Avondale Pet Resort

ABC5 News Des Moines, IA

November Team Member of the Month: Michelle

Michelle is a Client Care Specialist at Avondale Veterinary Healthcare Complex and is one of the first cheery, helpful voices you will hear when you call us. She has been employed with Avondale since 2005. Michelle has 2 Beagles, "Peanut" and "Pistachio", who according to Michelle are the Best Beagles Ever!

In her free time she enjoys reading, skydiving and spending time with her husband, three children and 2 grandchildren. 

Halloween Pet Safety

Attention, animal lovers, it's almost the spookiest night of the year! The ASPCA recommends taking some common sense precautions this Halloween to keep you and your pet saying "trick or treat!" all the way to November 1.

1. No tricks, no treats: That bowl of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause problems. If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, but they can produce stomach upset in pets who nibble on them.

3. Wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations should be kept out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet might suffer cuts or burns, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume may cause undue stress.

6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also, be sure to try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au naturale or donning a festive bandana.

7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver, increasing the chances that he or she will be returned to you. 

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/halloween-safety-tips.aspx

October Team Member of the Month: Dr. Christopher Groos

are proud to honor Dr. Christopher Groos has our October Team Member of the Month! Dr. Groos joined the Avondale Veterinary Healthcare Complex team in July of 2004. He is a graduate of the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and has a special interest in feline and canine dentistry. He also sees general medicine cases and enjoys surgery. Dr. Groos has studied international publick health and has pursued additional education not only in dentistry, but ophthalmology and dermatology as well. Dr. Groos actively participates in the American Veterinary Medical Association, is a former board member for the Angel's Wish Animal Rescue Organization. He enjoys spending his free time with his wife, Jen, daughter, Hannah and son Henry. We are happy to honor Dr. Groos this October!

Team Member of the Month: Libby

We are proud to announce Libby as our September Team Member of the Month! Libby is one of the Animal Caregivers at the Avondale Pet Resort. She has been with the Pet Resort since the fall of 2011. Libby enjoys everything about caring for

the dogs and cats at the Pet Resort! She has "Gibbs" who is an English Setter; "Zeva" who is an English Setter; "Maverick" who is a Lab/Heeler cross; her cats, "P.J.", "T.J." and "O.J"; Mini-Donkeys "Skittles", "Tootsie", "Muffin" and "Cookie" and a host of chickens and pigeons. In her free time Libby shows pigeons, loves gardening, and raising and showing Iris. Both Libby and her husband, Kelly, are animal lovers. Her husband works at the Blank Park Zoo. We are grateful to have Libby on our team!

Pet Obesity

Is your pet overweight? We recommend keeping your pet on a healthy diet, and exercising them regularly to prevent weight issues from developing. It’s important to give your pets only healthy foods that are a part of their own diets—human fo

od is strictly discouraged because so much of it can be dangerous for our pets! Exercise such as daily walks for dogs, and regular playtime for dogs and cats are a definite must to keep your pet healthy.

Did you know that your cat should be in to see us once a year all their life, and sometimes twice a year when they’re over seven years of age? Today is National “Take Your Cat to the Vet” Day—if your cat is due for a visit with us at Avondale Veterinary Healthcare Complex, call and schedule one today. Regular visits can help your cat live longer, because we can identify and treat problems sooner.

Pets & Over-the-Counter Medications

It’s important to keep your medicines out of your pet’s reach at all times, because human medication can be toxic to your pets! When your pet feels sick or is acting under the weather, never give them a human medicine, but bring them in for veterinary care instead. Even if you mean well, a dose of human medicine could be fatal to your pet.

July Team Member of the Month

We are proud to honor Cinnamon, Certified Veterinary Technician, as our July Team Member of the Month! Cinnamon supervises the technician staff at Avondale. She has been employed with us since 2004 and enjoys providing care to the animals at Avondale. In her free time she loves spending time with her daughter, boating and reading. We are grateful to have her on our team!

Pets & Insects

It's time to go outdoors with your pet and check out all flowers and plants. Make sure to keep an eye on your pet in case a bee decides he doesn't want your pet to get up close and personal. There are all sorts of flying critters out in the garden, so make sure your pet is protected from allergic reactions to insect bites or stings. Protect your pet so you both can enjoy the summer season together!

Cleaning Your Pet's Toys

Your dog's favorite toy doesn't have to be thrown away when it's dirty. Make sure that the toy is still safe to play with and then try cleaning it. Never use bleach or harsh cleaning chemicals. If the toy has a foul smell or does not get clean after washing, it IS time to throw away. Nylon and rubber toys can be cleaned by hand with soap and water and can even go in your dishwasher for cleaning, but run them through on the hot cycle with no detergent. Softer toys, like ropes, can become breeding grounds for bacteria, so consider sanitizing them by wetting the toy and microwaving it for a full minute. For stuffed animal toys, try throwing them in the washing machine when they are dirty. Throw away any toys with dangling parts, stuffed animal eyes, etc. and any toys that your pet is actually eating...unless it is a treat toy, your dog should not be eating it.

