Kalmpets

25/11/2025

Could your dog be neurodivergent? 🐾 New research suggests it’s possible, and it’s time we paid attention.

A growing body of science is challenging the idea that neurodivergence is uniquely human. According to Dr. Jacqueline Boyd, an animal scientist at Nottingham Trent University, dogs may experience the world differently due to variations in brain structure and chemistry, much like humans with autism or ADHD.

🧠 Key signs your dog might be neurodivergent:
- Hypervigilance or hyperfocus
- Poor impulse control
- Sensitivity to sounds (like fireworks or shouting)
- Difficulty socialising or low interest in people

While there’s no formal diagnosis for autism or ADHD in dogs, these behaviours fall under what's called Canine Dysfunctional Behaviour (CDB). Dr. Boyd emphasises that recognising neurodiversity in dogs isn’t about labeling, it’s about understanding and supporting their unique needs.

💬 “It’s maybe less about saying whether your dog is neurodivergent, and more about recognising that we have neurodiversity,” she explains.
If your pup shows signs of distress or unusual behaviour, a veterinary check-up and guidance from a qualified behaviourist can make a world of difference.
Let’s shift the conversation from “what’s wrong” to “what does this dog need to thrive?” 🐶💙

Scientists say that autism isn't uniquely human, as new evidence shows dogs can be on the spectrum.

18/11/2025

🐾✨ The humble stick: nature’s original toy.
Before squeakers, tennis balls, and ergonomic launchers, there was the stick. A crooked twig, a sturdy branch, each one a ticket to tail-wagging joy. For generations of dogs, fetch wasn’t just a game. It was a ritual. A sprint. A triumph. A muddy, leafy, bark-filled celebration of everything good in the world.

But here’s the rub: sticks aren’t always safe. Splinters, throat injuries, even impalements, yes, they happen. And when they do, they’re scary, painful, and costly. So, should we retire the stick?

Honestly… we’re not ready to say goodbye. Because for every hazard, there are a thousand joyful leaps, goofy grins, and proud prances back to your feet. The cost-benefit analysis? For many of us, it still tips toward the magic.

So maybe the answer isn’t to ban the stick, but to choose wisely. Smooth, sturdy, supervised. And always with love.

🪵🐶 Long live the stick (with a dash of caution).

13/11/2025

🧵 POV: You’re your dog’s brain on a trigger
0.1 sec: 🚨 “THREAT!”
0.2 sec: 🧠 Amygdala HIJACK
0.3 sec: ❌ Rational brain? GONE.
💥 Heart racing
💥 Ears pinned
💥 Bark-lunge-snap
Your “sit” command?
It’s like yelling “CALM DOWN” at a fire alarm.

Real fix:
🔥 Spot the stare → U-turn
🔥 Scatter treats like confetti
🔥 Reboot in safety

Anxiety isn’t “bad manners.”
It’s a brain on red alert.
Drop a ❤️ if your dog’s been there.

11/11/2025

🧵 Ever wonder why your dog is an angel off-leash but a barking tornado on it?

🐾 It’s not “dominance.”
🐾It’s frustration wearing a mask of anger.

The leash blocks two instincts:
✅ Approach (sniff, greet)
❌ Escape (create space)
Trapped = stress → lunge → bite.

🐾Fix:
🐶Long line for freedom
↩️U-turn + treats before the meltdown
🧀Train “good things happen at a distance”

Remove the barrier (or teach calm), and the “aggression” often vanishes.

04/11/2025

🐶 Ever notice your furry BFF having endless potty drama, looking a bit skinny, or just not their bouncy self? 😩
Dr. Federica Cagnasso just dropped a PhD thesis bombshell from University of Torino on chronic gut woes in dogs (aka enteropathies & protein-losing issues)!
🔥 Fun facts from the study:

Your pup’s p**p holds CLUES! 🐕💩 Gut bacteria + lipid chaos = big red flags
Simple blood tests (like albumin ratios) can track progress fast.
Fixing lipid imbalances might be the next treat-ment breakthrough! 🍖

Keep those tails wagging—talk to your vet & catch issues early!

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