The Bellingham BBVSH Blog
Lucy the Wonderdog: How Molecular Diagnostics Are Changing Cancer Care for Pets
By Dr. Sarah Charney, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), DACVR (Radiation Oncology), Co-owner, BBVSH Veterinary cancer care is evolving—and one of the most exciting advances in recent years is the emergence of commercially available molecular diagnostics. These specialized tests allow veterinary oncologists
Dogs Die in Hot Cars – What Every Washington Pet Owner Needs to Know
Warm summer days in Bellingham and across the Pacific Northwest offer plenty of reasons to get outside with your dog. But there’s one place your pet should never be left—even for a few minutes: inside a parked car. Even on
Four Reasons to Talk to a Veterinary Dermatologist About Your Itchy Pet
If you’ve noticed your pet scratching more than usual, August is the perfect time to pay attention—Itchy Pet Awareness Month is a national reminder that skin issues in pets are common, often misunderstood, and sometimes overlooked. While it might seem
More Than Just Heat: Other Summer Hazards for Pets
Summer is a time for making memories with our pets—whether it’s hiking in the woods, spending the day at the beach, or relaxing in the backyard. But as we’ve shared in our other blogs on heatstroke and dehydration, pets in
Wildfire Smoke and Pet Safety: What You Need to Know
As wildfires continue to affect much of the Pacific Northwest, the resulting smoke and poor air quality can pose serious risks—not just to humans, but to our pets as well. National Pet Fire Safety Day (July 15) is a timely
Drowning – A Summer Hazard for Pets That Can Be Avoided
During the summer months in the Pacific Northwest, many families head to lakes, rivers, pools, and beaches to cool off. While water offers a refreshing break from the heat, it’s important to remember that water safety is essential not only
Summer Pet Hazards: What to Watch For and How to Keep Your Pet Safe
Longer days, sunny skies, water play, trail hikes and beach outings — summer is a season both humans and their furry companions enjoy. But with rising temperatures and outdoor adventures come seasonal dangers for pets, and we see a noticeable
When Pets Become Victims: Recognizing the Risk of Drug Exposure
June 26 marks International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a global observance aimed at raising awareness about the impact of drug misuse on individuals and communities. While the focus is often on human health and safety, this day
Help! My Pet Swallowed Something It Shouldn’t Have
Whether it’s a sock, a string, or something out of the trash, pets are notorious for getting into things they shouldn’t. At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (BBVSH) in Bellingham, we frequently support cases where pets have ingested non-food items—many
Is Your Dog Slowing Down? It Might Be Hypothyroidism
Does your dog seem sluggish, gaining weight, or losing fur? These could be signs of hypothyroidism, one of the most common hormonal disorders in dogs. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in metabolism, energy levels, and skin health. When
