Our Blog

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

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...

Blue-Green Algae is Toxic to Dogs
Call your vet if your pet drinks infected water

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...

You can save your dog from parvovirus
Vaccines keep your puppy or adult dog safe from this hard-to-treat, life-threatening 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...

Pet Safety Essentials for Every Weather Emergency
Our simple tips can help you prep for hurricanes, floods, and fires

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...

Monthly Heartworm Prevention is Critical for Pets
Guard against this disease, which is deadly for cats & expensive/complicated to treat for dogs

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...

Warm Hearts, Tiny Paws: Meet Cici
A blind kitten reminds us the importance of unconditional love

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...

Helping Austin Families and Their Pets
Firehouse offers free care through Season for Caring

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...

Don’t Let Your Pet Eat Garden Mushrooms
Tips to keep dogs and outdoor cats safe after rainfall

3 minute 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...

Caring for Your Pet’s Ear Infections
Expert tips to help cats and dogs when they’re in pain

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...

Your Cat Isn’t Eating? Call Your Vet
Next steps when your feline turns down food

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...
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...

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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...

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Firehouse Westlake Turns 7!

Firehouse Westlake Turns 7!

As the original Firehouse Austin 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...

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Pet Dental Care — It’s not just about the pearly whites!

Pet Dental Care — It’s not just about the pearly whites!

Did you know that many diseases can be traced back to bacteria that begins on the surface of a tooth? Diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems have all been linked back to dirty teeth in cats and dogs. At Firehouse, we urge our clients to bring pets to us once a...

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Firehouse Philanthropy

Firehouse Philanthropy

At Firehouse, we're dedicated to improving the lives of pets all around Central Texas. And we don't limit our philanthropy to the holiday season – we give back all year round. As shelters need medical services for their pets, we happily help out. This way, the dogs...

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Having a Safe & Fear Free Holiday with your Pet

Having a Safe & Fear Free Holiday with your Pet

The holidays can be stressful for humans, but what about our pets? October is a good time to find ways to reduce your pet’s fear, stress, and anxiety from Halloween through New Year’s. When your dog or cat is less anxious, you’ll have more fun, too! During...

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Firehouse Is Offering A New Heartworm Preventative

Firehouse Is Offering A New Heartworm Preventative

Do you have trouble remembering to give those monthly heartworm pills to your pet? Firehouse Animal Health Center is now offering ProHeart 6, an injectable heartworm preventative that lasts 6 months. Because ProHeart 6 offers 6 months of prevention, it’s one less...

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Every Geriatric Pet Should Have an Abdominal Ultrasound

Every Geriatric Pet Should Have an Abdominal Ultrasound

Veterinary medicine has come a long way over the last few decades. We used to spend our days (and still do) putting out fires all day and practicing reactive medicine. But what if you could prevent the fires before they ever started? Or, at least, catch it early...

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