Our Blog
Firehouse is committed to keeping your pet happy and healthy while preventing disease.
Firehouse: Caring for Families & Their Pets
Supporting Austin’s underserved families with pet care
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...
Garden Mushrooms: A Danger To Pets
Keep your dog or outdoor cat safe after it rains
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...
Spotting Ear Infections in Pets
Recognize the signs and learn treatments for cats and dogs
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...
Cat Skipping Meals? Here’s What To Know
Guidance for pet parents on next steps
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...
Dog Not Eating? Here’s What You Need to Know.
The causes and when it’s time 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...
Help! My Pet Vomited. What’s Next?
Quick tips for a sick cat or dog
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....
What’s the right amount of exercise for your pet?
Drs Barbara Boechat and Michelle Henthorne offer advice
4 minute readDrs Boechat and Henthorne chat about exercise. They advise walking your dog a little every day instead of a lot all at once.Picture riding your bike on a sunny day with your dog trotting beside you. His ears are flapping in the wind and you’re delighted...
Summer Safety for Pets
Dr Sherry Hill, Medical Director of Firehouse Cedar Park, and Dr Kristen Ussery offer their advice
2 minute readPrep for a healthy summer alongside your pets with Dr Sherry Hill and Dr Kristen Ussery’s safety tips. Let’s keep our pets safe this summer. We’ve asked Dr Sherry Hill and Dr Kristen Ussery to share their tips and stories with us as we head into the...
Furry Friends: What Their Quirky Habits Mean
Understand your cat and dog to strengthen bonds
3 minute readTake your relationship to the next level by understanding your pets’ nonverbal cues.Your pets are full of fascinating quirks and behaviors. Dogs and cats use interesting cues to let owners know their state of mind. In this blog, two of our Firehouse...