The Bellingham BBVSH Blog
What Is a Congenital Heart Defect — and How Do I Know if My Pet Has One?
Congenital heart defects are abnormalities of the heart or major blood vessels that are present at birth. These conditions develop before or around the time a puppy or kitten is born and may be caused by genetic factors, environmental influences,
How to Plan for Pet Care Costs: Insurance, Savings, and What to Consider
You love your pet. We love medicine. Here’s the part no one enjoys talking about: the cost. When you bring an animal into your life, you’re choosing their healthcare, too—vaccines, prevention, the occasional midnight scare, and sometimes big, unexpected problems.
Vaccine-Associated Sarcoma in Cats: Understanding the Risks, Signs, and Treatment Options
Vaccines play an essential role in keeping cats healthy, protecting them from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases such as rabies and feline leukemia virus. For the vast majority of cats, vaccines are safe, effective, and lifesaving. In rare cases, however,
Heart Disease in Pets: More Common—and More Manageable—Than Many Realize
Heart disease in pets generally falls into two broad categories: Congenital heart disease – conditions present at birth Acquired heart disease – conditions that develop over time, often as pets age While congenital heart defects affect a smaller percentage of
Kidney Disease in Pets: What You Should Know
Just like in people, your pet’s kidneys perform essential tasks that help regulate their entire body. These two small but powerful organs help remove waste, manage hydration and electrolyte levels, regulate blood pressure, and produce the hormones needed for red
Preparing to Say Goodbye — and Finding Your Way Through Grief
At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital, we understand that deciding to say goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the most difficult and deeply personal choices you’ll ever make. Pets are our companions, our daily constants, and members of
“It’s Just a Dog” — Why Your Grief Is Real
At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital, we sometimes hear, “I shouldn’t feel this sad — it was just a dog.” But love doesn’t measure by species. Pets share our homes, our routines, and our hearts. When they’re gone, the quiet
Quality of Life: A Helpful Framework for Pet-Centered Decisions
At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital, we know that some of the hardest moments in pet ownership come when you’re faced with questions about comfort, treatment, or end-of-life care. These decisions are deeply personal, and the right choice is the
Can My Cat Get Bird Flu? What Bellingham Pet Owners Should Know
Each year, “bird flu” — officially known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1) — makes headlines because it affects wild waterfowl, poultry farms, or livestock. But many pet owners are surprised to learn that, in rare cases, domestic cats