Top 10 Things To Do Before Bringing Home Your New Cat

Congratulations, the cat's out of the bag! You've just entered into a wonderful relationship that's bound to be filled with fun and affection. By starting off on the right foot—that is, by being well-prepared for your new arrival—you can move through that rocky adjustment period most new relationships go through and get right down to the lovin'!

1. Make Sure Everyone In The House Is Prepared To Have A Cat

Talk to your family members before bringing a new cat home. Make sure everyone knows that the fun begins only after kitty feels safe and her needs are met. Once you're sure everyone is ready for feeding, litter changing and grooming, you can divvy up chores among family members so everyone is prepared to care for kitty before she arrives.

2. Do You Know What Your Cat Is Trying To Tell You?

The average cat has a vocabulary of more than 16 different sounds, including purring, howling, hissing and meowing—not to mention a wide-range of playful and serious body language. Taking a glance at our Cat Care section will help you understand your cat's behavior before you're faced with her mysterious cat calls, pouncing and nocturnal romps.

3. Stock Up On Supplies Before Kitty Arrives

Have all of your cat's needs ready so she can get right down to the business of making herself at home. Kitty will need:

• A litter box and the brand of litter she's been using
• Food and water bowls and the food she's used to eating
• A sturdy, rough-textured scratching post—at least three feet high—that allows her to stretch completely while scratching
• Safe, stimulating toys. Hint: If you give her toys that make noises, you'll know when she's playing.
• A bed lined with a soft, warm blanket or towel
• Grooming tools: a high-quality brush and nail clipper are a good start

4. Identity Is Key

Proper identification is a necessity. If your kitty is indoors-only, an ID tag or implanted microchip will help ensure she'll be returned to you if she gets out and can't find her way home. A safety collar with an elastic panel will allow your cat to break loose if the collar gets caught on something. We caution against letting cats outdoors, but if you do—or if a window or door is left open—a safety collar and an ID tag may be what bring your missing cat home.

5. A Room Of One's Own

Choose a low-traffic room your kids and other pets don't frequent—this will be your cat's safe space to sniff, eat, scratch and play while she gets her bearings. Arrange her food and water bowls, bed and litter box—and scatter her toys around. You can even clean off a windowsill for her and have soft music playing. She'll appreciate the chance to feel out her new family from inside her haven.

6. Routine Behavior

Give your cat a little structure to lean on. For the first few weeks, provide him with the same kind of food and feeding schedule he had before living with you—and give him the same brand of litter, too, for a familiar scent and feel on his paws. Later on, if you wish to switch to different products, you can make a slow transition.

7. What's New, Pussycat?

With a whole new life in store for her, Kitty will need some time and space to check out her surroundings and all of her new play things. Give her time alone in her room to get comfortable before you come in to play with her. If you have other pets, it's a good idea to leave your new cat in her own room for a few days will allow the other animals in the house to get used to her sounds and scent. (Hint: Watch from the door to see how she leaves her carrier. Whether she pussyfoots into a dark corner or zooms out into the room, you'll know how she feels about her new surroundings.)

8. Introducing Kitty To The Pack

Go slow at first. A cat may need seven to fourteen days to relax into her new environment. If you have kids, let them introduce themselves one at a time. Hold up on the meet-and-greets with friends, neighbors and relatives until your kitty is eating and eliminating on a normal schedule. If you have other pets, don't let your new addition have free run of the house. This is the territory of the animals who have lived with you already. Allow all of your pets to meet in the new cat's territory—and make sure you're there to supervise.

9. Cat-Proof Your Home

When your cat is ready to explore the rest of her new home (for short excursions at first), be sure to get rid of stray items she might chew on or swallow, like toilet paper, tissues and paper towels. Pens and pencils may need to be kept in drawers. You may also have to tape wires to baseboards and put caps on outlets.

Put away harsh cleaning products, human medications and household poisons, and rehome any houseplants that might be toxic to her. Make sure foods that aren't healthy for a cat's tummy are placed securely out of reach.

10. Visit The Vet Within Her First Week

Last but not least, bring your new feline to a caring veterinarian for a wellness exam within one week after adoption. Make this appointment even before you bring your kitty home.

May Team Member of the Month: Shelly

Shelly Gordanier, Pet Groomer is our May Team Member of the Month! Shelly has been with Avondale Grooming since the fall of 2011. She has 16 years of grooming experience and is a talented pet stylist. Shelly enjoys doing the latest in "funky" styles for pets -- anything from mohawks to special pet colors and blueberry facials! In her free time she loves spending time with her daughter and enjoys all kinds of music. We are glad she is a part of our team!

Pets & Swimming

Is your dog a swimmer? Remember to protect their ears from infection. Dogs can develop chronic “swimmer’s ear” from water that gets lodged in the ear canal after a dip in the water. Because of the shape of a dog’s descending ear canal, it is difficult for water to drip out. The moisture left over in the ear canal is the perfect environment for ear infections. After your dog is finished playing in the water, take a towel and gently cover your dog’s ear and gently shake their head. This will keep any excess water from settling in your dog’s ear canal. When bathing, water can get trapped in a pet’s ear canals and cause the same kind of infection. If your pet is still experiencing irritation, call us and we'll be happy to help in any way we can.

