Our Blog

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

Emergency Preparation Planning for Cats & Dogs
How to plan and protect your pets in fires, floods, and storms

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...

Keep Heartworms at Bay: Tips for Pet Owners
Your cats & dogs deserve a life free of pain and risk

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...

A Grain-Free Diet Is Not Good for Your Dog
Research shows this pet nutrition fad causes heart disease in dogs

3 minute 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....

Blind, Brave, and Full of Love
Meet Cici, the kitten who captured our hearts

3.5 minute 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 Steps in To Support Pets & Their Families
Free veterinary care through the Statesman’s Season for Caring program

3 minute 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...

Protect Your Pets from Garden Mushrooms
Keep dogs and outdoor cats safe in your yard and during walks

3 minute read Dogs (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...

How to Tell if Your Pet Has an Ear Infection
Know the symptoms and treatments for dogs and cats

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 Cats Stop Eating: Call Your Vet
Next steps for pet parents

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...

Help! My dog won’t eat. What now?
Causes and solutions so you know when to call the vet

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...

Why Did My Pet Just Throw Up?
Practical advice for dog and cat owners

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....
The Holidays are Here!

The Holidays are Here!

The Holiday season is upon us and so is the hustle and bustle of this busy time of year. As visitors come and go, keep an eye on your pet to ensure they don't escape through an unintentionally open door. In fact, now would be a good time to get a microchip if your pet...

read more
GOBBLE, GOBBLE!

GOBBLE, GOBBLE!

While you sit down to Thanksgiving feast in your finest stretchy pants, remember that certain kinds of human food can cause tummy upset, diarrhea, or possible food poisoning in our furry friends. It’s always best to keep your pets on their regular diet, even during...

read more
Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween Safety Tips

Boo! Halloween will be here soon. While you are busy celebrating, keep in mind that this spooky holiday can be an extremely scary time for your pets! The constant doorbell ringing and noise of eager trick or treaters might cause unnecessary stress to our favorite...

read more
Please Switch Your Dog to a Non-Grain-Free Diet

Please Switch Your Dog to a Non-Grain-Free Diet

The FDA released data at the end of June that links grain-free diets – and food rich in peas, lentils, soy or other legumes -- to heart issues in dogs. At Firehouse, we never recommended grain-free diets because we never saw any evidence that these diets provided a...

read more
Keeping Your Pets Happy, Healthy, and Safe this Summer

Keeping Your Pets Happy, Healthy, and Safe this Summer

Summer is a great time to be outside, relax, and take a break from the busy year. However, loud storms and fireworks, high temperatures and time in the water can all be dangerous for pets. The good news is, with some preparation, there are many strategies that can...

read more
Dogs and cats get skin cancer, too.

Dogs and cats get skin cancer, too.

The sun is strong and Central Texans need to protect their skin and their pets’ skin, too. Yes, dogs and cats can get skin cancer. Since May is Skin Cancer Awareness month, we want to share the two kinds of skin cancer in pets you need to be aware of. Below you'll...

read more
Firehouse Westlake Turns 7!

Firehouse Westlake Turns 7!

As the original Firehouse Kyle location turns seven this week, Dr. John Faught reflects on the changes and growth over the last seven years. We love our clients and our patients One thing I'm most blown away by is the amazing growth this hospital has sustained. When...

read more
Translate »