Kalmpets

11/09/2025

🟡 R U OK? Day September 11
Today, and every day, we’re reminded that mental health matters. For people. For pets. For everyone.
Whether it’s a quiet friend, a stressed colleague, or a pet showing signs of anxiety, checking in can make a world of difference. A simple “R U OK?” can open the door to support, connection, and healing.
🐾 Pets feel life’s ups and downs too. Changes in routine, household stress, or separation can affect their behavior and wellbeing. Just like us, they need compassion, structure, and understanding.
💬 So today, let’s start a conversation, with someone we care about, and with ourselves. Let’s notice the subtle signs. Let’s listen without judgment. And let’s remember: support doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful.

Whether you’re a vet, a pet parent, or a friend,your care matters.

08/09/2025

💞 The Chemistry of Relationships 🐾

When you cuddle your dog or cat, something amazing happens in your body:
✨ Oxytocin – the “bonding hormone” – is released.
✨ Cortisol – the stress hormone – is lowered.

This powerful chemical duo explains why time with our pets feels so calming. Just like strong human relationships, our bond with animals reduces stress and supports emotional well-being.

So next time you’re feeling frazzled, spend a few minutes with your furry best friend. Science agrees, those wagging tails and gentle purrs are nature’s stress relief. 🐶🐱💖

02/09/2025

🐾 Ever seen your dog lose their cool around bigger dogs? 🐶💥 It’s more common than you think.

We have just published a new blog, 'Why Some Dogs Struggle With Bigger Dogs,' to explore this behaviour in a fresh, compassionate light. Dr Kate unpacks how it’s not about dominance, but about fear, early experiences, and miscommunication. From the sensitive puppy socialisation window (3–14 weeks) to learned defensive behaviour, we explain what’s really going on when your dog feels overwhelmed by large dogs, and how you can help them feel safer and more confident.

Read it now: https://kalmpets.com.au/why-some-dogs-struggle-with-bigger-dogs/

What you’ll discover:

Why size can feel scary, not aggressive, to some dogs

How one bad experience or lack of early exposure can shape future responses

Easy, practical tips for building positive, confident interactions

❤️ Let’s help our four-legged friends feel safe, not scared!
If you’ve noticed this issue with your dog, this blog is full of insights and hopeful strategies. Drop a comment if you'd like help turning those big-dog moments into calm, confident connections!

Have you ever noticed that your dog seems perfectly happy around dogs their own size, but suddenly becomes anxious, barky, or defensive when faced with a much larger dog? You’re not alone. Many dogs show what looks like “social dysfunction” with bigger dogs, and there are good reasons why this

01/09/2025

Update 9/9/25 SHE IS HOME! 🎉🙌🙌🏻

🚨 LOST DOG – PLEASE HELP 🚨

Searching for Chilli:
📍 Last seen: Lake Monger, West Leederville
🕛 Around midday, Sun 25/8

Her family is very worried and would be so grateful for any sightings or information.

👉 If you have seen this dog, please call/text/email: 0499 149 149 [email protected]

Thank you for helping a member of our Kalmpets community bring their dog home safely ❤️🐾

28/08/2025

🐾 September is Canine Pain Awareness Month 🐾

Pain in dogs isn’t always obvious; in fact, anxiety is often the only and most common sign. Restlessness, clinginess, or a sudden change in behaviour might not just be emotional; it could be pain talking.

We’re incredibly grateful to the team Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) for leading the way in recognising these subtle signs and providing compassionate, evidence-based solutions. Their support has been invaluable for our friend Csoki, who turns 13 this month and is still going strong!

If your dog’s anxiety feels like more than just a behavioural issue, Kalmpets is here to help you both. You’re not alone in this. 💛

21/08/2025

🐶🎶 Music that calms: promising results for canine stress 🐾
🎧 A brand‑new study published this month in Science Direct explores how specially designed relaxation music can reduce stress in dogs.

Key findings:

Dogs exposed to music engineered for relaxation displayed measurable reductions in stress-related behaviours and physiological markers.

In some comparisons, this music was more effective than traditional classical music.

The study underscores an accessible, low‑cost strategy for improving animal welfare in shelters and at home

Why it matters:

Stress reduction can support better behaviour, health, and adoptability for dogs.

For behaviour consultants, therapists, and shelters, this is a powerful, evidence‑based tool.

👉 Tip: Consider integrating calming canine playlists or bespoke relaxation tracks into daily routines, especially during grooming, vet visits, quiet periods, or recovery.

Hashtags:

19/08/2025

🐶 Is My Dog Herding... or Anxious? 🐾
Let’s talk about herding breeds, and why their behaviour isn’t always what it seems.

Let’s talk about herding breeds and why their behaviour isn’t always what it seems. other dogs. They'll stalk, chase, nip or circle, and many people wonder:

👉 “Is this just instinct, or is my dog anxious?”

✨ The answer? Sometimes both.

✅ Instinct:
Herding is hardwired. These dogs were bred for generations to control livestock, so many will naturally show herding behaviours, even if they’ve never seen a sheep.

