By Dr. Blanchette Medical Director at Island Animal Hospital As pet owners, we cherish our furry companions and do everything we can to keep them safe and healthy. However, emergencies can happen when we least expect them, and being prepared is crucial for ensuring their wellbeing. Here are some ways to make sure you’re as [...]

As pet parents, we cherish the companionship and joy our furry friends bring into our lives. Ensuring their well-being is paramount, and one of the best ways to achieve this is by investing in wellness care. Just like us, our pets benefit immensely from regular check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings that can detect health issues early [...]

One of the hardest parts of being a pet parent is the fact that pets age at such an accelerated rate. However, at Island Animal Hospital, we like to think of it as us finally getting to take care of them after so many years of them taking care of us. To best care for [...]

At your pet’s wellness visit, you may wonder why we perform a variety of tests and exams, even when your pet seems perfectly healthy. Pets are adept at hiding disease, making wellness screening tests essential for a comprehensive evaluation of your pet’s health. During your pet’s routine wellness visit at Island Animal Hospital, our veterinarians [...]

Running with your dog can be a fantastic way to stay active and bond with your furry friend, especially in the Pacific Northwest, where outdoor activities are abundant. However, before hitting the payment, it's important to learn about and consider your dog's unique health characteristics. Pre-run health check: Before starting a running routine, schedule a [...]

Spaying and neutering are crucial aspects of responsible pet ownership, but myths and misconceptions often cloud the decision-making process. Let's dive into some common beliefs and separate fact from fiction. Myth: Spaying or neutering my pet will change their personality. Fact: While these procedures may lead to subtle behavior changes, such as reduced aggression or [...]

You are an expert at recognizing your pet’s normal habits. By monitoring your furry pal’s behavior and habits you can keep track of their health, because changes often indicate an underlying problem. To find out the reasons behind a sudden or gradual change in your four-legged friend’s appetite or thirst, read our Island Animal Hospital [...]

Pets’ allergies can manifest as chronic skin disease, asthma, nasal inflammation, vomiting, or diarrhea. Each sign is a hypersensitivity reaction type attributable to a different underlying mechanism, but an overactive immune system triggers them all. Reactions that occur within minutes to hours of exposure to an offending substance (i.e., allergen or antigen) are type 1 [...]

Hip dysplasia is a developmental orthopedic disease most common in large and giant-breed dogs, with the potential to affect dogs of all sizes. This painful joint condition can negatively impact a dog’s quality of life, but you can educate yourself and take measures to help ensure your furry pal remains comfortable and mobile. Our Island [...]

Dogs are adventurous creatures who enjoy exploring their world and getting a taste of the good life. Yes, dogs like to put all sorts of things in their mouths, and this appetite for discovery can cause problems when they gobble up something unsavory or worse—unsafe. Some of the biggest threats to your dog’s health are [...]