Audubon Animal Medical Center

01/24/2025

Opposites Attract: Celebrating Opposites Day with Pets! 🐾🎉

Tomorrow is Opposites Day, where up is down, in is out, and—wait—is the dog walking you now? 🤔

Today, let’s celebrate the delightful ways our pets are often our polar opposites. From their quirks to their habits, they keep life interesting, don’t they? Here's a fun look at how the “yin and yang” of pet-parent dynamics make our lives so much better:

1. Morning People vs. Midnight Zoomies 🌞🌙
While you’re sipping your coffee, struggling to wake up, your cat’s been wide awake since 3 a.m., chasing invisible prey. And for dog parents? Nothing says "good morning" like a wet nose and wagging tail... at 6 a.m.

2. Couch Potatoes vs. Adventure Enthusiasts 🛋️🚴
Are you the “Netflix and snacks” type while your dog dreams of hikes, frisbees, and chasing squirrels? Or maybe you’re an adrenaline ju**ie with a cat who’d rather be napping in the sun. Opposites keep life balanced, right?

3. Messy Pets, Neat Freaks 🧹🐾
You vacuum every other day, but your golden retriever still manages to shed an entire new dog on the floor. It’s like they’re saying, “Clean? Let me fix that!”

4. The Foodie vs. The Picky Eater 🍔🥗
You’re savoring every bite of your gourmet dinner, but your pet? One will inhale anything (banana peels, anyone?), while the other acts like the expensive kibble you bought is pure betrayal.

5. Calm vs. Chaos 🧘‍♀️🎉
After a long day, you’re ready to unwind, but your cat decides it’s the perfect time for zoomies. Or your dog brings you a toy, demanding fetch immediately. Who needs relaxation when you have energy to burn, right?

6. Fashionista vs. Furry Freestyle 👗🐕
You love stylish outfits, while your dog happily wears the same "fur coat" every day. Try putting your cat in a sweater, though, and suddenly you’ve declared war.

7. Silence vs. Sound 🎵🤫
While you crave peace and quiet, your parrot practices its opera or your dog enthusiastically alerts you to every delivery truck within a 5-mile radius. Thanks for keeping things lively, buddy!

At the end of the day, it’s these differences that make the bond between pets and their people so special. Opposites might seem like chaos at times, but they create balance, laughter, and endless love.

So, grab your pet, flip the script, and do something totally opposite today. Let your dog lead the way on a walk, or let your cat choose the movie (okay, they’ll just sit on the remote, but it counts). Celebrate the joy of being opposites, because life is always better with a little contrast—and a lot of love.

Happy Opposites Day! 🐶🐱🐾

01/23/2025

Happy National Pie Day! 🥧🐾

We all love celebrating pie, and today, let’s make it extra special by sharing a dog-friendly pie recipe that your furry friend will adore. No need to leave your pup out of the fun—this simple, healthy pie is the perfect way to treat your four-legged buddy!

Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Pie (Adapted from Dessert Done Light)

Ingredients:

Crust:
1½ cups oat flour (you can make this by blending old-fashioned oats into a fine powder)
½ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
¼ cup olive oil

Filling:
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (ensure it's pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
2 large eggs
¼ cup milk of your choice (regular dairy or unsweetened plant-based)
3 tablespoons maple syrup (optional; omit if concerned about sugar content)
¼ cup oat flour
A pinch of salt

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Crust:
In a large bowl, whisk together the oat flour and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix in the olive oil.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into a pie dish, covering the bottom and sides.

Prepare the Filling:
In a bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, and maple syrup (if using).
Add the oat flour and a pinch of salt, stirring until smooth.

Assemble and Bake:

Pour the filling into the prepared crust.

Bake for 42–45 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

Allow the pie to cool completely on a rack before serving.

Note: This recipe is meant to be a treat, not a full meal, so be sure to serve it in moderation. Always check with your vet if you have concerns about any ingredients for your pet’s diet.

Now let’s raise a paw to National Pie Day—who says we can’t share the love with our pups?

