Our Blog

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

Tips for Dog Owners Who Want to Train their Pet
Dog behavior explained: Q&A with trainer Candace Nolte

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

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 Awkward Topics at the Vet
Candid answers to awkward cat and dog topics

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

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

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...

Why You Should Microchip Your Pet
Ensure your pet is findable in 2024

3 min read A microchip is a grain-of-rice-sized, electronic device. It’s placed just under the skin between the shoulder blades. The chip contains a unique ID number that can be scanned by a veterinarian or shelter to identify your pet if he gets lost or stolen.  May...

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

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

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,...

Pet Diabetes: What To Know
With proper care, your pets can thrive

7.5 min read Max, a mix breed mid-size dog, had excessive thirst and weight loss. His family was alarmed and brought him to Firehouse Kyle. After being diagnosed with diabetes, Max’s parents embraced a tailored diet and daily insulin shots. Max is now thriving and his...

Safeguarding your deaf dog
A focus on deaf and hearing-challenged animals

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.

A Feast for All Beasts  Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Your Pet

A Feast for All Beasts
Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Your Pet

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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6 Signs Your Pet Has Allergies  Dogs suffer more often than cats

6 Signs Your Pet Has Allergies
Dogs suffer more often than cats

2 min read Beatrice’s mom worried she’d injured her back when she began walking off-kilter and licking her rear side. A visit to Firehouse Kyle confirmed the culprit was allergies. Luckily, an injection helped relieve the itchiness. And a topical ointment healed the...

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