Happy New Year!!!

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

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.

Happy Holidays!

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

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.

Holiday Dangers for Pets

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Christmas Pet Safety

Traveling with your pet this holiday season?

Avondale Veterinary Healthcare Complex wants to make sure your pet has a safe and happy holiday too. Follow these pet travel tips to ensure you and your furry friend enjoy your travel time together!

Assess your pet.

Be honest about your pet's ability to travel. If your pet is very young or old, or is ill, pregnant, or recovering from surgery, it may be better for all concerned to look into a pet sitter or kennel rather than take a chance on injuring your pet by taking it with you. If you are in doubt, ask your veterinarian. If your pet has not traveled before, try a short overnight or weekend trip first.

Schedule a visit with your veterinarian.

Inform your veterinarian where you will be traveling to, for how long, as well as whether your pet will be traveling by air or car. Ask your veterinarian about any flea, heartworm, or tick risks for areas you will be traveling to. If your pet becomes carsick or restless when traveling, ask your veterinarian about appropriate medications or treatments.

Many pets become separated from their people while traveling and often collars are not on pets when they are recovered at shelters. Seriously consider having your pet microchipped - animal hospitals, humane societies, kennels, and shelters nationwide are using scanners that will read these implanted chips and let you be reunited with your lost pet. Microchip procedures are safe, quick, inexpensive, and very common. Your veterinarian can tell you more about this procedure.

Make certain that all vaccinations are up to date and obtain current health and rabies certificates no more than ten (10) days prior to your departure. You will be required to have these if your pet is traveling by air. These certificates are also strongly recommended if your plans do not include air travel as you may need to board your pet unexpectedly and many kennels will not accept pets without these certificates. And, if your pet does require emergency medical care, these will allow this to take place much more quickly and without the potentially dangerous duplication of vaccinations.

Obtain a secure carrier for your pet.

You need a sturdy, properly ventilated crate of adequate size for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down in comfortably. Knobs or a rim at least 3/4 inches deep is required so that the ventilation will not be blocked. The crate should be free of interior hazardous protrusions, have a door that securely latches, and have handles or grips on the outside to prevent anyone who might need to handle the crate from being bitten. The bottom should be leak proof and covered with a towel or other absorbent material.

Print your pet's name and your name, address, and phone number for both your home and destination on the outside of the crate with permanent marker. Include your personal 800 number if you have one or the words "call collect".

Never put a leash in the crate as your pet could get tangled in it.

Make sure your pet is accustomed to the crate before you begin your trip.

Verify that your pet's tags are current.

Your pet should wear a secure collar at all times with tags showing proof of rabies vaccination and your name, address, and phone number in case your pet becomes separated. Make a set of temporary paper tags with the address and phone number at your destination.

Never allow your pet to wear a choke, pinch, or training collar while traveling. Safety collars, which attach with elastic or Velcro, are recommended for cats.

Before you leave.

Clip your pet's nails. Pets with freshly-trimmed nails will be less likely to damage items in strange surroundings and will be easier to restrain if necessary.

Brush your pet to remove all loose hair.

If your pet has fleas, obtain and complete the necessary treatment before traveling to avoid infesting its new surroundings.

Things to bring.

• A sturdy leash.
• An extra collar.
• An old blanket or sheet for the back seat of your car or wherever the pet's carrier will be secured to make cleanup easier.
• Two old sheets to cover bedding and furniture at your destination.
• Some of your pet's bedding.
• Food. If you do not feed a brand you are certain will be available at your destination and along the way, bring enough for the whole trip. If you feed canned, bring a can opener and spoon.
• Two gallons of extra drinking water from home. When you are down to the last half gallon, begin mixing in equal parts with the water supply at your destination. If your pet is especially sensitive, use distilled water.
• Food & water bowl set.
• Portable water bowl or bottle for use when away from your lodging.
• Treats.
• Toys or chew items.
• All required medications, supplements, and preventatives.
• Tweezers to remove foreign objects from fur or paws.
• Brush or comb.
• Lint and hair remover.
• Baby wipes or moist towelettes to wipe off paws.
• For cats, a full litter pan with extra litter, liners, and newspaper to place underneath for cats.
• Waste removal bags.
• Old towels, carpet cleaner, disinfectant spray, and trash bags for accidents.
• First aid kit.
• Flashlight for nighttime walks.