01/22/2025

ATTN CLIENTS: Your Senior Pets Need Extra Support During Cold Weather

During these cold-snaps, our older dogs and cats need a little extra care to stay comfortable and healthy. Just like us, they can feel the effects of the cold, especially if they’re dealing with arthritis or stiff joints. Here are some ways you can support your furry friends during the chilly months:

🐾 Treat for Arthritis: Cold weather can make arthritis pain worse. Talk to your vet about treatments or pain relief options, such as joint supplements or anti-inflammatory medications, to keep them comfortable.

🐾 Help Them Stay Warm: Older pets have a harder time maintaining body heat. Provide cozy, warm bedding, consider using pet-safe heated pads, and make sure they have a draft-free space to relax.

🐾 Exercise for Stiff Joints: Regular, gentle exercise can help keep their joints moving and prevent stiffness. Short, low-impact walks or playtime indoors can keep them active without overdoing it.

🐾 Monitor Their Weight: Keeping their weight in check is important for joint health, but body fat during the winter helps them stay warm. Talk to your vet about a diet plan that aims for the optimal weight in winter and summer.

During the colder months, being mindful of your senior pets' needs can make a big difference in their comfort and quality of life. With a little extra attention, they can enjoy the season with less pain and more joy.

01/21/2025

ATTENTION AUDUBON AND CHEROKEE CLIENTS - WATCH FOR FROSTBITE THIS WEEK.

Frostbite can develop in dogs in as little as 15 minutes.

But it can also take hours or days. The rate at which frostbite develops depends on a number of factors, including the dog's size, age, and health, as well as the temperature, wind, and moisture.

Frostbite on a dog's pads appears as a pale discoloration, often grayish or blue, on the paw pads, which may feel cold and brittle to the touch, and can be accompanied by swelling, blisters, or even blackened skin;

If you suspect your dog has frostbite on their pads, immediately bring them to a veterinarian as prompt action is crucial to prevent further tissue damage and potential complications; do not attempt to warm the affected area at home without professional guidance.

01/20/2025

🐾 Keeping Your Pets Safe in Sub-Zero Weather ❄️

As temperatures drop and sub-zero weather sets in, it’s crucial to keep our furry friends safe from the risks associated with extreme cold, including frostbite. Here are some key points to remember:

Recognize Vulnerable Breeds: Dogs and cats with short coats, small breeds, or those with health issues are more susceptible to cold-related injuries.

Limit Outdoor Time: Keep walks brief and monitor your pet’s behavior. If they show signs of discomfort or reluctance to go outside, it may be time to head back indoors.

Watch for Signs of Frostbite: Common symptoms in pets include shivering, whining, lethargy, or cold, pale, or blackened skin—especially on ears, paws, and tails.

Provide Warm Shelter: Ensure your pets have a warm place to stay indoors, and if they must be outside, provide insulated shelter and bedding.

Protect Paws: Consider dog booties to prevent frostbite on paws; if booties aren’t an option, check their paw pads after walks for ice and salt.

Hydrate: Ensure pets have access to fresh water, as they can become dehydrated even in cold weather.

Stay vigilant and keep your pets warm and safe this winter season! 🐾❤️ If you suspect your pet may have frostbite, contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance.

01/17/2025

🐾✨ Happy Feel Good Friday! ✨🐾

Today, let’s take a moment to celebrate the unconditional love and joy that our furry friends bring into our lives. Whether it’s a wagging tail greeting you at the door, a gentle purr as you unwind, or the playful antics of a pet that leave you in stitches, animals have a magical way of brightening our days!

Did you know that spending just a few minutes with our pets can lower stress levels and boost our mood? It’s true! Their playful spirit and unwavering loyalty remind us to find happiness in the little things. 💖 So, take a break, cuddle your fur baby, or even share a silly photo of them in action!

Let’s spread some feel-good vibes today—share your favorite pet moments in the comments below! 🐶🐱🐰 Remember, every wag, meow, and playful leap is a reminder of the joy our pets bring, making each day a little brighter. Happy Friday, everyone! 🌟

01/16/2025

WHAT TEMPERATURE IS TOO COLD FOR CATS?

Many cats prefer the freedom to come in and out of the great outdoors (and some are delegated to be outdoors-only.)

In either case, although cats have a tolerance for temperate weather, extended cold temperatures are tough for kitties to cope with, and no cat should be left outside without shelter and a source of heat when the temperatures fall below 45 degrees.

This can be tricky when you have a kitty who likes to roam, so it is critical to create a warm outdoor space in case your cat disappears just when you are settling in for the night.

Cat parents sometimes forget that their pets are just as accustomed to the warm shelter of the indoors as they are. Leaving your cats outside for extended periods of time, thinking that they will adapt to life outdoors puts them in danger of serious illness.

Hypothermia, or a body temperature that is below normal, is a condition that occurs when the cats are not able to keep their body temperature from falling below normal. It happens when they spend too much time in cold temperatures, or when cats with poor health or circulation are exposed to cold.

In mild cases, your cat will shiver and show signs of depression, lethargy and weakness. As the condition progresses, her muscles will stiffen, her heart and breathing rates will slow down, and she will stop responding to stimuli.

If you notice these symptoms, you need to get your cat warm and take her to your veterinarian.

As always, in the better safe than sorry category, we recommend keeping your kitties indoors if temps are expected to drop below 45 degrees during the day or overnight.

01/15/2025

🎉 Happy Use Your Gift Card Day! 🎉 It’s the perfect opportunity to treat your furry friends to some pampering and playtime! Here are some fun gift ideas for pets to make their day extra special:

Tasty Treats: Spoil your pet with gourmet treats or homemade goodies. Look for unique flavors or organic options that they’ll love!

New Toys: Whether it's squeaky toys, interactive puzzles, or plush characters, a new toy can spark joy and keep them entertained for hours.

Cozy Bed or Blanket: Upgrade their sleeping space with a plush bed or soft blanket, offering them a warm and comfortable spot to snuggle.

Stylish Accessories: Consider a new collar, harness, or even a stylish bandana to give them a fresh look on their daily walks.

Fun Experiences: Use your gift card for a day of adventure! Consider a trip to a pet-friendly park, a doggy daycare, or even a grooming session.

Celebrate your pets today, and don’t forget to capture their joy on camera! 📸🐾

01/14/2025

FEELING A LITTLE STRESSED?

SOME PEOPLE LOVE AROMATHERAPY, BUT IS IT OK FOR OUR PETS?

Aromatherapy uses essential oils to create all those wonderful scents that we humans love to breathe in deeply and enjoy.

It’s important to realize, however, that many of these substances that seem relaxing to us are, in fact, volatile compounds, which means they CAN BE POTENTIALLY TOXIC TO PETS at certain concentrations.

Animals and people are different in how they react to these substances.

For these reasons, DO NOT APPLY 100% ESSENTIAL OILS from aromatherapy products on your pet, especially on broken skin.

The volatile compounds can be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and possibly damage vital organs.

Cats in particular are missing some detoxifying liver enzymes (when compared to dogs or people) and are highly sensitive to "hot" oils like cinnamon, oregano, clove, wintergreen, thyme and birch.

NEVER GIVE ESSENTIAL OILS ORALLY

Essential oils should also never be given orally because some very common oils, including eucalyptus, tea tree, pennyroyal and thuja, can damage the liver.

Seizures are possible with large doses of some essential oils.

When in doubt, play it safe. If your pet has ingested essential oils, call your veterinarian immediately.

USE ONLY PET-APPROVED AROMATHERAPY AND CALMING PRODUCTS

There are many products on the market specifically made and approved for pets, including natural pheromone products such as ADAPTIL for canines.

FOR GUIDANCE ON CALMING A STRESSED PET, CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN. CALMING PRODUCTS MAY BE ONLY PART OF THE SOLUTION.

01/13/2025

Coyote Alert for our Clients.

We regret sharing such an incredibly sad post, but coyotes are a real and present danger in Kentucky and each year, dozens of pets in the Louisville/Jefferson County area fall prey to hungry coyotes.

