Avoca Drive Animal Hospital Blog

Welcome to the Avoca Drive Animal Hospital Blog, where pet care meets compassion. Here, you'll find expert advice, practical tips, and helpful insights to ensure your pet's health and happiness. We are proud to be Australia's first Fear Free Certified Veterinary Hospital, and our blog emphasizes stress-free care techniques that make visits to the vet easier for both pets and their parents. Explore our posts to learn how Fear Free practices can improve your pet's well-being, reduce anxiety, and strengthen the bond between you and your furry family members.

Why Low-Stress Handling Matters for Both Humans and Pets: Revolutionizing the Vet Experience   Dr Elizabeth O'Connor   12/03/2025 As pet parents, we want what’s best for our furry friends – healthy, happy lives full of love and care. While we often focus on their physical health, it’s just as important to prioritise their emotio... Read More..

Avoiding the Most Common Mistakes: Keeping Your Dog Safe at Avoca Beach   Dr Elizabeth O'Connor   7/03/2025 As a veterinarian who frequently visits Avoca Beach, I’ve seen first-hand the many joys and potential dangers our furry friends encounter while enjoying the sand and surf. Avoca Beach is one of the mo... Read More..

Introducing Our Cutting-Edge Fear Free Patient Enclosures   Dr Elizabeth O'Connor   1/03/2025 At Avoca Drive Animal Hospital, we are constantly striving to provide the best possible care for your pets. That's why we're excited to introduce our new Fear Free patient enclosures—designed with you... Read More..

Helping Dogs and Cats with the Stress of Relocating to a New Home   Dr Elizabeth O'Connor   28/02/2025 Relocating to a new home can be exciting for us, but it’s important to remember that our pets also experience the stress of the move. Just like humans, pets need a safe place to retreat, recover, and ... Read More..

Hidden Signs: Is Your Pet’s Urinary Health at Risk?   Dr Elizabeth O'Connor   28/02/2025 Urinary Tract Problems in Cats and Dogs: What to Watch For and How to Help Urinary tract problems are common in both cats and dogs, and understanding the signs and risk factors can help prevent more ... Read More..

Simparica Trio: Is it the Ultimate Protection for Your Pet? Our Product Review   Dr Elizabeth O'Connor   28/02/2025 At Avoca Drive Animal Hospital, we’re always on the lookout for products that provide the best protection for your pets—and we’re excited to share our thoughts on Simparica Trio, the ultimate protecti... Read More..

Is it okay to leave dogs in cages?   Dr Elizabeth O'Connor   25/02/2025 Is It Okay to Keep a Dog in a Cage? At Avoca Drive Animal Hospital, we often get asked, “Is it okay to keep a dog in a cage?” The truth is, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on the p... Read More..

Pet Parenthood, and Being a Good Neighbour   Dr Liz OConnor   22/02/2025 In every neighbourhood, pets bring joy, companionship, and a sense of community. However, when pet ownership responsibilities are overlooked, it can cause frustration and tension, sometimes leading to... Read More..

Tigger’s Lucky Win: Life Is Short, Choose Love Always   Dr Elizabeth O'Connor   22/02/2025 The moral of this story is simple yet profound: life is short. We owe it to ourselves, our pets, and those around us -to approach every challenge with love, respect, and responsibility. Whether it's r... Read More..

Kiwi the Eclectus: A Parrot with Personality and a Passion for Grooming   Dr Elizabeth O'Connor   12/02/2025 Meet Kiwi, the striking male Eclectus Parrot with a personality as vibrant as his emerald-green feathers. Smart, affectionate, and full of charm, Kiwi has a special love for his owner, Kylah—and a kee... Read More..

Elevated Risk of Heartworm in Dogs on the Coast: Act Now to Protect Your Pet   Dr Elizabeth O'Connor   10/02/2025 At Avoca Drive Animal Hospital, we prioritise the health and well-being of your pets. Recently, we’ve observed a troubling rise in heartworm cases in dogs, particularly on the Central Coast of New Sou... Read More..

