Why choose FVH? Clients say it best!

Client referrals are the number one way in which new clients come to FVH and we plan to always keep it that way! At FVH we are striving to do our best for each and every patient that visits us; after all, that’s why each employee at FVH chose this career path, to serve the special bond between humans and animals. More often than not we provide a quality and caring experience for our patients, accomplishing the very high standards we set for ourselves. Knowing we are not perfect is sometimes hard to accept and the occasional “dropped ball” does … Read more »

FVH Spring Promo Raises Funds for WHS!

FVH once again ran our spring flea prevention promotion. Clients earned valuable FVH Bucks by purchasing Revolution and Comfortis to protect their pets from fleas. The FVH Bucks could be used just like cash on future veterinary services at the hospital. Many clients elected to donate their FVH Bucks directly to our sponsored non-profit, Whatcom Humane Society. This year FVH contributed $325 to this worthy organization on behalf of our generous clients! Look for more great ways to earn FVH Bucks throughout the year and consider donating your FVH Bucks to our sponsored non-profits.  

To Better Serve You in 2014!

FVH will be launching new approaches to our delivery of care to better serve you in 2014. Each year we continually survey our clients to get feedback on ways in which we can improve. This information you provide is valuable and we listen. With the start of the new year you may notice some of our changes: Our lobby is quieter with all incoming phone calls handled by a dedicated staff member in a separate location of the hospital. Appointments are better staggered to avoid overburden of our lobby. We now have a room manager that will guide you through … Read more »

Arthritis and Our Pets

FVH Senior Pet Handout Arthritis in Dogs Arthritis (also known as Degenerative Joint Disease or “DJD”) is one of the most common diseases of older animals affecting both dogs and cats. Pets are now living longer than ever. Many conditions, such as osteoarthritis, occur with aging and can be difficult to manage. With recent advances in veterinary medicine and surgery, there are now many things that can be done to help your pet with osteoarthritis. DJD is especially common and often devastating in large breed dogs over the age of 8. Sadly, DJD starts out mild but over several years … Read more »

Oral Health and Your Pet, Does it Really Matter!?

The answer is an unequivocal yes! According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, nearly 80% of dogs and 70% of cats demonstrate signs of oral disease by age 4. The health of a cat or dog’s mouth directly contributes to the overall health of the animal. Following veterinary advice on regular oral exams, digital imaging and dental prophylaxis is a great pathway to a happier and longer life for your beloved companion. At FVH we perform comprehensive oral care under general anesthesia beginning at age 3 for small dogs and age 4 for all cats and all other sizes of … Read more »

The Pet Food Dilemma

Contributed by Dr. Kris Johnson There’s no doubt about it, people are passionate about pet food! Opinions on feeding strategies get as heated as some political or religious discussions. This is because people love their pets and desperately want what’s best for them. It is also because there is a LOT of information out there, and wading through it all can be difficult and confusing. With this article I hope to shed some light on this topic. I recently went to a local store that sells pet supplies to peruse the aisles of dog and cat food. I was amazed … Read more »

Heartworm in WA?

***Note our recommendations changed as of April 2021…https://fairhavenvet.com/heartworm-in-wa-update-testing-now-recommended/*** What is heartworm? Are pets at risk for heartworm disease in western Washington? How do I protect my pet from contracting this serious parasitic infection? These are important questions asked by clients new to the area or those travelling with their pets on vacation. What is heartworm? According to the FDA website on animal diseases, “Heartworm is a serious disease that results in severe lung disease, heart failure, other organ damage, and death in pets, mainly dogs, cats, and ferrets. It is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis. The worms … Read more »

Biggest Loser…Dogs and Cats?

When you hear of medical conditions like heart disease, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoarthritis do you immediately think of diseases primarily faced by overweight people? Did you know that excess weight is one of the leading causes of these same medical conditions in cats and dogs?! Worse yet, nearly 55% of all pets in America today are overweight, with 1 in 5 pets considered obese. This excessive weight trend worsened in American dogs and cats throughout the past decade, mirroring the human obesity epidemic. As a result many weight related diseases are now showing up in our … Read more »

The Unwanted Intruder, Fleas and Ticks….Oh My!!

Do you own a cat or a dog? Does your house have central heating? If so, then there are hordes of fleas who would love to be your new roommates. We can all agree nobody wants these pesky buggers in their home or scoring a free meal on their beloved pet. First, it’s important to get to know your adversary: The lifecycle starts with the undetected enemy (egg) encompassing a whopping 50% of the total flea population. Eggs are initially laid on the pet and then drop off into the environment to continue their development. Those microscopic eggs will then … Read more »

Working at FVH…What’s it like to work in a veterinary hospital?

Ever wonder what it would be like to work at FVH? Do you have a child that one day dreams of being a veterinarian? So often I receive emails from eager individuals of all ages wanting to find a way to get their foot in the door at FVH or simply seeking advice on how to become a Veterinarian or Licensed Vet Tech (LVT). Well, let me give you the inside scoop on what it takes to have a fulfilling and productive career working with animals. First and foremost, compassion: the secret ingredient in every great veterinary employee. Some days … Read more »