Please do not walk your dogs without a leash, keep cats indoors or behind secure fencing and take every precaution to protect yourself and your pets.

For those of you who are newer to our lovely area once a year I always put out a reminder. We are going into the coyote mating season. Januar and February they are extemely agressive and active. Coyotes will be on the prowl looking for food. They have been known to scale a 12ft fence with ease. Here recently two hunters found a coyote den with over 50 dog and cat collars. There's no telling how many they killed that didn't have a collar on. A coyote can literally wait in the shadows you take your little dog out for potty break and turn your head and that is how long it can take for you to lose your precious fur baby. They have adapted to being the best skilled hunters and they go into peoples backyards all the time and on front porches. All of these pictures that I am posting are coyotes with beloved cats and dogs in their mouths. This is disturbing. We live in a very rural part of town where coyotes don't really have a natural enemy in our area. Protect your dogs and cats when outside especially.

01/13/2025

I LOST MY DOG - WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Many dogs went missing during this recent stretch of wintry weather.

Even the most cautious pet-parent has lost a cat to a door being left ajar, or dogs climbing the fence or 'digging out.'

If your dog or cat is missing, there are steps to take immediately to increase your success rate in recovering your lost pet:

1. POST YOUR LOST PET ON THE LOCAL LOST AND FOUND (In Louisville, Louisville Lost and Found Pets has a large and active following and success uniting many lost pets with their owners. Be sure to include pictures, description, area where the pet was last seen and contact information.

2. POST YOUR LOST PET ON YOUR OWN SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS - Facebook, LinkedIn, Slack, etc. You might be surprised how quickly word travels.

3. CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN ASAP AND REPORT THE LOSS. Hopefully your pet has a collar, tags and microchip, so your veterinarian can be on the look-out for good-samaritans reporting a found dog.

4. PUT UP NEIGHBORHOOD FLYERS - Be sure to include photo, description, area where the pet was last seen, date your pet went missing and contact information.

5. VISIT YOUR LOCAL SHELTER(S) AND ANIMAL CONTROL. - Shelters are aware that many pets run away during fireworks and are usually on the look-out for lost pets during this time.

6. LEAVE SOMETHING WITH YOUR SCENT IN THE AREA - If you lost your pet from your home, he/she should know where home is and will try to make their way bay home ASAP. If you lost your pet in another location, be sure to leave food, water and something with your scent to draw your pet back to the area. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and can track your scents days, even weeks after a disappearance.

7. DON'T GIVE UP HOPE - Keep looking, making calls and visiting shelters. Typically, 95% of dogs with identification are reunited with their owners.

Microchips, collars and tags are your best friend when it comes to recovering your pet quickly, but these are steps you must take in advance.

01/10/2025

TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR DOG DURING WINTER STORMS AND COLD SPELLS

Keep your pets protected during winter storms and extreme cold with these tips:

Keep pets indoors - If left outdoors, they can get frostbite, become disorientated and get hypothermia.

Be aware of exposure time - take dogs out only to relieve themselves. Many dogs also need boots in winter weather, regardless of coat length.

Always walk dogs on a leash. Dogs can become disoriented or lost. Roads are often dangerous during snow conditions due to snowplow piles and ice.

Always keep ID tags on pets, because animals can get lost during a winter storm. More pets are lost in the winter than any other time of the year, according to SPCA. Pets lose their ability to scent their way home in snowy and icy conditions.

Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter - if your dog is long-haired, simply trim him/her. If your dog is short-haired, consider getting him/her a coat or sweater. Towel dry your pets as soon as they come inside.

Clean your pet's feet - salt can irritate or burn, as well as cause vomiting and even seizures. Antifreeze can be deadly if ingested.

Bathe your pets as little as possible during cold spells - washing too often can remove essential oils and increase the chance of developing dry, flaky skin.

Never leave pets unattended in the car without heat. Animals can freeze to death very quickly.

Be careful with cats - warm vehicle engines can attract cats who may crawl under the hood. Bang on the hood or blow your horn before starting the car.

Is it too cold for you?