Have you planned for your next veterinary bill?   Dr Elizabeth O'Connor   4/02/2025 As veterinarians, we frequently see pet owners caught off guard by the cost of veterinary treatment. It’s distressing for both the pet and its family when financial limitations affect medical decision... Read More..

Cytopoint Injections: A New Solution for Itchy Pets   Dr ElizabethO'Connor   16/01/2025 Cytopoint Injections: A New Solution for Itchy Pets Summer can be a tough time for pets who suffer from itchy skin due to allergies or other conditions. Constant scratching, licking, and discomfort c... Read More..

How Do I Know If My Pet’s Been Bitten?   Dr Elizabeth O'Connor   16/01/2025 Funnel-Web Spider Bites in Pets: What to Watch For As summer heats up, the risk of Funnel-Web Spider bites to pets in our region increases. These spiders are more active during warmer months, and the... Read More..

How Feliway Helps Cats Feel Safe at Our Fear Free Cetified Clinic   Dr Elizabeth O'Connor   12/01/2025 How Feliway Helps Cats Feel Safe at Our Fear Free Certified Clinic At Avoca Drive Animal Hospital, we believe that visiting the vet should be a positive experience for pets and their owners. As a Fea... Read More..

Why Is my Cat Peeing in my Bathroom? and How to stop it.   Dr Liz O'Connor   2/01/2025 Why is My Cat Peeing in My Bathroom? How Do I Stop It? As a cat owner, finding your feline friend peeing in the bathroom can be both frustrating and concerning. Many cat owners might think that this ... Read More..

When Too Much is Too Much: The Importance of Moderation in Pet Treats   Dr Elizabeth O'Connor   12/12/2024 As pet owners, one of the greatest joys is rewarding our beloved companions for their good behaviour. Treats are a common and effective way to reinforce positive actions, but there comes a point when ... Read More..

Behaviour Changes in Pets: Causes, Signs, and Solutions   Dr Liz O'Connor   2/12/2024 As pet owners, one of the most concerning things we might notice is a sudden change in our pets' behaviour. Whether it's a dog who used to be playful, and now seems distant or a cat that has become mo... Read More..

10 Common Signs Your Pet Needs a Vet   Dr Liz O'Connor   27/11/2024 As pet owners, we always want to ensure our furry friends are healthy and happy, but sometimes, they can't tell us when something's wrong. Animals are experts at hiding pain or discomfort, making it c... Read More..

5 Signs Your Dog May Have Dementia: Understanding Canine Cognitive Decline   Dr Elizabeth O'Connor   25/11/2024 As our beloved dogs age, it’s common to notice changes in behavior and health. One of the more concerning changes is cognitive decline, often referred to as "dog dementia" or Canine Cognitive Dysfunct... Read More..

Avoiding The 'Silly Season' Rush     25/11/2024 🎄 Get Your Pet's Needs Sorted Before the Silly Season! 🐾 The holiday season is almost here, and with it comes the busy time when many veterinary clinics close for the Christmas break. 🌟 Don’t wait... Read More..

The Benefits of CBD Oil for Pets: A Natural Approach to Health   Dr Liz O'Connor   25/11/2024 An increasing number of pet parents are having conversations with their veterinarians about the therapeutic potential of CBD oil for their pets. This growing area of interest highlights the need for a... Read More..

The Essential Guide to Grooming Your Rabbit: Tips for Long-Haired Breeds and Stress-Free Care   Dr Liz O'Connor   25/11/2024 As a rabbit owner, you know how important it is to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. One crucial aspect of your rabbit’s well-being is regular grooming. While all rabbits need some level of gr... Read More..

What is FeLV?     25/11/2024 Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is one of the most serious viral infections affecting cats, yet it remains largely underrecognized by many pet owners. The virus, which compromises a cat’s immune system, ... Read More..