The Bellingham BBVSH Blog
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
Lyme Disease in Pets: What Every Dog and Cat Owner Should Know
Here in Bellingham, many of us share the same routines — getting outside whenever we can, heading to the trails or the water, and bringing our dogs along for the ride (and sometimes our cats, too). As outdoor activity increases
World Veterinary Day 2026: Honouring the People Behind Advanced Veterinary Care
Caring for Animals, Caring for Each Other World Veterinary Day on April 26th is a moment to recognize the veterinarians and veterinary professionals whose knowledge, dedication, and compassion support animal health in many different settings around the world. From companion
Heartworm Prevention Month: Protecting Pets from a Silent but Serious Disease
April is Heartworm Prevention Month, an ideal time to focus on protecting pets from a disease that is far more common—and far more dangerous—than many owners realize. Heartworm disease is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by Dirofilaria immitis, a parasitic
Finding Clarity in Complex Care: The Role of Board-Certified Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialists
When a pet’s health concerns don’t follow a clear or predictable path, it can leave families feeling uncertain and worried. Symptoms may develop gradually, change over time, or involve several body systems at once. In these situations, board-certified veterinary internal
Feline Urinary Tract Disease: What Cat Owners Should Know About FLUTD
Urinary tract disease is one of the most common—and uncomfortable—medical conditions we see in cats. Known collectively as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), these conditions affect the bladder and urethra and are especially common in indoor cats, cats who
Using Sedation to Support Calm, Compassionate Care for Pets
Veterinary visits can be stressful for many pets. New environments, unfamiliar people, strange sounds, and underlying pain or discomfort can quickly turn uncertainty into fear. At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital, we understand how deeply pets feel these moments—and how
Understanding Toxic Exposures and Poison Risks in Pets
Most pet poisonings don’t happen because of negligence — they happen because pets live closely with us. They explore our homes, our kitchens, our medicine cabinets, and our garages with curiosity and speed, often before we realize something is within
Xylitol Toxicity: Why This Common Sweetener Is Dangerous for Dogs and Other Pets
Xylitol is a sugar substitute increasingly found in everyday household products, and while it is safe for people, it poses a serious and potentially life-threatening risk to dogs. As xylitol appears in more foods, dental products, and medications, accidental exposure
