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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 10am - 1pm Thursday 8am - 5pm Saturday 12pm - 5pm

https://synergyvetbehaviour.com.au/

Synergy Veterinary Behaviour Solutions, Saddleback Drive, Dayboro (2025)

17/03/2025

What a wonderful post highlighting some tips on how to help care for our precious seniors as they navigate the challenges of aging.

Thank you for trusting me to help care for Gary- who is an incredibly special and loved senior gentleman 😍

13/03/2025

Recently we highlighted how extreme breeding is compromising the health and welfare of some dog breeds- sadly dogs like these seen on Tiktok are sold for thousands. And they're becoming more and more popular in the UK.

We must stop the demand for this kind of conformation

➡️It is not cool
➡️It is not trendy
➡️It is not desirable

These dogs are living in agony because of multiple issues intrinsically linked to how they have been bred.

It must stop

'Micro-bully' is a designer breed developed through intensive selective breeding, they are not pure breeds and not recognised by the UK kennel club. They are being bred with more and more extreme traits which is detrimental to their health and welfare.

🖤Please do not support unethical breeding practices
🖤Please do not buy these puppies that have cropped ears or that are bred with extreme looks like brachycephaly (flat faced) or short/bowed legged
🖤Please do not breed from these dogs
🖤They are suffering as a result of unbelievably unethical breeding

Read more:

https://www.vetvoices.co.uk/post/pocket-bullys-the-new-welfare-concern

10/03/2025

🐱🌿 Catnip: Feline Party Drug or Just Overrated? 🌿🐱

Ever watched your cat go completely bonkers over a sprinkle of catnip? 🤪 Rolling, rubbing, zooming, or just blissfully spaced out—catnip can turn your kitty into a whole new creature! But did you know…

🔹 Not all cats feel the vibe! Only 50-75% of cats react to catnip, and it’s all down to genetics. If your cat’s a non-responder, they’re not missing out—just built different. 💅

🔹 It’s not just for fun. Catnip is great for enrichment—it can encourage scratching in the right places, help with training, and even work for counterconditioning (think vet visits and travel crates!). 🚗🐾

🔹 It’s short but sweet. Effects usually last about 10-15 minutes, then your cat needs a break before they can feel it again.

🔹 It might make some cats feisty. Catnip can trigger short bursts of aggression in certain kitties, so watch for those mood swings! 😼

So, does your cat go wild for catnip or couldn’t care less? Drop your experiences (and pics!) in the comments! 📸👇

09/03/2025

🌩 Why Traditional Training Doesn’t Work for Thunder-Phobic Dogs 🌩

Does your dog panic at the first sign of a storm? Thunder phobia is more than just a fear of loud noises—it’s a true panic disorder. These dogs don’t just react to thunder; they sense pressure changes, darkening skies, wind shifts, and even ozone changes.

🐶💔 A Personal Story
Dr. Jessica’s late Golden Retriever, Oscar, was one of the reasons she pursued veterinary behaviour. Hours before a storm, he would pant, pace, drool, tremble, and at his worst, broke his teeth trying to escape. By then, he was inconsolable.

Oscar wasn’t reacting to thunder—he was predicting the storm. Training was difficult because he had no fear of thunder sounds alone; he reacted to the whole storm complex.

🎯 Why Can’t We Just Train It Away?
Most fears can be treated with desensitisation & counter-conditioning—IF:
✅ We can control the scary thing
✅ We can introduce it gradually
✅ We can prevent fear during these sessions.

🚫 With thunder phobia, that’s impossible. These dogs react to a storm’s entire sensory experience, making traditional training ineffective.

⚠️ So What Can You Do?
This isn’t a training or 'obedience' issue—it’s a panic disorder needing professional behavioural care. For Oscar, proactive medication helped stop the fear, prevented storm memories from reinforcing panic, and over time, he learned to curl up in his safe haven instead of trying to escape. His quality of life was greatly improved (as was Dr Jess' and her family's).

If your dog has thunder phobia, you are not failing them—they just need specialised support.

📞 Need help? Contact Synergy Veterinary Behaviour Solutions for a free 10-min chat to see if our services can help you:
📧 [email protected]
📲 0493 520 393

03/03/2025

🐾 Pica in Cats – When Eating Non-Food Items Becomes a Concern! 🐱

Does your cat chew on fabric, rubber, paper, or even soil? While some nibbling is normal, persistent pica (eating non-nutritive substances) can indicate underlying behavioural or medical issues.

