No Fret Vet and Pet

05/06/2026

Panting, trembling, pacing, lip licking, yawning, freezing, avoiding eye contact, and refusing treats can all be signs of fear, anxiety, or stress.

Stress does not always look dramatic.

Sometimes it whispers.

04/06/2026

Garden Route - 1 week to go!

Join us for "From Emotion to Behaviour: Understanding What Dogs and Cats Are Really Telling Us" and gain the tools to interpret behaviour more accurately and respond in a way that supports both welfare and trust.

Learn and support PAWS - Plett Animal Welfare Service (Plettenberg Bay, SA)

03/06/2026

For pets, choice matters.

Being allowed to move away.
Approach at their own pace.
Pause when overwhelmed.

Choice is not giving up control.

Choice helps animals feel safe enough to cope.

02/06/2026

Many behaviour concerns are not "training problems".

They can be:
• pain problems
• stress problems
• environmental problems
• unmet need problems

Before asking “How do I stop this?”

It can help to ask:
“What might this pet be experiencing?”

02/06/2026

Check out my latest blog article for We Love Pets SA
While you're at it, follow them :)

https://welovepetssa.co.za/animals-whisper-before-they-shout/

Have you ever felt like your pet’s "naughty" behaviour appeared out of nowhere?

In her latest blog, animal behaviour consultant, Ilse Fourie of No Fret Vet and Pet, explains why behaviour is actually a form of communication, not a moral failing. Discover why animals whisper before they shout.

Read more in the comments

01/06/2026

Ever wondered what your pet is really trying to tell you?

Following on from my previous talk, "The Science of Emotions", this session takes things one step further; exploring how those emotions show up in your pet’s behaviour.

From subtle stress signals to behaviours often labelled as “naughty”, we’ll unpack what’s really going on beneath the surface. You’ll learn how to recognise early signs of fear, anxiety, and stress, and how small changes in your response can make a big difference to your pet’s wellbeing.

This talk is perfect for anyone who wants to better understand their dog or cat, strengthen their bond, and create a calmer, more positive experience for their pet.

Join me for "From Emotion to Behaviour: Understanding What Dogs and Cats Are Really Telling Us." All proceeds to PAWS - Plett Animal Welfare Service (Plettenberg Bay, SA)

31/05/2026

A reminder:

Growling, hissing, avoidance, hiding.

These are not signs of a “bad” pet.

They are signs of a pet trying to cope.

Behaviour is communication, especially when animals are struggling.

29/05/2026

Cats are often labelled as “independent”. But independence does not mean they do not experience stress.

Cats thrive when they have:
• predictability
• choice
• safe spaces
• opportunities for control

Small disruptions can matter more than we realise.

Sometimes improving a cat’s emotional wellbeing starts with changing the environment.

27/05/2026

A pet who refuses treats at the vet is telling us something.

Food refusal can be an important indicator of emotional state.

For many animals, refusing even favourite treats can suggest:
• elevated stress
• fear or anxiety
• feeling unsafe

This is one reason why treat-taking is often used as part of emotional assessment in animal centered care.

Sometimes the smallest observations tell us the most.

26/05/2026

Is your pet’s "bad behaviour" actually a health signal?

We often label our pets as "stubborn," "naughty" or "spiteful" when they act out. But modern behavioural science tells us something very different: Behaviour is simply the observable output of what is happening inside the brain and body.

When a pet is constantly stressed, it’s not just their mood that suffers, it has measurable physical consequences. Chronic stress alters immune function, triggers gastrointestinal issues and even changes how your pet experiences pain.

We cannot separate the mind from the body. Often, what we see as a "problem behaviour" is actually a stress response that has been forced to get louder because early whispers of discomfort were missed. It’s time to move beyond outdated "dominance" myths and look at the whole picture.

Health is behaviour and behaviour is health. Ready to change your perspective and help your pet feel safer?

Read the full article by Ilse Fourie at No Fret Vet and Pet from the link in the comments: