The Bellingham BBVSH Blog
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
National Pet Hydration Awareness Month: When Dehydration Becomes a Medical Emergency
Summer in northwest Washington brings longer days, warmer weather, and more opportunities for dogs and cats to spend time with their families outdoors. From walks near Bellingham Bay and hikes around local trails to lake days, camping trips, and backyard
Hidden Dangers for Pets: Understanding Drug Exposure Risks
Hidden Dangers for Pets: Understanding Drug Exposure Risks June 2026 | BBVSH Bellingham June 26 marks the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a global initiative focused on raising awareness about substance use and its effects on people
More Than Just Mischief: What Happens When Pets Swallow the Wrong Things
Most pets are curious by nature—and that curiosity often leads them to investigate the world with their mouths. Unfortunately, that can sometimes mean swallowing things that aren’t meant to be eaten. At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital, Bellingham, treating pets
Inside Your Pet’s Joint: How Arthroscopy Is Changing the Way We Diagnose and Treat Pain
When your pet develops a limp or seems less eager to move, the cause isn’t always obvious. Joint conditions can be complex—sometimes subtle, sometimes progressive—and they don’t always show up clearly on standard imaging. That’s where arthroscopy makes a difference.
When Every Second Counts: Is Your Pet Ready for an Emergency?
Emergencies don’t wait for the right moment—and when they happen, pets rely entirely on us to keep them safe. June is National Pet Preparedness Month, a timely reminder to make sure your emergency plans fully include your pets. In communities
Understanding TPLO Surgery for Dogs With Cruciate Ligament Injuries
If your dog has started limping, slowing down, or favoring one of their back legs, it’s important to have them evaluated by your primary care veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary surgeon. One of the most common orthopedic conditions affecting dogs
How Immunotherapy Is Changing the Way We Treat Canine Cancer
Cancer is one of the most challenging health issues our canine companions can face. Just like in people, veterinary oncology has advanced significantly over the past decade, offering more precise ways to diagnose and treat a wide variety of tumors—often
Living Well in the Senior Years: Understanding Cushing’s Disease in Dogs
Cushing’s disease is a hormonal condition that most often affects middle-aged and senior dogs, and its signs can be easy to miss early on. Changes like increased thirst, appetite shifts, accidents in the house, panting, or a thinning coat often
