Today is Love Your Pet Day!

Did you know today is Love Your Pet Day? What special treat or activity do you have planned?

Christmas Pet Safety

“My pet would never eat food off the table!”

“My pet would never knock over the Christmas tree!”

“My pet would never bite someone!”

We all know our pets pretty well, but what we don’t always realize is that stress can make anybody do crazy things! When you have holiday guests or flashing Christmas lights or loud holiday music—or all of the above—at your house all at once, your pet may get stressed and frustrated, causing them to act out in unexpected ways. Most pet accidents are met with the statement, “He’s never done anything like that before!”

We recommend always making sure that your pet has a safe place to sit and relax during your holidays parties. Just like some people, pets need to get away from the action and de-stress, but most of the time they don’t know how to ask for their space. If your pet is comfortable in their crate, we recommend moving it into a quiet room and letting them spend some time resting during your holiday get-togethers. Your pet will be happier, and by extension, you and your guests will be happier! And holiday disasters will be prevented.  

Garbage and Pets

If your pet’s nose goes in the trash on a regular basis, be extra careful during the holidays! The trash will be extra interesting when filled with holiday scraps, but it will also be more dangerous. Keep those garbage can lids on tight!

Summer Treat Recipe for Dogs

Wondering how to make your pet feel included during your family ice cream break this summer? Stuffing a Kong and freezing it is a great way to make your pet feel like part of the activity!

July Team Member of the Month: Lexie, Veterinary Technician

Lexie is one of Avondale's veterinary technicians. Her duties include assisting the veterinarian with surgical procedures or general care of the pets they see in the clinic. She has been with Avondale since the fall of 2011. She has a Border Collie, "Wylie" and her time outside of the clinic is spent horseback trail riding, camping, boating, or just spending time with family, friends and animals.

June Team Member of the Month: Dr. Wilkinson

Dr. Wilkinson graduated from Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. She joined Avondale the summer of 2008. Dr. Wilkinson is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association. She works with the Animal Protection & Education Charity doing feline and canine spays and neuters when she isn't working at Avondale.Dr. Wilkinson is also our resident rabbit doctor! If you have a bunny buddy that needs some medical care, call us and schedule an appointment with Dr. Wilkinson who will help you determine your rabbit's best treatment options. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Brian and pets, "Ted" a Balinese cat and "Cody", a German Shorthair Pointer. She and her husband enjoy spending time with their daughter and son.

May Team Member of the Month: JESSICA - Technician

Jessica has been with Avondale Animal Hospital since the summer of 2011. Her duties include assisting the veterinarians in the care of the animals being seen at Avondale Animal Hospital or Avondale Cat Hospital. Jessica assists in animal wellness treatments, surgery, laser pain therapy, rehabilitation therapy including the underwater treadmill and land treadmill, and stem cell therapy. Jessica has three cats, "Cricket", "Cookie" and "Polly", as well as her dog "Fred". In her free time she enjoys seeing movies, reading books, knitting, cookouts in the summer and pet sitting for friends and family.