Our Blog
Firehouse is committed to keeping your pet happy and healthy while preventing disease.
3 Reasons Every Pet Owner Should Microchip Their Pet
Ensure your pet is findable
3 min read Blue, a young and active husky/shepherd mix, was brought into Firehouse Belterra twice this spring. The second time, she wasn’t wearing a collar because her parents had just bathed her. Amanda Lopez, a Firehouse Belterra Veterinary Technician, recognized...
How Stress Affects Cats
Call your vet if your cat does these things
4 min read Sometimes, what seems like a minor change in your household could feel like a major one for your cat. “Gus is a relaxed and sweet cat,” says DeAndra, a vet tech at Firehouse Belterra. “So, you wouldn’t think a new pet in the house would stress him. Yet,...
2023 Travel with your cat or dog
Tips for the jet-set pet
3 min read Ali Alcantra recommends waterproof seat covers for older pets on car trips and disposable diapers older pets on planes. Above, Lito smiles for the camera. “My advice,” says Ali Alcantra, “is to try new things, like meds and toys, BEFORE you travel so...
Why Does Your Pet Need Dental X-rays?
Images reveal what’s happening below the gum line
2.5 minute read Check out the Audio Version of this Post!When Betty White visited Firehouse for her recent dental cleaning, x-rays showed a few teeth with root issues that would cause infection and pain later. We decided to remove the teeth so Betty White would...
Our New Year’s Resolutions – A note from 2 pets ✏️
(5 ways to love us more in ‘23)
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
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...
A Feast for All Beasts
Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Your Pet
1 min read Charlie Brown always shared Thanksgiving with Snoopy. If you plan carefully, your pets can join in on the holiday too. Some human foods are unsafe for pets. Yet, plain ingredients (or single ingredients) are fine. Avoid a Thanksgiving trip to the ER with...
Routine lab tests keep your cat or dog in their prime
We recommend the best ones below
1.5 min read When Patrick ate Sago Palm roots this summer, his mom knew she had to rush him to the ER. Sago Palms are toxic to dogs and most attractive (and easy to eat!) when recently dug up. Luckily, Patrick is now fine and his personality has returned to normal. ...
If You Are Facing the Loss of Your Pet
When your pet dies, we are here with answers and support
2min read Sean’s older cat Gracie limped with pain. She began to bump into walls and urinate in the living room. Then, when Sean’s younger cat began to groom Gracie, he realized it was time to prepare for her death. Our cats and dogs are family, so it’s...