Be prepared for the worst.

While no one likes to think about it, many pets do become separated while away from home. To increase the chances of a safe and quick return, bring a recent photograph and written description of your pet including call name, breed, sex, age, any microchip or tattoo numbers, and a description of coat, color and markings including any unusual markings, scars, or other identifying marks, as well as weight and height. These will be invaluable if your pet does become separated.

Plan your trip.

Join takeyourpet.com to find lodging along the way where your pet will be welcome.

While you're traveling.

Keep fresh water available for your pet at all times. Avoid sudden changes of diet. If you are unable to obtain your pet's normal brand, switch gradually over to the new food over a period of four or more days. Clean your pet's food and water bowls out regularly with soap.

Never take your pet on an escalator unless it is securely in its crate as its claws or fur could become caught.

Obey all leash laws and make certain to keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier at all times when not securely in a room. Clean up after your pet.

Never give your pet sedatives or tranquilizers unless under a veterinarian's prescription. Such medications can interfere with your pet's ability to maintain its balance and equilibrium, which could prevent your pet from being able to brace itself and prevent injury. Air travel while under the influence of these medications is especially dangerous as exposure to increased altitude can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems.

Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tip from the staff at Avondale

Missing a turkey leg or pumpkin pie? Dogs and cats love holiday dinners just as much as you do. Those tasty leg bones can splinter and perforate the stomach and other internal organs. We want to remind you to keep trash containers secure and to please remind your guest to refrain from feeding your pets. Keep plenty of ...treats around for your pets so they won't be tempted to beg for table foods. Keep your pets safe this Thanksgiving.

Where the tail tells the tale!

Are you traveling with your pets this holiday season?

If you plan to travel this holiday season and bring your pet along, make sure to plan ahead. Nothing ruins a trip faster than finding out that your hotel doesn't allow pets. When booking accommodation make sure the hotel or vacation resort permits pets. Check with and make arrangements well in advance with your airline..., train or bus line. If it's not possible to bring your pet along, we offer excellent boarding services at Avondale Pet Resort. Don't hesitate, spaces fill up fast as the holidays approach.

Click the link below to learn more about Avondale Pet Resort

http://avondalevet.com/avondale_pet_resort.htm

Open House Video

Visit the link below to see a video of last years Open House, where we celebrated the opening of our new rehabilitation, laser therapy and surgery wing.


http://www.avondalevet.com/avondale_open_house.htm

Make Avondale Pet Resort your choice for pet boarding as the holidays are approaching

Did you know that Avondale Pet Resort is one of only a few pet boarding facilities in Iowa to have earned PCSA accreditation for kennels? This means that we have met over 200 detailed requirements of the Pet Care Services Association, making it possible to provide your pet with state-of-the-art care while you're away. ...We’ll feed, nurture, and lavish lots of attention on your pet, making them feel right at home! Be sure to make reservations well in advance, especially for holidays, as space tends to fill up fast.

Join Avondale Veterinary Healthcare Complex's BOOK CLUB!

Join Avondale Veterinary Healthcare Complex's Book Club! November’s Selection is 'From Baghdad with Love: A Marine, the War, and a Dog Named Lava', by Jay Kopelman. We encourage you to read the book this November, and on December 13th we invite you to join us in a blog discussion. Read Lava's story this month and join us for discussions on December 13th.

http://http//www.amazon.com/Baghdad-Love-Marine-Named-Lava/dp/1599211823/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1288802659&sr=1-1

Avondale Pet Resort

If you’re planning your vacation, don't forget to book a boarding reservation at Avondale's Pet Resort for your furry family member. Our caring staff will be happy to provide the love and attention your pet needs while you are away. Space tends to book fast around the holidays so be sure to make reservations as soon as possible.


Please click the link below to tour our many themed private boarding suites.
http://avondalevet.com/pet_suites_slide_show.htm

November's Employee of the Month

Avondale Veterinary Healthcare Complex would like to honor Mia, a Veterinary Technician, as November's Employee of the Month.

Mia joined Avondale Animal Hospital in the spring of 2008 after moving to the area from Florida. She has three children...2 girls, Darynne and Abby and one boy Jeffrey.
They have 3 animals that all came as a result of rescue.
Grissum, who is an orange tiger cat; Jada, who is a brindle Pit Bull; and Flip Flop, who is a black labrador/Sheep Dog Mix. Her free time is spend playing with her kids, camping, fishing and Nascar races-especially cheering for her favorite, Tony Stewart #20!

