Our Blog

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

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...

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...

Halloween Safety Tips

Oct 14, 2019

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...

A Little Bit of Prep Work Can Make a BIG Difference During Natural Disasters

Aug 28, 2019

Natural disasters like wildfires, tornadoes, and floods can catch us off guard -- even in Austin ---- if we’re not prepared. When we have pets who depend on us, it's especially important to consider a disaster preparedness plan. Quick tips before unpredictable weather...

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

Jul 17, 2019

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...

Keeping Your Pets Happy, Healthy, and Safe this Summer

Jun 28, 2019

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...

Dogs and cats get skin cancer, too.

May 10, 2019

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...

Firehouse Westlake Turns 7!

Apr 15, 2019

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...

Fear & Anxiety can lead to behavioral issues in pets. Firehouse can help.

Mar 26, 2019

Behavioral problems with pets are the #1 reason pets are taken to animal shelters. They also can prevent our pets from living happy, healthy lives, and they create significant challenges for pet owners. At Firehouse, we spend a lot of time and energy determining ways...

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

Jan 23, 2019

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...

Firehouse Philanthropy

Dec 5, 2018

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...

« Older Entries

Next Entries »