Remember, if it's too cold for you, it's probably too cold for your pet. Even dogs with heavy coats are susceptible to frostbite on their ears and nose.

01/09/2025

THIS IS FOR THE BIRDS: How do you keep the starlings from swarming your bird feeders?

It's brutally cold in Kentuckiana, and a critical time to support our wild birds by keeping fresh food and water available at your feeders.

But, as with most things, no good deed goes unpunished, and a feeder full of fresh food is an invitation to starlings who want to hoard all the vittles for themselves.

And while I don't mind the occasional starling at the feeder, Starlings can adversely affect the ecosystem in many ways.

Starlings will evict other birds from their nests, show up in disturbingly large numbers, steal food from other birds and animals, and spread disease. So it's best to eliminate starlings from your feeding stations when and where possible.

TAKE AWAY THEIR FOOD AND WATER SOURCES -
Keep seeds off the floor. This is good practice anyway, but you should do your best to clean up any spilled seed from the floor as soon as possible. Also, try to avoid having open platform feeders. Starlings will easily spot open feeders and eat anything off the ground. Once that’s gone, they may look around and instantly notice your feeders.

GET A STARLING PROOF BIRD FEEDER - If you are looking for starling-proof bird feeders then you will find a few options out there. However, because starlings are just about the same size as a cardinal, you could also be blocking cardinals, blue jays, and other similar-sized feeder birds from your feeder in the process.

UPSIDE DOWN FEEDER-If you have a suet feeder for woodpeckers and the starlings and grackles are finishing off your suet cakes in record time, an upside-down feeder might help. A feeder such as this Audubon bottom feeder positions the suet cake facing down and birds need to hang from below to access the suet.

Birds that like to cling, such as woodpeckers, wrens, and nuthatches (as well as plenty of other birds that enjoy suet) don’t have a problem with this design. Big pest birds like Starlings and Grackles do not like to hang upside down like this.

Generally, starlings do not like safflower or nyjer (thistle) seeds. By offering this to your other birds you are denying the starling food. Starlings have softer bills than most other seed-eating backyard birds.

Therefore, peanuts (in the shell) and white-striped sunflower seed are more difficult for them to open and may be worth switching to temporarily until the starlings become frustrated and move on.

REMOVE THEIR NESTING OPTIONS - Starlings are unable to fit through an opening of 1.5 inches or smaller. Therefore any birdhouses in your yard should have entrance holes no larger than 1.5 inches. You can buy birdhouses specifically sized for bluebirds such as Nature’s Way Cedar Bluebird house with the appropriately sized opening.

Starlings invade Bird Feeder. Weather prediction was just a inch of snow but we ended up getting about 4 inches. So the bird feeders were quite busy all da...

01/08/2025

IS YOUR DOG SUFFERING FROM ARTHRITIS?

With the onset of colder weather, be aware of arthritis-related symptoms in your old dog(s).

Just like with humans, arthritis is typically caused by the wear and tear of a dog's joints over the course of its lifetime.

Arthritis in pets can also be caused by infection (septic arthritis or bacterial arthritis in dogs) or by the body attacking itself in an immune system malfunction (rheumatoid arthritis). (Or sometimes by acute injury to a joint.)

Arthritis (more specifically in dogs, osteoarthritis) can affect any joint, causing pain and discomfort.

The joints most commonly affected in dogs include:

Hip
Elbow
Shoulder
Stifle (knee joint)
Carpus (wrist)
Hock (ankle)
Intervertebral joints (spine or backbone)

RECOGNIZING THE SYMPTOMS OF ARTHRITIS

The symptoms seen are a direct result of the pain but may be subtle, especially in the early stages.

Supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, omega-3 fatty acids and curcumin are all used to treat arthritis.ng, difficulty getting up after sleeping, pain when touched in certain areas.

THERE ARE MANY THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP EASE YOUR DOG'S ARTHRITIS PAIN:

Keep their weight at a healthy level - extra pounds put tremendous strain on joints.

Gentle exercise - Older dogs should be encouraged to move daily with several short, easy walks per day.