Mandy: April Team Member of the Month

Mandy is our April Team Member of the Month! Mandy is a veterinary technician who has a special interest in pet dentistry. She has been with Avondale Animal Hospital since the winter of 2011. Mandy has a Basenji named "Zeppelin". When not working, she enjoys softball, shopping and attending courses dealing with veterinary medicine. Mandy keeps busy caring for her son, Hansen.

Pets & Cookouts

Did you know that some of the most common foods we eat during our cookouts are the most dangerous foods for our pets? Meat with bones in it, such as chicken and ribs, are extremely dangerous for our pets to get a hold of…bones can puncture the stomach and other organs if swallowed because they cannot be digested. Corn-on-the-cob can also be dangerous because dogs have been known to swallow the cob whole! What do you do to keep your dog busy with something else during the barbeque?

Pets & Easter Eggs

Easter egg hunts are so much fun for kids, and sometimes even for adults! Finding that brightly colored egg stuffed with a surprise is exciting! But don't forget the dangers of failing to find an egg that's been stuffed with candy. Your dog leads with their nose, and if you don't find it, your pet might! Consider stuffing your eggs with something safe for pets this year. If Fido finds them, he'll be less likely to break them open and eat what's inside.

March is Poison Prevention Month

March is Poison Prevention Month. Did you know that some of the most common household items that poison pets include human medication, both prescription and over the counter? With over 25,000 reported cases of pets poisoned by eating human medicine, it’s important to exercise extreme caution when it comes to storing these items! Keep your medications high up on shelves and closed inside cabinets, where your pet cannot access them. It’s also important to open bottles over counters so that any dropped pills don’t end up on the floor where they can be snapped up by a curious pet. Use precaution, and give your pet a long, healthy life.

Tomorrow is 'If Pets Had Thumbs Day'

Dental Myth: Natural or "Anesthesia-Free" cleaning is just as good

A veterinary teeth-cleaning must be done under general anesthesia, and many pet parents are rightfully concerned about subjecting their pets to these medications. However, trying to clean pets’ teeth while they’re awake is inefficient and dangerous. When pets are squirming, it’s impossible to get a good enough look to examine their teeth, and what can’t be seen won’t get cleaned properly. Wiggling pets are also more likely to be injured by the sharp instruments. People who attempt anesthesia-free cleanings are usually not properly trained in veterinary care, so they have no way of diagnosing illnesses, taking X-rays, or performing any of the medical tests needed to determine the health of a pet’s teeth. There may be risks associated with anesthesia, but they’re small compared with the risks of entrusting your pet’s health to someone unlicensed and inexperienced in veterinary dentistry. Besides, if your pet has gingivitis, his or her teeth are bound to be sensitive…imagine how painful the dentistry would be without anesthesia. Who would want to subject their pet to that?



Our pets’ teeth are subject to many of the same hazards as our own teeth, and when we don’t take care of them, it shows. Although brushing a pet’s teeth may be a hassle (as well as a hazard, at first), it’s worth it to add so many healthy years to your pet’s life, as well as prevent expensive medical care down the road. I know my pets are worth five minutes per day, and I’d bet that yours are, too.

Valentine's Day is almost here! This means flowers, gifts and candy for you...but what about your pet? Do you buy your pet a gift for Valentine's Day and if so, what kind of gift do you usually buy?

Cat Soothing Baby to Sleep

Cat Steals Dogs Bed

Congrats to Dr. Christie Carlo!

Congratulations to Dr. Christie Carlo, one of our Certified Rehabilitation Therapists. Dr. Carlo is now the Secretary for AARV, American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians. Congratulations on all your hard work!

2011 Most Popular Pet Names

Most popular feline names for females
1. Bella
2. Chloe
3. Lucy
4. Sophie
5. Lily
6. Molly
7. Gracie
8. Princess
9. Sasha
10. Cleo

Most popular feline names for males
1. Max
2. Oliver
3.Tiger
4. Charlie
5. Simba
6. Buddy
7. Smokey
8. Tigger
9. Jack
10. Sammy

Most popular canine names for females
1. Bella
2. Lucy
3. Molly
4. Daisy
5. Maggie
6. Sophie
7. Chloe
8. Sadie
9. Lola
10. Bailey

Most Popular canine names for males
1. Max
2. Buddy
3. Charlie
4. Rocky
5. Bailey
6. Jake
7. Cooper
8. Jack
9. Toby
10. Cody

VPI's compete list of popular pet names for 2011 will be released in early January, 2012.

Dangers of Online Pet Medications

Today is National Pet Travel Safety Day

Today is National Pet Travel Safety Day! The mission of this day is to save lives by creating awareness of the vital need for pet safety in all areas of travel. Safe travels!