🧐 Common Signs of Pica:
🔹 Chewing, sucking, or swallowing non-food items (fabric, string, houseplants, plastic)
🔹 Preference for a specific substance (e.g., wool, paper)
🔹 Intense focus while chewing, with rhythmic tugging/grinding
🔹 Risk of intestinal obstruction if large quantities are ingested!

🧠 Why Does It Happen?
🔹 Normal exploratory behaviour in young cats
🔹 Stress & anxiety (linked to compulsive behaviours)
🔹 Early weaning or lack of early kitten socialisation
🔹 Nutritional deficiencies or medical conditions (hyperthyroidism, lead toxicity, GI issues)
🔹 Genetic predisposition (more common in Oriental breeds but seen in all cats)

💙 Need help managing your cat’s eating habits? Synergy Veterinary Behaviour Solutions is here to help—because keeping your cat safe is always a top priority! 🐾

24/02/2025

🐱 Overgrooming in Cats – More Than Just a Clean Freak! 🛁

Does your cat seem obsessed with grooming? While cleaning is a natural behaviour, excessive licking, chewing, or plucking fur could signal stress, anxiety, or an underlying medical issue.

🧐 What to Look For:
🔸 Hair loss or coat discolouration (esp. sides, rump, back legs)
🔸 Non-symmetrical bald patches with normal-looking skin
🔸 Sheared or broken hairs from excessive licking or plucking

🧠 Why Does It Happen?
🔹 Stress & Anxiety – Overgrooming can be a way for cats to self-soothe, similar to nail-biting in humans.
🔹 Compulsive Behaviour – If stress persists, grooming may turn into an obsessive behaviour.
🔹 Medical Causes – Flea allergies, food sensitivities, and even pain (arthritis, infections) can trigger excessive grooming.

🚨 The good news?
With the right approach—reducing stress, treating underlying conditions, and sometimes medication—your cat can get back to their fabulous, fluffy self!

💙 If your cat is overgrooming, don’t wait! Contact Synergy Veterinary Behaviour Solutions for expert advice and compassionate care. 🐾

21/02/2025

⚡🎆 Noise Sensitivity in Pets – More Than Just a Startle! 🐶🐱

Does your pet tremble, hide, or frantically try to escape during thunderstorms or fireworks? Noise sensitivity isn’t just a minor fear—it can escalate into full-blown panic and even generalise to everyday sounds like backfiring cars or sizzling food!

🚨 Signs to Watch For:
🔸 Panting, pacing, trembling, hiding
🔸 Destructive behaviour or escape attempts
🔸 Attention-seeking or agitation when loud noises occur

🧠 Why Does It Happen?
🔹 Some pets have a genetic predisposition to noise phobias.
🔹 A traumatic experience linked to a sound can trigger lifelong fear.
🔹 Repeated exposure can make sensitivity worse, leading to a stronger reaction over time.

❌ Myth Buster: Comforting your pet does NOT reinforce their fear! Fear isn’t a behaviour—it’s an emotional response.

💡 The good news?
With behavioural strategies, desensitisation, and sometimes medication, we can help your pet feel safer and more secure.

💙 If your furry friend struggles with noise anxiety, we’re here to help! Contact Synergy Veterinary Behaviour Solutions to start their journey to a calmer, happier life. 🐾

19/02/2025

🐶 Separation Anxiety – More Than Just Missing You! 🏡

Does your dog shadow you from room to room, get anxious when you grab your keys, or panic when left alone? Separation-related distress is more than just missing their favourite human—it’s a real condition that can significantly impact a pet’s well-being.

💔 Signs to watch for:
🔸 Before you leave – Pacing, panting, excessive drooling, or clingy behaviour.
🔸 While you’re gone – Destruction, barking, house-soiling, loss of appetite, or even vomiting/diarrhoea.
🔸 When you return – Extreme excitement or distress, sometimes even more anxiety if you're late.

🧠 What causes it?
Separation anxiety is linked to brain chemistry, genetics, past experiences, and even noise sensitivities. It’s not just “bad behaviour”—it’s a genuine panic response.

✨ The good news?
With the right behavioural strategies, environmental changes, and sometimes medication, we can help your dog feel safe and confident when home alone.

💙 If your pet struggles with being left alone, we’re here to help. Contact Synergy Veterinary Behaviour Solutions today and take the first step towards a happier, calmer pup! 🐾🏡

17/02/2025

🐾 Compulsive Disorders in Pets – When Behaviour Becomes a Burden 🐶🐱

Does your pet chase their tail non-stop, lick themselves raw, or pace for hours? These compulsive behaviours aren’t just quirky habits—they can signal an underlying issue.

