Our Blog

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

The Golden Years Matter: How We Personalize Visits for Senior Pets

As your pet changes over the years, so do their healthcare needs. We adjust our approach to ensure you can enjoy as many healthy years with them as possible. Here’s how and why veterinary visits at Firehouse Animal Health Center - 183 look a little different for our...

How Board-Certified Mobile Surgeons Enhance Your Pet’s Care

Firehouse Animal Health Centers creates a smooth, low-stress experience by partnering with mobile board-certified veterinary surgeons to bring specialty surgical care to the hospital you (and your pet) already know and trust. Why do we partner with board-certified...

More Than a Cleaning: How Firehouse Approaches Pet Dental Care

At Firehouse Animal Health Center, dental care is never treated as “just a cleaning.” Our dental procedure is built around transparency, safety, and high medical standards, every step of the way. The most important thing we can do to make a difference in your pet’s...

Can Pets Tell Time? The Science Behind Animal Time Perception

Have you ever wondered why your dog goes to the door before your car pulls into the driveway or your cat mysteriously appears every day at precisely 1:05 p.m. for their midday snack? How do they do it? Can pets tell time? Rhythm is everything: How pets perceive time...

🎃 Fear Free Costume Tips for Pets

Halloween decorations and costumes can be fun, but they may also pose risks for pets. Keep cords, candles, and small decorations (such as glow sticks, plastic spiders, or miniature skeletons) out of reach, and be sure your pet’s costume is comfortable and safe. 1....

Adventure Ready: 5 Safety Tips for Hiking and Camping With Pets

Make sure to pack caution in your travel bag with these top 5 trail tips from Firehouse Animal Health Centers!#1: Plan with weather and terrain in mind Research trail conditions, difficulty level, elevation, and expected weather before you plan your trip. Be prepared...

5 Ways to Support Pets With Separation Anxiety

Dogs and cats are naturally social creatures who thrive on the comfort and connection of their owners. While it’s normal for pets—and even pet parents—to feel a little uneasy during time apart, some dogs and cats experience severe emotional distress. Separation...

What to Know About Blue-Green Algae
Practical tips to help your dog avoid toxic water exposure

3 minute readBlue-green algae is a year-round growth found in Austin waterways. It produces a dangerous toxin that can be deadly to dogs. Please read below to keep your pet safe.Dr Natalie Davis recalls the scary day her dog Dakota got sick after they spent the...

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...

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...

When should you spay or neuter your kitten?
Research shows cats stay healthiest when procedure is completed by 5 months

Aug 2, 2023

We first reported new recommendations for spaying and neutering cats by 5 months in January 2021. We continue to support these guidelines from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Research shows the...

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...

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