Kalmpets

09/10/2025

🐾 New Insight into Diet & the Canine Gut 🐾

We often hear that “you are what you eat”, and for dogs, that may hold true down to the microbial level.

A recent home-based study of 103 dogs compared fresh / gently cooked diets with processed kibble diets, examining their gut microbiomes via faecal DNA sequencing.

Key take-homes:

- Dogs on fresh diets had lower microbial diversity/richness compared to those on kibble (but see caveats)

- However, certain pathogenic/opportunistic bacteria (e.g. Sutterella) were more abundant in dogs on kibble diets.

- Fresh-fed dogs showed stronger presence of functional pathways linked to protein degradation and butyrate synthesis (from amino acids), possibly reflecting better utilisation of high-quality proteins.

- Owner-reported health trends: fewer skin, appetite or gastrointestinal complaints in the fresh diet group versus kibble.

⚠️ Important caveats:

- This is a preprint, not yet peer reviewed.

- It’s a cross-sectional snapshot, not a longitudinal trial; it captures associations, not causation.

- The “kibble” diets in the study weren’t standardised across brands, which may introduce variability.

🔍 Always wise to check with your vet (or a veterinary nutritionist) before making major dietary changes.

27/09/2025

🎆🐾 Fireworks at the Perth Royal Show are exciting for us, but many dogs experience noise sensitivities and phobias.

It’s not just the big bangs, whistles, crackles, and even the flashes of light that can be enough to trigger fear and panic. For these dogs, fireworks week can feel overwhelming.

Here’s how you can support your dog:
✔️ Exercise earlier in the day before the fireworks begin
✔️ Keep them indoors with windows, curtains and doors shut
✔️ Provide a cosy den with familiar bedding and toys
✔️ Play TV, white noise or calming music to soften the sounds
✔️ Stay calm, your reassurance matters
✔️ Check their ID tags and microchip details are up to date

If your dog shows extreme fear during fireworks, you don’t have to manage it alone. At Kalmpets, we work with dogs who struggle with noise phobias and sensitivities, helping them feel safer and more secure 💙🐶

19/09/2025

🐾 Simba’s Journey: Growth, Calm, and Gratitude 🐾

From a puppy with obsessive light-chasing, pacing, and intense attachment, Simba has transformed into a calm, confident, and joyful companion. Over the past year, his behaviours have stabilised significantly; no more sleeve-biting, pacing is gone, and obsessive tendencies are almost completely resolved.

He continues to thrive socially, sharing his space kindly with the family’s young human, welcoming pats and interaction without stress. Resource guarding is now effectively managed, and his inter-dog interactions are calm and controlled.

Simba’s progress is the result of incredible teamwork: his loving humans, his GP vet , and trainers , who have supported him every step of the way.

From toilet training challenges to medication tapering and ongoing behavioural guidance, Simba’s journey reminds us how patience, consistency, and collaboration can truly change a dog’s life.

Here’s to Simba, our shining example of resilience, learning, and love. 🐶💛

17/09/2025

🐾 Planning Ahead with Our Dogs 🐾

For years, I’ve always had two dogs. I would stagger them, when one was older, I’d bring in a younger one. That way, there was always companionship, and the older dog could pass on their calmness and wisdom.

But as we get older ourselves, we also need to think carefully about when it’s time to stop the cycle. At some point, taking on another young dog may not be fair to them or to us.

This is where a succession plan comes in. It means thinking about:
✨ Who could care for your dogs if something unexpected happened to you?
✨ Whether a trusted friend, family member or rescue organisation could step in.
✨ Putting plans in writing so your pets are never left in limbo.

It isn’t always easy to face, but planning ahead is an act of love. It means our dogs are safe, supported, and always have the care they deserve, no matter what. 🐶❤️

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.