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

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...

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....

Dr Google can Steer You Wrong
Don't Skip Vet Consultations

Aug 1, 2023

2 min read “The worst myth I’ve heard from a client who found advice on Google was that it’s ok to give your dog garlic as a flea/tick preventative,” says Aly, a Vet Tech at Firehouse 183. “This is false! Garlic is toxic to dogs! Please don’t give it to your pets. We...

Beethoven loses a leg but finds a home
Firehouse doc adopts her patient

Aug 1, 2023

1 min read Update: Dr Brianna Armstrong, now the Medical Director at Firehouse's newest hospital on 183, has had Raylan for over a...

Searching For a Lost Pet?
Find Your Cat or Dog With These 4 Tips

Jun 27, 2023

2 min read More pets go missing during July 4th fireworks celebrations than at any other time of the year. The loud bangs and pops scare both dogs and cats. We’ve written tips to help pets feel safe and secure during Independence Day festivities. In this blog,...

The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Pets Safe on Boats and Lakes
Planning ahead to avoid accidents

Jun 1, 2023

2 min read “Lucy loves going for swims and enjoy hanging out by the lake,” says Kyla, a Vet Tech at Firehouse 183. “She gets excited to dive in after thrown balls and loves making a big splash! I loved making sure they had a good time while, of course, always...

How Stress Affects Your Cat
Contact us if your cat is experiencing these symptoms

Apr 7, 2023

4 min read “Carriers cause stress for cats,” says Dr Brianna Armstrong, Medical Director of Firehouse’s newest location, Firehouse 183. “I’ve found a few things that can help cats get used to the space, like using catnip, Feliway, or treats to make it a place of...

Tips for Traveling with Your Cat and Dog
The best way to vacation with your jet-set pet

Mar 1, 2023

3 min read “Jude loves gazing at the countryside before curling in her seat to nap,” says Phoebe. “Nala stays in her cat carrier for most of the drive. We let her out to enjoy the scenery as well but are cautious because cats spook easily.” Here are tips to prepare...

Why Your Pet Should Get Dental X-rays
Images help us see what dental issues your pet is dealing with

Feb 13, 2023

2.5 min read Check out the Audio Version of this Post!X-rays showed that Holly, a terrier, had 8 teeth that were broken down to the gumline with all of their roots in place below the gums. Dr Brianna Armstrong removed these tooth roots to eliminate a chance of future...

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...

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