Thursday, December 30, 2010

Happy New Year!!!


Avondale Veterinary Healthcare Complex would like to wish everyone and their pets a safe and Happy New Year!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010


We're sure you and your pets had a great holiday, but keep them protected from dangers. When the leaves of a Poinsettia plant are chewed on, they can cause localized irritation of the mouth. If dogs or cats drink the water from your Christmas tree, it can cause digestive upset. Be aware of the extra hazards around the holidays, especially when taking down your decorations.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Happy Holidays!


Avondale Veterinary Healthcare Complex would like to wish everyone and their pets a safe and Happy Holiday!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Tis the season to be safe!


Tis the season to be safe! It’s easy for pets to get into trouble during the holidays. Look at all the fun stuff we provide for their curiosity. Gifts, decorations and holiday foods pose dangers for all pets. Be aware of the extra hazards around the holidays. Cats love to play with ribbons and tinsel! If ingested they can sometimes act as foreign bodies causing intestinal blockages. Make sure that your pets are protected from all the festivities this holiday season.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

5th Annual Holiday Memorial Tree Event

On December 10th, 2010 we hosted our 5th Annual Holiday Memorial Tree Event to honor the memory of our client’s pets that died in 2010.

For many, these pets were part of their family and are missed greatly, especially as the holidays come around. Avondale recognizes that and decorates two trees with custom-made ornaments honoring those pets. Each client received an invitation from us inviting them to come to the clinic and take their pet's ornaments home.

It’s a quiet event that lasts about two hours with staff and owners remembering and sharing stories. Those precious family members that are gone, but not forgotten.






Homemade Dog Biscuits

Did you know that 56% of dog owners plan to give their canine companion a gift this holiday season? Are you part of that 56%? If you are stressing about the perfect gift for your furry friend, try this Homemade Dog Biscuit recipe by Martha Stewart.


Ingredients
Makes about 5 dozen
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup brewer's yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup low-sodium canned chicken stock, plus more for brushing
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, wheat germ, yeast, and salt; set aside
2. Place oil in a large bowl. Add stock and flour mixture in three alternating batches, beginning and ending with stock. Mix well.
3. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out dough to about 3/8-inch thick. Shape biscuits using a dog-bone-shaped cookie cutter or by cutting around a store-bought dog bone with a butter knife.(Make biscuits that are appropriate for your dog's size.)
4. If desired, you can spell out your dog's name or a holiday message in the dough with a toothpick (wet the toothpick first so it won't stick).
5. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough.
6. Bake biscuits 10 minutes. Brush with stock; rotate baking sheets, and bake 10 minutes more. Turn off oven, leaving door closed. Let dog biscuits stand in oven to dry completely, about 1 1/2 hours. Wrap as a gift, or store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Traveling with your pets this holiday season?


The holidays are approaching and many people are traveling to visit their families. Do you have any interesting holiday pet travel tips or stories to share? Leave a comment telling us your pet travel tips.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Stocking up on all the holiday goodies?


Are you stocking up on all the holiday goodies? Beware of guests who may give your pet cookies, chocolate and other sweets. Those treats are not healthy for them. Your pet’s digestive system is not adapted for such rich foods, and chocolate contains theobromine, which can be harmful and sometimes fatal. Keep plenty of treats especially for your pet around so they don’t get the urge to try and sample some of your holiday feast. Just a tip from Avondale Veterinary Healthcare Complex.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Client of the Month

In 1973, I was short on cash and long on pets! Dr. Wistrom owned Avondale Veterinary Clinic. His affordable rates helped keep my young body and soul together! Then in 1975 (we need to check that year with DW!) he took on a fresh grad of Iowa State Vet Med, Dr. Woodruff. About two years later, DW bought the practice and became the doc ...my dogs trust. Through the good times and the hard times, our family and pets find comfort in the knowledge and skill of the team at Avondale. Communication, respect, humor, education, and trust keep us loyal to the friends we have come to love at Avondale Veterinary Health Care Complex.

-Joanna, Avondale Veterinary Health Care Complex's Client of the Month

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Decorating Dangers


The holidays are a great time for everyone, including your pet, but take precautions this decorating season. Glass ornaments and tinsel can be harmful if swallowed. Extension cords, if chewed, can electrocute your pet. Keep pets safe while decorating for the holiday season.