Avoca Drive Animal Hospital

25/08/2026

Spring is nearly here, and as soon as it warms up everything changes. The ticks come out, everyone's diary fills up, and this September our appointments are more limited than usual with Dr Briony on leave.

So here is your gentle nudge to beat the scramble and get in ahead of the busy season. If your pet is due for a check-up, vaccinations, a dental or a repeat script, plan it early.

This month we have also shared:
🐾 A simple guide to muzzle training, calm and stress free
🐾 Dr Nyssa removing a tick from little Jo, a removal that saved her life
🐾 Our newest Puppy School graduates

Have a read and book ahead here: https://eomail5.com/web-version?p=3a17215a-a031-11f1-accd-a19140e44705&pt=campaign&t=1787637001&s=4f0868cbdd2d3b8dcbb65a5865307293bcd80537817680d037777c8e35882d23

Or call us on (02) 4365 1086.

19/08/2026

A muzzle is a kindness, not a punishment. Our nurse Destiny taught her dog Billie to happily wear hers using gentle Fear Free steps, one treat at a time. See how you can do the same at home, plus why we love a basket muzzle.

Read the full guide: http://www.avocadriveanimalhospital.com.au/AvocaDriveAnimalHospital/Blog/Muzzle-training-the-Fear-Free-way-How-Billie-the-Blue-Heeler-learned-to-love-her-muzzle
Book a visit: https://www.avocadriveanimalhospital.com.au

13/08/2026

Lying awake wondering if you have missed the window to socialise your puppy? You almost certainly have not.

There is a short, powerful window in your puppy's early weeks that shapes the confident, settled dog they become, and there is a gentle Fear Free way to make the most of it, at any age. Our new blog explains exactly when it matters and how to do it without overwhelming your pup.

Read it here: http://www.avocadriveanimalhospital.com.au/AvocaDriveAnimalHospital/Blog/Is-it-too-late-to-socialise-my-puppy-A-Fear-Free-vet-s-honest-answer

Want calm, Fear Free tips straight to your inbox? Join our list: https://avocadriveanimalhospital.eo.page/qn4qm

Ready to join our Fear Free Puppy Pre-School? Book now: https://www.avocadriveanimalhospital.com.au/

24/07/2026

It's National Pyjama Day! 🐾

Polly the gorgeous Greyhound came to visit us today looking absolutely adorable in her cosy pyjamas!

Now it's your turn!

📸 We'd love to see your furry friends showing off their favourite PJs. Share a photo of your pet in the comments below and let's fill our page with the cutest sleepyheads around! 🐶🐱💖

Happy National Pyjama Day from all of us at Avoca Drive Animal Hospital! 🩺🐾

22/07/2026

Fear isn't aggression — even when it looks like it. 🐾 The gentlest pet can snap during an invasive temperature check. It's fear, not who they are. Now a gentle microchip swipe means no intrusion, no fear. Curating Joyful Longevity, one calm moment at a time. 💛

📅 Book: https://www.avocadriveanimalhospital.com.au/
📖 Learn More: https://www.avocadriveanimalhospital.com.au/Blog/

20/07/2026

🚨 HEARTWORM ALERT 🚨

A heartworm-positive dog has recently been diagnosed in our local area, reminding us that heartworm disease is a real risk for dogs on the Central Coast.

Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes and can cause serious damage to the heart and lungs. The good news? It is almost entirely preventable with the right protection.

🐶 Is your dog's heartworm prevention up to date?
💉 We offer convenient 12-month heartworm injections as well as monthly preventative options to suit every pet.

Don't wait until it's too late. Prevention is safer, easier, and far less expensive than treating heartworm disease.

📞 Contact Avoca Drive Animal Hospital today to discuss the best heartworm prevention for your dog or to book an appointment.

❤️ Protect your best friend all year round.

20/07/2026

17/07/2026

Did you know that cats can develop osteoarthritis (OA) too?

Unlike dogs, cats often hide signs of pain, making arthritis easy to miss. They may not limp or cry out—they simply start changing their behaviour.

Keep an eye out for signs such as:

🐾 Less jumping onto furniture or windowsills
🐾 Difficulty getting in or out of the litter tray
🐾 Sleeping more and playing less
🐾 Becoming less interested in grooming
🐾 Matted fur or a scruffy coat
🐾 Irritability when touched or handled
🐾 Changes in appetite or behaviour

These subtle changes may be signs your cat’s joints are sore.

🩺 A simple veterinary check can help identify osteoarthritis and create a management plan to keep your cat comfortable and enjoying life.

💙 Don’t assume your cat is “just getting older” — changes in mobility and behaviour deserve attention.

📞 Contact Avoca Drive Animal Hospital on (02) 4365 1086 if you have noticed changes in your cat’s movement or habits.

17/07/2026

🎬🐱 CatVideoFest is Back! 🐱🎬

The world's best new cat videos are coming to cinemas on 13th August for one unforgettable event!

CatVideoFest is a family-friendly, feature-length celebration of all things feline, packed with hilarious, heartwarming and adorable cat videos that are guaranteed to make you smile.

Even better, your ticket helps support local animal charities, turning an afternoon of laughter into real help for cats in need. 💙🐾

🎟️ Only in cinemas for a limited time, so don't miss out! Grab your tickets early to avoid disappointment and enjoy the purr-fect day out with family and friends.

🐈 Find out more and book your tickets here:
CatVideoFest Australia & New Zealand

Who's your favourite internet cat? Tell us in the comments! 😻

16/07/2026

Has your dog started slowing down, hesitating to jump into the car, struggling with stairs, or becoming less interested in walks or play?

These changes are often put down to "just getting older," but they could actually be signs of osteoarthritis (OA)—a painful, progressive joint disease that affects many dogs.

📝 We've got a simple Osteoarthritis Checklist that can help identify changes in your dog's mobility and behaviour. It gives your veterinarian valuable information to help diagnose and manage OA, so your dog can stay comfortable and enjoy life for longer.

💙 Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference.

📞 If you've noticed any changes in your dog's movement or behaviour, give us a call on (02) 4365 1086 to book an assessment or ask us for a copy of our Osteoarthritis Checklist.