Our Blog

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

$600 Pet Dental Cleaning Special at Firehouse Leander

Your pet uses their mouth for just about everything - eating, playing, exploring, and showing you affection. Keeping their teeth and gums healthy is an important part of helping them feel their best. At Firehouse Animal Health Center Leander, professional dental care...

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...

Protect Your Dog from Blue-Green Algae in Central Texas Waterways
Tips to avoid toxic exposure in local lakes and rivers

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...

Prevent Life-Threatening Canine Parvovirus
Your puppy (or adult dog) needs to be vaccinated against this 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 During Natural Disasters
Stay calm with our tips for evacuations, hotel stays, and returning home

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...

Heartworm Disease: Every Pet Owner Needs These Tips
Prevention is the best defense against this silent threat

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...

The Grain-Free Pet Food Trend: It’s Dangerous for Your Dog’s Heart Health
Dogs should stick to traditional, carbohydrate-based diets to avoid heart issues

3 minute read Seemingly 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....

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,...

Protecting Your Pets: Boating and Lake Safety Tips for Pets
Planning ahead for accident prevention

Jun 4, 2023

2 min read “Our dachshund, Harper, loves the water,” says Amber, a Vet Tech at Firehouse Leander. “She loves to ride in the kayak with us. We bring her life jacket, toys, and treats to make it an exciting experience for her.” Our team has pulled together 5 boating...

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 »