Our Blog

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

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...

A Guide: Vaccinations for Cats and Dogs
Our careful, common sense approach. Customized for your pet.

3.5 minute read Firehouse customizes immunization plans for each pet. We’ll chat at your pet’s yearly check-up. Then, we recommend only the vaccines your pet needs based on your lifestyle and environment. Our advice is conservative and based on common sense. Vaccines...

Keep Your Pet Safe This Spring
Keep your cat and dog healthy in 2024

2.5 min readDr Brianna Armstrong has you covered with springtime tips to keep your pets healthy and happy.We asked Dr Brianna Armstrong, Medical Director at Firehouse 183, to prep us for Springtime in Central Texas. Keeping Pets Safe During the Eclipse We’re all...

Where to Begin with Dog Training
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...

Why does my dog eat grass?
The top 7 explanations you need

Aug 25, 2023

3 min read Milo is a 6-month-old mini Bernadoodle who really likes to chew on grass in his mom’s lawn. “I think Milo eats grass for...

When should you spay or neuter your kitten?
Research shows cats stay healthiest when procedure is completed by 5 months

Aug 2, 2023

We first reported new recommendations for spaying and neutering cats by 5 months in January 2021. We continue to support these guidelines from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Research shows the...

Pet Health Questions? Don’t Jump to Dr Google.
Always Ask Your Vet's Advice

Aug 1, 2023

2 min read We hear this all the time: garlic can help prevent ticks. This isn’t true, but Google search keeps pulling up the article and spewing bad advice. Have you ever looked up advice online? Many pet owners turn to the internet for help when it comes to their...

Missing Furry Friend? Reunite in Just 4 Easy Steps
Locate Your Missing Feline or Canine Companion with These Handy Tips

Jun 27, 2023

2 min read More pets go missing during July 4th fireworks celebrations than at any other time of the year. The loud bangs and pops scare both dogs and cats. We’ve written tips to help pets feel safe and secure during Independence Day festivities. In this blog,...

Is Your Cat Stressed Out? 3 Signs of a Seriously Anxious Cat
Call your vet if your cat does these things

Apr 7, 2023

4 min read “Not all babies and cats get along so well,” says Dr Adriana Mendoza, Medical Director at Firehouse Leander. “But these two have been best friends from the start. Tate, a Texas Humane Heroes rescue, is older and calmer. A new baby didn’t give him anxiety....

Vacationing with Your Cat or Dog in 2023
Travel tips for your pet

Mar 1, 2023

3 min read “Scamp is a model citizen when we go camping,” says Deanna, a vet tech at Firehouse Leander. “He sleeps in the tent without any issues.” Here are tips to prepare for any adventure with your cat and dog. #1: 3-6 months before travel Follow booking...

Pet Dental X-rays and Their Importance to Your Pet’s Dental Health
X-ray imagery shows us the deeper dental issues your pet is dealing with

Feb 7, 2023

2.5 minute read Check out the Audio Version of this Post!Ringo visited Dr Betsy Henslee for his yearly dental cleaning. X-rays showed a tooth that could cause infection and pain. We talked with Ringo’s owners, who made the decision to play it safe by removing this...

Our New Year’s Resolutions – A note from 2 pets ✏️
(5 ways to love us more in ‘23)

Dec 29, 2022

Read: 1.5 min It’s us—Juniper & Raja. You might have seen us on the Firehouse magnet. We’re Firehouse pets and official mascots. 😊 We’ve noticed this time each year that you make a list of ways to improve your life. It seems like a great idea! On behalf of your...

Pet-proof your holiday decor
How to keep your cats and dogs off the Naughty List

Dec 1, 2022

1 min read Decorated Christmas trees and a fully lit menorah or kinara are showstoppers. Ornaments, lights, and seasonal scents add to the festive feeling of the season. They also seem like shiny new playthings to your curious pet. When decorating your home for the...

« Older Entries

Next Entries »