🔄 What is a compulsive disorder?
Compulsive behaviours are repetitive, constant, and excessive, often disrupting a pet’s normal life. They usually stem from normal actions like grooming, eating, or walking but spiral into something uncontrollable.

🧠 What causes it?
Compulsive disorders are linked to stress, anxiety, and changes in brain chemistry—especially serotonin and dopamine. Certain breeds may be more prone, and medical issues can also play a role.

🚨 Why does it matter?
These behaviours don’t just go away on their own. Over time, they can worsen, leading to self-injury, distress, and a reduced quality of life.

If your pet seems stuck in a loop, they may need professional help. At Synergy Veterinary Behaviour Solutions, we create personalised treatment plans to break the cycle and restore balance.

📩 Contact us today—because a happier, healthier pet starts with understanding their behaviour! 🧡🐾✨

15/02/2025

🐾 Fear vs. Anxiety in Pets – What’s the Difference? 🐶🐱

Fear and anxiety might look similar, but they affect your pet in different ways!

🔹 Fear is a natural response to an immediate threat—think of a dog startled by a loud noise or a cat hiding from a stranger. It triggers fight, flight, or freeze reactions, with physical signs like trembling, pacing, or hiding. Once the threat is gone, fear usually fades.

🔹 Anxiety, on the other hand, is anticipation of a threat—even if there isn’t one! Pets with anxiety stay on high alert, constantly scanning their environment, pacing, or experiencing digestive upset and skin issues. It can develop from past experiences, genetic predisposition, or even neurotransmitter (brain chemistry) imbalances.

If your pet seems stuck in a cycle of fear or anxiety, they don’t have to suffer alone. We can help! At Synergy Veterinary Behaviour Solutions, we create tailored behaviour plans to help pets feel safe and secure. 🧡

📩 Get in touch today—because a calmer pet means a happier life for both of you! 🐾✨

13/02/2025

🐱 Is Your Cat Chatting Too Much? Let’s Talk Excessive Vocalisation! 🐾

Some cats are natural chatterboxes—think Siamese with their dramatic storytelling! But if your feline friend’s vocalisations have suddenly changed in frequency, intensity, or timing (especially at night!), it might be more than just a demand for attention.

🚨 Possible Reasons for Excessive Meowing:
🔹 Hunger or cold (yes, “hangry” cats are a thing!)
🔹 Anxiety or stress (new pets, roaming cats, moving house, routine changes)
🔹 Medical issues like overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), pain, or feline pain syndrome (hyperaesthesia )
🔹 Cognitive changes in senior cats—just like humans, aging can affect memory and perception

If your cat is suddenly more vocal, restless, or showing other unusual behaviours, it’s always best to seek help from a veterinarian with experience in feline behaviour. A little detective work can go a long way in understanding what they’re trying to tell you! 💛🐾

📣 Does your cat have a quirky “meow style”? Tell us in the comments! 👇🐱💬

03/02/2025

🐾 **Considering Dog Adoption? Here's What You Need to Know** 🐾

Meet Boris—a big, snuggly American Staffordshire Bull Terrier who hit the jackpot when he was adopted by Sophie and her devoted family. With a full house of dogs, cats, horses, and even a pig, bringing Boris home was no small task! Sophie worked closely with Dr. Jess to ensure a smooth transition, and it’s paid off—Boris has settled beautifully, forming a strong bond with his big pup-brother, Felix.

While he’s thriving, Boris still finds his feline siblings *fascinating* (maybe a little too much!). With ongoing training and careful management, he’s learning to respect their space—though he’d *love* it if they joined in a game of chase. With patience, guidance, and plenty of love, Boris is well on his way to becoming the perfect fit in his lively, animal-filled home. ❤️🐾

🏠 **Thinking of Adopting?** 🏠

Rescuing dogs is a compassionate and rewarding choice, but it’s important to be prepared. Did you know behavioural issues are a leading reason for pet surrenders?

🐶 **23% of surrendered dogs** are given up due to behavioural problems like aggression or excessive barking. ([Source](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7341242/))
🐾 In some regions, **up to 45%** of pet surrenders are linked to behaviour concerns. ([Source](https://rspcavic.org/increase-in-number-of-pets-surrendered-due-to-behavioural-concerns/))

Before adopting, ask yourself:
✔ **Am I ready?** Dogs need time, patience, and resources—especially rescues with complex needs.
✔ **Do I have support?** Behaviour vets and trainers can make a world of difference.
✔ **Am I committed to training?** Structured behavioural modification helps dogs adjust and thrive.

