Northshore Veterinary Hospital

09/18/2024

07/23/2024

In an abrupt turn around the CDC has changed some of the upcoming rules for dogs re-entering the US-

CDC issues regulations to control the entry of dogs into the United States from other countries. The

07/17/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/JayKvdFBoUaas3RU/

07/01/2024

A reminder that our office will be closed on Thursday July 4th. Wishing all of you a safe and happy Independence Day!

06/29/2024

Northshore Veterinary Hospital is fortunate to have six USDA-accredited veterinarians who can help owners obtain a Certificate of US Issued Rabies Vaccination.

Attention: If you travel with your dogs to Canada, new CDC requirements are going into effect starting August 1st.
* ALL dogs has to meet the following requirements (even service dogs)
must be microchipped with an ISO (15 digit) microchip
must be over 6 months of age
must be up to date on their rabies vaccination
must have a Certficate of US Issued Rabies Vaccination (endorsed by the USDA)
Have CDC Dog Import Form receipt (this form will be available July 15th)

If you want to travel with your dog to Canada after August 1st , please make an appointment with one of our USDA accredited veterinarians to start the process of obtaining a Certificate of US Issued Rabies Vaccination.

06/21/2024

Our practice has multiple USDA accredited veterinarians who can help owners obtain a Certificate of US Issued Rabies Vaccination. Please make an appointment if you would like one for your dog

The rule, from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is scheduled to take effect Aug. 1. It applies to all dogs, whether domestic pets heading home from a short jaunt with their families to Canada or Mexico; dogs competing internationally in shows or sports; or dogs being purchased from a breeder or put up for adoption by a rescue organization operating abroad.

Veterinarians scramble to understand what's needed under new rabies prevention rule

06/13/2024

We are excited to offer house call behavior work-up for dogs and cats. The program includes a house-call total wellness evaluation including physical exam, gait analysis, environmental evaluation, written full physical and behavioral assessment, medication plan (if indicated), email support for the first three weeks, and a virtual follow-up on week four. If needed the team can set up continued support throughout the Behavior Modification plan.

The Comprehensive Wellness program is now looking for pilot cases at a starting rate of $500.00 for a month of care from the Team. Brita Kiffney, (DVM DABVP canine and feline practitioner), and Celeste Patten (CTC, CPDT-KA, SA Pro ) are scheduling home visits to evaluate your pet's total physical and behavioral health on Tuesdays.

These appointments will be on Tuesdays, please contact Northshore to schedule.

06/04/2024

Hello -

This is a heads up if you are coming to the clinic or headed this way through town for any reason.

The city of Bellingham has made an emergency closure of the bridge. See the attached article for details. Walkers and cyclist will be allowed to cross the bridge for the time being.

Please allow extra time, as you will be detoured if you’re coming in for an appointment.

Electric Avenue bridge over Whatcom Creek is closed to vehicle traffic due to critical structural issues. We are working on a temporary solution to allow for a single lane reopening as soon as possible. We anticipate a minimum two-week closure, but a more precise timeframe for repairs and capacity l...

06/01/2024

Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have updated their guidelines on when to neuter 40 popular dog varieties by breed and s*x. Their recent paper in Frontiers in Veterinary Science adds five breeds to a line of research that began in 2013 with a study that suggested that early neutering of golden retrievers puts them at increased risk of joint diseases and certain cancers.
That initial study set off a flurry of debate about the best age to neuter other popular breeds. Professors Lynette and Benjamin Hart of the School of Veterinary Medicine, the study’s lead authors, set out to add more breed studies by examining more than a decade of data from thousands of dogs treated at the UC Davis veterinary hospital. Their goal was to provide owners with more information to make the best decision for their animals." https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/when-should-you-neuter-or-spay-your-dog?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0VZZMPCE934HXqPxahx7qlSmZdpMdsMhR-sd68zitMtseIoFGNnT4SBIY_aem_ATyJ9GxPN2UWDiQgqASfNcQiBYBqMeoZ2OyZBasvViLS4E8NL72pXSs3FgdAtG91XoZAYF7Vbxn87CGjYg684Mzf

A new study provides updated guidelines to decrease risk of certain cancers and joint disorders.

05/26/2024

New regulations go into effect August 1st for dogs entering (or Re-entering) the US from Canada (and other countries)-
This is from our friends at WSVMA:

There has been a lot of discussion nationally about the new CDC Guidelines regarding the importation of dogs into the United States. The following is a response from Gail C. Golab, PhD, DVM, MANZCVS, DACAW, the Associate Executive Vice President and Chief Veterinary Officer, from the American Veterinary Medical Association that provides more background to the new CDC guidelines:
There are no exemptions for U.S. land borders- Here is a summary

*dog needs to be at least six months old
*dog has to have an ISO-compatible microchip
*dog needs to be healthy
*dog needs to have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt (CDC says this form can be completed right before travel [they even reference while “in line” at the border crossing]; owner fills this out)
*dog needs to have either the Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination Form or a USDA-endorsed export health certificate (apparently both are valid for the duration of the U.S.-administered rabies vaccination, whether that’s a 1-year vaccine or 3-year vaccine)
*dog needs to arrive at the location listed on the import form

