Veterinary Medical

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 »

Solensia: A Breakthrough Treatment for Feline Osteoarthritis

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What is Feline Osteoarthritis (OA)? Osteoarthritis is a very common degenerative condition in the joints in cats, where the protective tissue in the joints (cartilage) is worn down and the bones rub against one another causing significant pain and decreased mobility. It is estimated that 40% of all cats have clinical signs of OA pain. Clinical studies have shown that 60% of cats greater than 6 years of age, and 90% of cats over age 12 have radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis. The condition is not exclusive to older cats however and studies have documented cats as young as 2 years … 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 »

Heartworm in WA Update- Testing Now Recommended

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Heartworm Disease has been a rampant problem in parts of the US for more than two decades. While the incidence in dogs in Washington State remains very low, it is rising. To help prevent this serious disease (and also control intestinal parasites), Fairhaven Vet has already been recommending monthly, year-round preventive medication (Interceptor Plus) for all dogs for the past several years. We now believe that yearly testing is also in the best interest of our canine companions. Heartworm is transmitted from dog to dog via Mosquito bites. A microscopic larvae is ingested when a mosquito bites an infected dog. … Read more »

Age is Not a Disease! Thoughts About Senior Dogs…

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          I love dogs, especially the oldies. Over the last 8 years, I have had six senior dogs as part of my family. The experiences with these pups continue to teach me that we need to accept the inevitable aging process of our beloved dogs and change our routines and environment to let them live their best lives in their senior years. The most common change noted in senior dogs is a change in mobility. This may be from previous traumas, repetitive injuries, or simply age-related arthritis. Remember, old dogs don’t get “hip dysplasia”, which is … Read more »

Cat Scratching….Help!!

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          Concerns about inappropriate scratching among cat owners are a common occurrence. In some cases, the destruction is bad enough that pet parents consider re-homing their kitty. The good news is that for those facing this stressful situation there are some solutions that can help. It is vital to understand that scratching is a normal behavior of cats. Cats use scratching to mark their territory and frequently traveled routes. Scratching can occur more at times of change or stress – such as the addition of new furniture, a change in the family, a new pet or … Read more »

Puppy Socialization during COVID-19…What to do?!!

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          Socialization is the exciting stage of life when a puppy is open to new experiences. This crucial time period from roughly 3 – 14 weeks will set the stage for how your puppy reacts to the people, places, and things in the world around her for the rest of her life. Raising a young puppy during a socially distant pandemic creates some challenges, though there are many creative ways to provide valuable experiences. Set up a “novel room” – this is a room that a puppy can go into each day and discover new sights, … Read more »

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