The Bellingham BBVSH Blog
A New Chapter in Treating Parvovirus
Canine Parvovirus (CPV) remains one of the most serious health threats a puppy can face. Traditionally, treating a “Parvo puppy” focused on supportive care—providing intensive fluids and medications to manage symptoms while hoping the body’s own defenses would eventually overcome
Preventing Pain in Pets: How Today’s Veterinary Care Helps Dogs and Cats Heal More Comfortably
When most people think about pain management for their pets, they picture medications given after surgery or treatment following an injury. Today, veterinary medicine takes a much more proactive approach. One of the most important advances in pain management over
Pet First Aid for Dogs and Cats: What to Do Before You Get to the Emergency Vet
No pet owner plans for an emergency. One moment you’re exploring one of Bellingham’s many trails with your dog, spending the afternoon at the beach, enjoying a day on the water, or heading out on a weekend adventure. The next, your
When a Minor Injury Becomes a Major Concern: Tetanus in Dogs and Cats
When most people think about tetanus, they think about human medicine. Few pet owners realize that dogs and cats can develop tetanus as well. Although the disease is uncommon in companion animals, it remains an important condition for veterinarians to recognize
Swimmer’s Tail in Dogs: What Pacific Northwest Pet Owners Should Know
Few places are better for active dogs than the Pacific Northwest. From swimming in Lake Whatcom to exploring local trails, spending weekends at the beach, or joining family camping trips, dogs in northwest Washington enjoy no shortage of outdoor adventures. Unfortunately,
Beyond the Itch: Understanding Chronic Skin Disease in Dogs and Cats
August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month, making it a good time to talk about one of the most common reasons pets are brought to veterinarians: persistent itching. Most owners recognize the outward signs. A dog chews at their paws, scratches
Fish Hooks, Fishing Line, and Dogs: A Hidden Hazard of Pacific Northwest Adventures
Life in the Pacific Northwest offers no shortage of opportunities to get outside with your dog. From shoreline walks around Bellingham Bay and Lake Whatcom to fishing trips, camping weekends, and days spent exploring local waterways, many dogs spend their
When the Air Turns Smoky: Understanding Smoke Inhalation Risks in Dogs and Cats
In the Pacific Northwest, smoke exposure has become an increasingly familiar concern for pet owners. Wildfires, structure fires, vehicle fires, and prolonged periods of poor air quality can all expose dogs and cats to smoke and airborne irritants. While some
Heatstroke in Dogs and Cats: Why a Parked Car Can Become a Life-Threatening Emergency
Most pet owners know that leaving a dog or cat in a parked vehicle is dangerous. What many don’t realize is that heatstroke is far more than simply becoming overheated. From an emergency medicine perspective, heatstroke is a complex, multisystem