By being informed and prepared, you can give a rescue dog the second chance they deserve. 🐕❤️

31/01/2025

🐾 Why Breed Matters in Behaviour! 🐕

Ever wondered why some dogs love to dig, others herd anything that moves, and some can't be without their favourite soft toy in their mouth? 🤔 Breed plays a huge role in shaping behaviour—both the fun quirks *and* the challenges.

Dogs were bred for specific jobs, and even if they’re now couch potatoes, those instincts don’t just disappear! A Border Collie might herd kids in the yard, a Labrador might be obsessed with retrieving, and a Miniature Dachshund? Well, they were bred to hunt burrowing animals—so don’t be surprised if they turn your garden into a construction site! 🏗️

🔹 Instinctive Behaviours – Many common "problem" behaviours are just instincts in the wrong environment. Digging, chasing, guarding, and barking all have roots in a dog’s original purpose. Understanding these can help redirect behaviours rather than fight them!

🔹 Breed-Specific Sensitivities – Some breeds are more prone to certain behaviours. Mini Dachshunds, for example, were bred to be bold hunters—and they have *a lot* to say about it! These little dogs can be highly vocal, alerting to every sound or movement, which can be a challenge in suburban homes.

🔹 Not Every Dog Reads the Breed Standard! – Genetics play a role, but environment and individual personality matter too. Two dogs of the same breed can have very different temperaments, which is why training, socialisation, and behaviour support should be tailored to the *individual*.

💡 Struggling with a breed-related behaviour? Instead of trying to “fix” it, work *with* your dog’s instincts. Digging pit? Herding games? Noise desensitisation? There are plenty of ways to meet their needs while keeping your home intact!

Check out our two beautiful miniature dachshund patients Piper and Merlin. It is near impossible to say no to these two cutie pies!

🐶 Does your dog have a quirk that totally makes sense for their breed? Tell us below! ⬇️

31/01/2025

🐾 Considering Dog Adoption? Here's What You Need to Know 🐾

Meet Boris—a big, snuggly American Staffordshire Bull Terrier who hit the jackpot when he was adopted by Sophie and her devoted family. With a full house of dogs, cats, horses, and even a pig, bringing Boris home was no small task, but Sophie was proactive from the start. She worked closely with a Dr Jess to ensure a smooth transition, and it’s paid off—Boris has settled beautifully, forming a strong bond with his big pup-brother, Felix.

While he’s thriving in his new home, Boris still finds his feline siblings *fascinating* (perhaps a little too much!). With ongoing behavioural modification and careful management, he’s learning to respect their space—though he’d love it if they joined in a game of chase. With patience, guidance, and plenty of love, Boris is well on his way to becoming the perfect fit in his lively, animal-filled home. ❤️🐾

🏠Why Adopt?🏠

Rescuing dogs is a compassionate and rewarding choice, offering countless pups a second chance at a loving home. However, it's essential to approach adoption with a clear understanding of the responsibilities involved.

Did you know that a significant number of dogs are surrendered to shelters due to behavioural issues? Studies have shown that:

- In some regions, up to 45% of pet surrenders are attributed to behavioural concerns. Source: (https://rspcavic.org/increase-in-number-of-pets-surrendered-due-to-behavioural-concerns/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).

Before bringing a rescue dog into your home, consider the following:

1. Assess Your Readiness: Ensure you have the time, resources, and patience to address potential behavioural challenges.

2. Seek Professional Guidance: Consult with behaviour veterinarians or animal behaviourists to understand and manage any issues that may arise.

3. Continuous Training: Commit to ongoing structured behavioural modification and socialization to help your new companion adjust and thrive.

By being well-prepared and informed, you can provide a loving and stable environment for a rescue dog, leading to a fulfilling relationship for both of you. Remember, every dog deserves a chance, and with the right approach, you can make a world of difference in their life. 🐶❤️

30/01/2025

**🐕 Myth Buster: "A wagging tail means a happy dog"**

It’s a common belief that a wagging tail = a happy dog, but that’s not always the case! While a wagging tail *can* indicate excitement or friendliness, it’s not a surefire sign of happiness.

**The Fact:**
A wagging tail simply means a dog is *willing* to interact—how they’re feeling depends on the context. Dogs wag their tails in many emotional states, from joy to fear to frustration. A wag with stiff, fast movements could signal anxiety or aggression, while a relaxed wag with a soft body indicates a dog that’s calm and friendly.

So, next time you see a wagging tail, take a moment to look at the dog’s overall body language. Are their ears back? Is their body tense? Understanding the full picture can help you interpret their feelings more accurately. 🌟

15/01/2025

Feeding enrichment for all!

Synergy Veterinary Behaviour Solutions

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Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	10am - 1pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Saturday	12pm - 5pm