A warm place to sleep - Cold temps increase stiffness and pain associated with arthritis.

Although early-stage arthritis is difficult to diagnose with x-rays, the goal is to treat symptoms and control pain.ght ones for your dog depending on the specifics of the case.

Prescription medications designed to ease symptoms of arthritis in dogs. Your veterinarian will prescribe the right ones for your dog depending on the specifics of the case.

DON'T LET YOUR PET SUFFER

If you suspect your pet is suffering from arthritis, call your vet for an appointment. A physical examination coupled with radiographs (x-rays) that show changes within the joint is the most common means of diagnosing canine arthritis.

Although early stage arthritis is difficult to diagnose with x-rays, the goal is to treat symptoms and control pain.

In many cases, arthritis pain can be relieved through a combination of treatment and therapy.

01/07/2025

HOW COLD IS TOO COLD FOR MY DOG?

It's that time of the year in Kentuckiana.

Cold weather poses serious threats to your pets’ health, especially among older dogs and cats.

Here are some tips to keep your pets safe during cold weather:

KNOW THE LIMITS: Just like people, pets’ cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet based on their coat, body fat stores, activity level, and health.

Be aware of your pet’s tolerance for cold weather, and adjust accordingly. You will probably need to shorten your dog’s walks in very cold weather to protect you both from weather-associated health risks.

Arthritic and elderly pets may have more difficulty walking on snow and ice and may be more prone to slipping and falling.

Long-haired or thick-coated dogs tend to be more cold-tolerant, but are still at risk in cold weather.

Short-haired pets feel the cold faster because they have less protection, and short-legged pets may become cold faster because their bellies and bodies are more likely to come into contact with snow-covered ground.

KNOW THE HEALTH RISKS: Pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances (such as Cushing’s disease) may have a harder time regulating their body temperature and may be more susceptible to problems from temperature extremes.

The same goes for very young and very old pets. If you need help determining your pet’s temperature limits, consult your veterinarian.

PROVIDE CHOICES: Just like you, pets prefer comfortable sleeping places and may change their location based on their need for more or less warmth. Give them some safe options to allow them to vary their sleeping place to adjust to their needs.

RECOGNIZE PROBLEMS: If your pet is whining, shivering, seems anxious, slows down or stops moving, seems weak, or starts looking for warm places to burrow, get them back inside quickly because they are showing signs of hypothermia.

Frostbite is harder to detect, and may not be fully recognized until a few days after the damage is done. If you suspect your pet has hypothermia or frostbite, consult your veterinarian immediately.

BE PREPARED: Cold weather also brings the risks of severe winter weather, blizzards and power outages.

Prepare a disaster/emergency kit, and include your pet in your plans. Have enough food, water and medicine (including any prescription medications as well as heartworm and flea/tick preventives) on hand to get through at least 5 days.

STAY INSIDE: Cats and dogs should be kept inside during EXTREME weather. Again, the effects of cold weather vary by many factors, but if your dog acts cold, he IS cold. (And very uncomfortable)

WHEN IN DOUBT, DON'T LEAVE THEM OUT.

01/06/2025

PLEASE FEED YOUR NATIVE BIRDS TODAY

When the temperature drops to frigid levels, don't forget to help your local wildlife, especially your wild birds.

Shivering is one of the techniques birds use to survive cold temperatures. Birds shiver to raise their metabolic rate and generate more body heat as a short term solution to extreme cold.

While effective, shivering uses ALOT of energy, so the birds need extra nourishment to keep their strength up.

AS A REMINDER, DO NOT LEAVE ANY PETS OUTDOORS UNATTENDED. EARS, PADS AND NOSES CAN GET FROSTBITE WITHIN MINUTES.

01/06/2025

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01/02/2025

It's National Inspiration and Motivation Day.....

'In 2025, I resolve to provide my pets with more enriching experiences, ensuring they receive regular exercise, mental stimulation, and quality time for bonding. I will commit to regular vet check-ups, healthy nutrition, and learning more about their specific needs to enhance their well-being.'

What are you resolved to do to improve your pets' well-being in 2025?