⚠️ But when anxiety is involved:
Some dogs start herding more intensely in busy, overstimulating or unpredictable environments.
They might:
🔸 Bark or chase constantly
🔸 Struggle to disengage
🔸 Get distressed if they can’t “control” the group

This isn’t just instinct; it’s a way of coping with emotional overwhelm.

💡 The good news? With the right behavioural support, we can help your dog feel safer and respond more calmly.

📍Book a consult with Kalmpets if your dog’s herding is becoming a problem, we’ll help you figure out what’s instinct, what’s anxiety, and what to do next 💛

14/08/2025

📢 Post-COVID Study Reveals Ongoing Behaviour Struggles in Dogs

New research has confirmed what many pet owners have been seeing since the pandemic: dogs are still struggling with anxiety, hypervigilance, reactivity and difficulty settling into everyday routines. 🐶

Changes in household dynamics, inconsistent routines, and prolonged time at home during lockdowns have left lasting impacts on many dogs, especially those who missed early socialisation or experienced major disruption.

💚 At Kalmpets, we understand these challenges.

Our veterinary behaviour team offers tailored support to help:
✔ Address post-COVID anxiety and behaviour changes
✔ Reduce fear, stress and frustration
✔ Build calmer, more confident behaviour through kind, effective methods

If your dog is still showing signs of post-pandemic stress, you're not alone, and there are solutions.

📩 Message us or visit kalmpets.com to find out how Kalmpets can help.

12/08/2025

🦴 Is Your Dog Limping or Slowing Down? It Could Be OCD (and Not the Kind You’re Thinking Of!)

At Kalmpets, we’re all about supporting your dog’s physical and emotional well-being, and frequently the two are tightly linked. One condition that can affect both is Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD), a joint disorder most often seen in growing large-breed dogs.

🐾 What is OCD in dogs?
It’s a developmental condition where cartilage doesn’t form properly, leading to painful flaps within joints. This can cause lameness, stiffness, swelling, and a noticeable drop in activity, especially after exercise.

💡 Most commonly affected joints:
✔️ Shoulders
✔️ Elbows
✔️ Knees
✔️ Ankles

🐶 Breeds at risk: Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Great Danes, and more.

🩺 At Kalmpets, we often see behaviour changes emerge before a diagnosis — dogs who are suddenly reluctant to walk, play, or be touched. Pain and frustration often look like anxiety. That’s why early assessment matters.

✨ What to do if you’re worried:

Book a vet check if your dog is limping, stiff, or sore

Keep pups lean and avoid excessive high-impact exercise during growth

Choose nutrition and supplements carefully, more isn’t always better

Reach out for behavioural support if you’re seeing emotional changes

👩‍⚕️ With the right care, including gentle handling, pain support, and in some cases surgery, many dogs go on to lead full and happy lives.

If you’re concerned about your dog’s behaviour or movement, we’re here to help.

📍 kalmpets.com.au | 📞 0499 149 149
📧 [email protected]

12/08/2025

🌿🐱 Why Do Cats Eat Plants? New Research Has Answers!

A brand-new study (Bensel et al., Aug 2025) looked at the “hair evacuation hypothesis” – the idea that cats eat plants to help pass hairballs.

The results? Not so fast, furballs!
• No difference in plant-eating between long-haired and short-haired cats
• Only a small % seemed unwell before eating plants
• Some vomited afterwards, but this seems incidental

The takeaway: plant-eating is a normal, instinctive behaviour – not necessarily a sign of illness or a hairball remedy.

💡 Tip: If your cat loves a nibble, make sure any plants they can reach are safe and non-toxic.

08/08/2025

Ever seen a dog spy hole? 🐾 Some people make little peepholes in fences so their pups can enjoy a VIP view of the neighbourhood. Perfect for rat spotting, postal monitoring, and keeping an eye on that mysterious cat across the street. 🐶✨

It can be a fun form of enrichment, but not every dog will benefit; for some, it might increase frustration or fear. Use with care and watch your dog’s reaction.

07/08/2025

🐶 Can Dogs “Talk” Using Buttons? New Research Digs Deeper

🧠 The big idea? While dogs may not be speaking in full sentences, their use of soundboards may still reflect intentional communication, especially when the buttons are tied to meaningful routines, emotions, or needs. might really be going on.

A new article by researcher V.A. Kuhlmeier explores exactly that. Building on a 2024 study by Bastos and colleagues, which found that dog button presses are not random, this new work takes a closer look at what might really be going on.

🧠 The big idea? While dogs may not be speaking in full sentences, their use of soundboards may still reflect intentional communication, especially when the buttons are tied to meaningful routines, emotions, or needs.

But it’s not all clear-cut:

Some dogs may learn patterns based on reinforcement, not deep understanding.

Others may genuinely be expressing wants and preferences.

The key challenge is telling the difference.

💬 Why it matters:
Understanding how dogs communicate helps us meet their needs better, build stronger relationships, and reduce behavioural frustration, especially in households where dogs can’t always be heard or understood clearly.

So… are these dogs actually “talking”?
Maybe not in words, but they are saying something. And we’re finally learning how to listen.

📖 Source: Kuhlmeier, V.A. (2025). What can soundboards tell us about canine communication? Learning & Behavior.

Have you tried communication buttons with your dog? Would you? Let us know what you think!