05/10/2024

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/veterinarians-handling-cats.htm?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3tLPuo_sekXlO18boHfDM6fblg4qprOFVGrTv6Yf5pXYGJMZRSjBiKCqo_aem_ATSHoAXu8U7-BygdzxuXTlbgd-mdR1Ldg8wTuWJ_7qj2gxNYiMJ7oXIdetVslrBIJ22L4OlltZfRTD2Wy1IhazFI #:~:text=HPAI%20A(H5N1)%20infections%20in,and%20some%20had%20fatal%20outcomesWhile it’s unlikely that people would become infected with bird flu viruses through contact with an infected wild, stray, feral, or domestic cat, it is possible—especially if there is prolonged and unprotected exposure to the animal. Sick animals may be able to transmit influenza virus to people in their saliva, f***s or droppings, and other body fluids. Human infections can occur when the virus is inhaled or gets into a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth. This can happen when virus is in the air (in droplets or dust) and a person breathes it in, or when a person touches something that has virus on it and then touches their mouth, eyes, or nose.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus is an influenza virus that causes what is known as “bird flu.” Although bird flu viruses mainly infect and spread among wild migratory water birds and domestic poultry, bird flu viruses have been shown to spread, although inefficiently, to m...

05/09/2024

The CDC finalized a rule requiring all dogs brought into the US to be at least six months old, microchipped, healthy and either vaccinated against rabies or coming from a country where rabies is not endemic. Dogs that have been in countries where rabies is high-risk may be subject to additional requirements, including serological testing, a physical examination and quarantine

The CDC announced stricter regulations for importing dogs from abroad — or traveling internationally with your furry companions.

05/07/2024

We are excited to offer house call behavior work-up for dogs and cats. The program includes a house-call total wellness evaluation including physical exam, gait analysis, environmental evaluation, written full physical and behavioral assessment, medication plan (if indicated), email support for the first three weeks, and a virtual follow-up on week four. If needed the team can set up continued support throughout the Behavior Modification plan.

The Comprehensive Wellness program is now looking for pilot cases at a starting rate of $500.00 for a month of care from the Team. Brita Kiffney, (DVM DABVP canine and feline practitioner), and Celeste Patten (CTC, CPDT-KA, SA Pro ) are scheduling home visits to evaluate your pet's total physical and behavioral health on Tuesdays.

These appointments will be on Tuesdays, please contact Northshore to schedule.

04/27/2024

Happy World Veterinary Day!
Today, the Northshore Veterinary Hospital celebrates the contributions of veterinary professionals across Washington and around the world.

04/23/2024

Various mammal species have been infected recently with highly pathogenic avian influenza, and although infections in pets have been rare, cases have been documented in cats in four countries, including the US. Possible sources of avian influenza in pets include contact with droppings from infected birds, eating or playing with infected bird carcasses, and eating infected raw meat, says veterinarian Alice Jeromin. Meat and poultry should be cooked before it is fed to pets, and pets that show signs of illness should be seen by a veterinarian, Dr. Jeromin says

While rare, there have been reported cases of cats and dogs becoming infected with Avian Influenza H5N1.

04/09/2024

Highly pathogenic avian influenza was found in three dead cats in an investigation at dairy farms that also found cows and a person infected with H5N1. Wild and domesticated mammals have contracted avian influenza infections in the past, and health experts believe most cases stem from direct contact with infected birds, and the CDC says that although risks are low, pets should be prevented from having contact with wild birds.

While it is uncommon for the virus to spread to mammals, a recently confirmed case of bird flu in a human has officials advising caution.

04/08/2024

03/29/2024

With Easter coming up this weekend, we wanted to post a quick reminder of the danger lilies pose to our feline friends. All parts of lilies are toxic, not only the pollen and petals, but the leaves and water from vases too. If you think your cat may have been exposed to lilies, call your local vet ER ASAP! Treatment is possible, but the sooner they receive care, the better the expected outcome. Never hesitate to call with any concerns! 🐈🪴💐

03/22/2024

See her in-studio video here!

03/17/2024

We badly need pet food donations - especially DRY & CANNED CAT & DOG FOOD to help pets in need.

Our pet food bank program provides pet food to the pets of low income community members. It operates entirely by donation. Donations of dry and canned dog and cat food and treats (any brand except we cannot accept prescription diets), litter and small animal food can be dropped off at our Division Street shelter Tuesday - Sunday 11am - 6pm. Open bags are fine as long as their are clearly marked and not expired.

Please support one of our amazing local grocery stores, pet supply stores and/or businesses with a purchase - or if that is not possible or convenient, you can order directly from our Amazon wishlist and food/supplies can be shipped directly to our shelter.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3HQRE68TA9UVG...

Or our Chewy.com wishlist: https://www.chewy.com/g/whatcom-humane-society_b67590794...

Thank you!

02/19/2024

Shelters across the country are bursting at the seams with animals in need. Whatcom’s local shelter is no exception. For many animals, despite the care and love shelter staff and volunteers pour into their work, being in a shelter feels like a scary situation for them. For Some pets, this may lead to behaviors that cast them in a negative light, reducing their chances of adoption. Our goal is to provide an alternative for cats and dogs that find a shelter environment stressful and help them excel in a foster home. Working together in this way with Whatcom Humane Society has led to many wonderful success stories. We are proud to announce that in 2023, we were able to transfer 97 dogs and cats to AHS, reducing the burden on Whatcom’s only open admission shelter and giving second chances to some amazing pets who maybe just needed a change of scenery. We thank WHS for trusting us with these beautiful lives and hope to make even more of an impact in 2024! If you’re interested in helping us continue this fulfilling work and are able to foster a pet, please fill out a foster application on our website!