Our Blog

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

Dog Owners Can Prevent Canine Parvovirus
A vaccine protects your pet against this highly contagious (and potentially deadly) disease

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...

Don’t Forget Your Pet When Prepping for Emergencies
Consider your dogs and cats before a fire, flood, or natural disaster

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...

Protect Your Pets from Heartworm Disease
Keep your dogs & cats healthy with a preventive med

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 Diets Are Unhealthy for Dogs
Pet food made from chickpeas, lentils, soy, and other legumes harming dogs’ hearts

3 minutes 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 Valentine Tail of Hope and Love
How one tiny kitten found health, happiness, and a forever family

3.5 minutes 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...

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...

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...

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

Nov 30, 2023

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,...

When Your Pet has Diabetes
New products we recommend for treatment

Oct 26, 2023

7.5 min read “Leo, a 15-year-old cat, visited us for a wellness visit,” says Dr Brianna Armstrong at Firehouse 183. “He had an unthrifty hair coat and his new owners noted he looked like he lacked muscle mass despite his large appetite. “We did lab work, and it...

How to keep your deaf dog safe
Safeguarding pets with hearing challenges

Aug 31, 2023

Franklin’s family realized he was hard of hearing soon after they adopted him. “We learned he might have hearing issues when he was just a puppy,” says Katie, Franklin’s mom.

Why your dog might have a grass-eating habit
7 causes dogs eat lawns

Aug 25, 2023

3 min read Milo is a 6-month-old mini Bernadoodle who really likes to chew on grass in his mom’s lawn. “I think Milo eats grass for...

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