Our Blog
Firehouse is committed to keeping your pet happy and healthy while preventing disease.
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...
Your Pet’s Wellbeing In Spring 2024
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...
Achieve better pet behavior with these pro tips
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...
5 questions you’ve always wanted to ask your vet, but were too embarrassed to ask
Candid answers to awkward cat and dog topics
2 min readThere’s no topic we’re uncomfortable with. So bring us your questions! Is your dog’s penis sticking out? Is your cat humping stuffed animals? Did your pet ingest marijuana? We’re here to answer all your questions. Doctors Rivas & Bonnet answer questions we...
Firehouse’s 4 Pillars of Care
The core beliefs that guide your pet’s care: wellness, nutrition, dental, and fear/anxiety/stress
8 min readPets bring us immeasurable joy and companionship. Firehouse Animal Health Center’s mission is to prevent your cat, dog, and exotic pet from getting sick so they can stay by your side – healthy and happy – for as long as possible. Our care guidelines are...
Ease Your Pet’s Stiff Joints in 2024
3 tips for cold weather days
3 min read "Before starting Librela, Dizzy wasn't using all four legs to go up and down the stairs," says Firehouse 183 Client Service Coordinator Lisa Berletch of her 8-year-old Sheltie. "She was also hesitant to jump and run at full speed." Dizzy started...
3 Reasons Every Pet Owner Should Microchip Their Pet
Ensure your pet is findable in 2024
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...
Why Do Cats Knead?
Here’s why cats “make biscuits.”
3 min read “Simply put, kneading brings cats peace and comfort,” says Georgie Chadwick, Hospital Manager at Firehouse Westlake. Kneading is when cats rhythmically push their paws against a soft surface, often with a kneading motion like the way dough is kneaded. A...