The Bellingham BBVSH Blog
Preventing Rabies in Your Pets – World Rabies Day, September 28, 2025
September 28 is World Rabies Day, a global day of action and awareness focused on preventing rabies in both animals and humans. While rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, it is also 100% preventable—which is why vaccination and
Can My Dog Get Salmon Poisoning Disease?
If you live along the Pacific Northwest coast—or enjoy outdoor adventures with your dog—there’s an important health risk you should be aware of: salmon poisoning disease (SPD). This potentially fatal condition can affect dogs that eat certain types of raw
What to Do in a Pet Emergency: Be Prepared, Stay Calm, Act Quickly
Adapted from original presentation by Sarah Charney, DVM, DACVIM, DACVR Emergencies can happen anytime, and as pet owners, we need to be prepared. Whether it’s a cut paw, choking, a seizure, or a sudden collapse, knowing basic pet first aid can make all
Is Your Pet in Pain? How to Recognize the Signs and What to Do About It
Pain in pets isn’t always obvious. Unlike people, animals often mask signs of discomfort—sometimes due to instinct, sometimes because they simply can’t express what hurts. But just because they can’t tell us doesn’t mean they aren’t suffering. That’s why the International
Cancer in Pets: A Guide for Pet Owners
Adapted from original presentation by Dr. Sarah Charney, DVM, DACVIM, DACVR Cancer is one of the most common health concerns for pets, especially as they age. In fact, nearly half of all dogs over 10 years old will develop some form
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
