General

HPAI – Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

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  Updated April 2025 AVIAN INFLUENZA (BIRD FLU) RISK TO CATS BEING FED RAW OR FREEZE-DRIED DIETS HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza), due to infection with the virus, H5N1, is a steadily increasing concern across the world. Since its discovery in the United States in February 2022, it has caused deaths in many wild birds, and has required the destruction of many commercial and backyard flocks to help limit spread. Infection in birds is usually caused by direct exposure to other infected birds and is often spread by migrating wild birds. Spread of H5N1 to other species is much less … Read more »

Recent Reports of Serious Upper Respiratory Infection in Dogs Outside of WA

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Fairhaven Veterinary Hospital has become aware of a recent increase of serious upper respiratory infection cases in dogs in Oregon, California and Colorado, among other areas. Several concerned clients have contacted us for recommendations as we move into the holiday season and travel plans are being finalized. Thankfully, at FVH, we have not seen an increase in coughing dogs nor cases of unusually severe respiratory problems in dogs and we do not think there is an immediate threat locally. Contagious, upper-respiratory infections are always at greater risk in scenarios where dogs are in group settings, such as off leash dog parks, … Read more »

Hospital Reopening to Clients!!!

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The Fairhaven Veterinary Hospital is truly excited to announce that we are ready to welcome you back into our hospital beginning Monday, 6/21! Here are the rules we are implementing to ensure the health and safety of clients and staff: All staff and clients are required to wear a properly-fitted mask at all times when in our building regardless of vaccination status. (1) client per household may accompany their pet(s) during a scheduled visit. Some of our exam rooms are small and have limited social distancing options. All exam rooms and high contact points will be sanitized after each visit. … Read more »

Important Hospital Update

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Dear Client, To say this past year has been a challenge is truly an understatement! Through all the ups and downs this hospital has navigated during the pandemic, the one thing that we have been able to count on are the amazing veterinarians, nurses and support staff that keep our Fear Free delivery of patient care a top priority. For that, we are truly grateful! Unfortunately, forces out of our control are presenting some immediate obstacles for the hospital. Firstly, over the last few weeks, we have lost over 20% of our employees due to illness, injury, and maternity leave. … Read more »

COVID-19 and Companion Animals Update

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Seattle’s King 5 News agency recently published an article reporting positive COVID-19 tests in 23 dogs. All dogs were part of a research study being conducted by the University of Washington to determine if companion animals living in the homes with known COVID-19 human infections might also test positive for the virus. These findings are consistent with prior scattered reports of companion animals, who are living with people with COVID-19 infection, testing positive for the virus. The importance of these positive tests is unclear. Thankfully, despite more than a year of the entire world living with COVID-19, severe clinical illness … Read more »

COVID-19 Client Update 6-11-20

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The past many months have provided no shortage of challenges as we have learned to adapt to the ever-changing landscape that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented. I cannot begin to say how thankful I have been for the veterinarians and team members that make FVH such a great place to work. Their dedication to maintaining patient care, while on the front lines as an essential business, has been inspiring. And I would be doing a disservice to our loyal client base if I were to not offer a big thank you! You all have been so gracious in working with … Read more »

Coronavirus (COVID-19)-Companion Animal Q&A Update 4-6-2020

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          The following blog post is an update from Dr. Wendy Zawoysky’s post on 3/3/2020. We strive to keep our clients informed with the best information possible on COVID-19 and its potential affect on companion animals. Please continue to monitor our blog and social media posts for the most current information we are receiving.   The widely reported occurrence of a Tiger at the Bronx Zoo testing positive for COVID-19 and showing signs of a cough and reduced appetite raises appropriate questions about the risk to pets from COVID-19, and whether they could become an important … Read more »

COVID-19 Client Update 3-19-20

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Our goal during this ongoing crisis is to make sure we can remain open to service our sick and chronically ill patients. In our continued effort to mitigate exposure to COVID-19 for you and our staff, we are implementing additional safety measures. The following policies will be in place beginning Monday, 3/23: It is very important that you complete the patient medical history form available on our website prior to your visit https://fairhavenvet.com/forms/patient-medical-history-form/ Be sure to bring a cell phone on the day of your visit. Arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. On arrival to our parking … Read more »

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