We thank her for all her contributions to the practice.

Halloween Pet Safety Tips

Enjoy these Halloween Pet Safety Tips to help keep your furry friend safe this Halloween season.

Halloween Pet Safety Tip

Trick or Treat! Halloween means it's time to keep your pets away from all the goody bags your children bring home. Remember that foil wrappers on candies may cause internal injuries if swallowed and candy, especially chocolate, may cause digestive upset and be harmful to your pet. Be careful what you feed your pets during this season of tricks and treats...Just a Halloween tip from the staff at Avondale Veterinary Healthcare Complex.

Welcome to our practice blog! We look forward to serving you and your pet’s needs for years to come!

Avondale Veterinary Healthcare Complex is owned and operated by Dennis D. Woodruff, DVM. He has served the Carlisle area since 1974 and employs 6 associate veterinarians and a support staff of over 50.

Avondale Animal Hospital was built in 1973 by Dr. James Wistrom and served as a small animal and a large animal facility. The practice sits on 1.6 acres of land. Dr. Dennis Woodruff joined the practice in 1974 and became a partner in 1976. The large animal part of the practice was sold in 1984 and Dr. Woodruff became the sole owner of the practice in 1986. A major renovation of the existing building was completed in 1989. It included additional examination rooms, offices, a central treatment area and an expanded reception and lobby area.

A second addition was completed in 1997 and Avondale Pet Resort, Avondale Cat Hospital, Avondale Grooming and Avondale Child Care joined Avondale Animal Hospital to now become Avondale Veterinary Healthcare Complex.

In 2009 a third addition was completed and added a double dental suite, laboratory area, pharmacy area, a second hospitalization area, orthopedic surgery room and a new routine surgery room in addition to a Rehabilitation and Laser Therapy Center.

Today, Avondale Veterinary Healthcare Complex employs seven doctors and over 50 technical, management and support team members.

Avondale Veterinary Healthcare Complex understands the importance of the human-animal bond. It is the mission of the Avondale Veterinary Healthcare Complex team to improve the lives of animals and their owners by providing the highest quality veterinary medicine, including state-of-the-art technology, highly skilled veterinary medicine practitioners and compassionate and trustworthy animal care. The team is devoted to the elimination of animal suffering, respecting our patients and their owners and maintaining our personal and medical integrity at all times.

The Complex includes:

· Avondale Animal Hospital – full service hospital and clinic for dogs and accredited. (515)262-6111

· Avondale Cat Hospital – full service cat hospital and clinic for “Cats Only”. (515)262-9222

· Avondale Pet Resort, (515) 262-PAWS, and includes:

· Boarding in Specialty Themed Suites, Dormitory Rooms or Cat Condos

· Doggie Daycare

· Avondale Grooming Salon for dogs and cats

Avondale sets itself apart from other practices by also offering:

· Canine & Feline orthopedic (bone & joint) surgical procedures

· Laser Surgery

· Canine Rehabilitation Center, which includes an underwater treadmill, land treadmill and Class IV laser therapy for pain, swelling due and inflammation

· Stem Cell Therapy for arthritic joints

· Ultrasound

· Digital x-ray & Digital Dental X-ray

· Dental procedures from regular dental cleanings to complicated procedures including root canals

· Spay and neuter surgeries for dogs and cats

· Declaw cat surgeries

· Special diet counseling

Approximately 14% of the animal hospitals throughout the United States & Canada have met the standards of care to achieve accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). This includes the commitment to voluntarily participate in an on-site evaluation based on the highest standards of veterinary medicine. Practice is evaluated on over 800 standards, proving a strong desire to provide high-quality medicine and top-notch client service. Both Avondale Animal Hospital and Avondale Cat Hospital have received the AAHA accreditation. Additionally, the Avondale Pet Resort is also accredited by Pet Care Services Association (PCSA) formerly ABKA.

Avondale is open 7 days a week to better serve our clients and their pets.

Visit us on Facebook and online at www.avondalevet.com

Welcome to our practice. We look forward to serving you and your pet’s needs for years to come!

Dennis D. Woodruff, DVM