Wrong.
Causes, remedies, and when to get your veterinarian’s help

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 Threw Up! What should I do?
Simple advice for managing your cat or dog’s vomit

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....

What’s too much exercise for dogs?
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 Essential Safety Tips for Pets This Summer
Gain Insightful Summer Health 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...

Cracking the Code: What Your Pet’s Quirks Reveal
Understand your cat and dog to strengthen bonds

3 minute readUnderstand your cat and dog to strengthen bondsYour pets are full of fascinating quirks and behaviors. Dogs and cats use interesting cues to let owners know their state of mind. In this blog, two of our Firehouse veterinarians – Dr Sherry Hill and Dr...

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

3.5 minute read 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 based on your lifestyle and environment. Our advice is conservative and based on common sense. Vaccines...

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

Apr 15, 2024

Your Pet’s Wellbeing In Spring 2024
Keep your cat and dog healthy in 2024

Apr 1, 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...

Training Tips Every Owner Should Know
Dog behavior explained: Q&A with trainer Candace Nolte

Mar 5, 2024

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

Feb 8, 2024

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 Embarrassing Pet Questions
Candid answers to awkward cat and dog topics

Feb 5, 2024

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...

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

Jan 20, 2024

8 min read Pets 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

Jan 5, 2024

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...

Three Reasons to Microchip Your Pet
Ensure your pet is findable in 2024

Dec 28, 2023

3 min read “A kind client brought us a small terrier she found in her neighborhood,” says Kyla Burkes, a Veterinary Technician at Firehouse 183. “We scanned him for a microchip, and luckily, he had one! "Using the microchip number, we were able to reach out to the...

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

Dec 5, 2023

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...

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