Kalmpets

Kalmpets Kalmpets is a unique team of Behaviour Vets and Dog Trainers that take a positive approach to dog behaviour problems. We offer:
1. Behaviour Vet consults
2.

We use evidence-based, holistic techniques that help your dog achieve optimal physical and behavioural health. Dr Kate's Kalmpets is a unique team of dog trainers and behaviour vets that take a positive approach to dog care. We use evidence-based, holistic techniques that transform your dog into a more enjoyable member of the family and society. Team-based approach with Dog training
3. Holistic approach

🐾 Why does my dog HATE nail trims? (And what can I actually do about it?)If nail trim day in your house involves hiding,...
03/06/2026

🐾 Why does my dog HATE nail trims? (And what can I actually do about it?)

If nail trim day in your house involves hiding, wriggling, or full-on refusal, this one's for you.

Nail trims are one of the most commonly dreaded grooming tasks for dogs, and the reasons go deeper than most people realise. Their paws are incredibly sensitive. The pressure and sound of clippers can be genuinely alarming. And if they've ever had a bad experience, even just once, their brain files the whole thing away as a threat.

What looks like "being difficult" is almost always fear. And fear deserves a proper response, not just a firmer grip.

In our latest blog, we break down:
✅ Why dogs react the way they do to nail trims
✅ What stress actually looks like in dogs (some signs are easy to miss)
✅ Practical solutions, from desensitisation training to tool swaps to cooperative care techniques
✅ When it's worth calling in professional help

Whether you trim at home or dread bringing your dog in for grooming, this is worth a read. 👇

🔗https://kalmpets.com.au/why-your-dog-hates-nail-trims-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/

💬 We'd love to hear from you. How does your dog handle nail trims? Drop a comment below! And if you've found something that works, share it, other dog owners will thank you. 🙌

Castration in male dogs is one of the most commonly performed veterinary procedures, but is it always straightforward? A...
02/06/2026

Castration in male dogs is one of the most commonly performed veterinary procedures, but is it always straightforward? A new article in In Practice by Scobie, Wareham & Dean (2026) takes an evidence-based look at the complexities surrounding canine surgical castration, from timing and technique to health outcomes and owner conversations. Essential reading for any vet/carer navigating this nuanced topic. 🔬🐕

📖 Scobie, C., Wareham, K. and Dean, R. (2026). Canine surgical castration: an evidence-based approach to a complex issue. In Practice, 48: 108–116. 🔗 https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/20427670

📸 The Ultimate Golden Trio! 💛Have you ever noticed your dog gravitating toward other dogs that look exactly like them at...
21/05/2026

📸 The Ultimate Golden Trio! 💛
Have you ever noticed your dog gravitating toward other dogs that look exactly like them at the park? It turns out, it's not just your imagination, there is a fascinating behavioural reason behind it!

🐾 The Science of "Like Attracts Like"
During their critical socialisation window early in life (between 3 and 16 weeks), puppies learn a massive amount about who they are and what the world looks like.

The Sibling Mirror: The very first social attachments a puppy forms are with their mother and littermates. Because they spend those foundational weeks surrounded by dogs of the exact same breed and coat colour, that specific look becomes their baseline definition of "safe, familiar, and friendly."

Visual Familiarity: While dogs rely heavily on scent, visual cues play a huge role in early recognition. This early exposure creates a lifelong preference, meaning a Golden Retriever will often look at another Golden and instantly think, "Hey, you're just like me!"

So next time your pup blanks a dozen other dogs just to run across the park toward their "twin," you're watching early-life social bonding in action.

Does your dog have a favourite "type" or a lookalike bestie? Tell us in the comments! 👇

Have you ever noticed your dog gravitating toward other dogs that look exactly like them at the park? It turns out, it's not just your imagination; there is a fascinating behavioural reason behind it!

From Shaking to Shining ✨✨✨When Louis first arrived, he was a shadow of a dog — trembling, silent, shut down. Two years ...
19/05/2026

From Shaking to Shining ✨✨✨

When Louis first arrived, he was a shadow of a dog — trembling, silent, shut down. Two years in a kennel had left him without the basic building blocks of life: no socialisation, no toilet training, no play, no trust. Even joy was foreign to him.

Carole saw past all of that. She saw a little dog worth fighting for.

Together we built a plan: gentle medication to soften the fear, a nourishing diet, a behaviour program designed around safety and consent, and a home filled with patience.

Slowly, Louis began to change.
He stopped shaking.
He started exploring.
He learned that sunshine feels good.
He played with toys when he thought no one was watching.
He began to sleep with a hand resting on his head — a sign of trust we celebrated like a milestone.

And now?
Louis is thriving.
His confidence is growing. His world is bigger. His tail is lighter. His future is brighter.

Life keeps getting better — and so does Louis.
💕🐾🌟

Think You Know Your Best Friend? 🐾Whether you’re Team Dog, Team Cat, or "Team I-Can’t-Choose," our pets are weirder and ...
15/05/2026

Think You Know Your Best Friend? 🐾
Whether you’re Team Dog, Team Cat, or "Team I-Can’t-Choose," our pets are weirder and more wonderful than we give them credit for. Here are three facts that prove dogs and cats are basically furry superheroes.

1. The Nose-Print ID 👃
Just like human fingerprints, every dog’s nose print is unique. No two dogs have the same pattern of ridges and creases. In fact, some organizations have used nose prints to identify lost dogs!

2. The "Slow Blink" Secret 😺
Ever seen a cat stare at you and slowly close their eyes? That’s not them being sleepy, it’s a "cat kiss." In the feline world, closing your eyes is the ultimate sign of trust. If you do it back, you’re telling them you’re a friend.

3. Lefties vs. Righties 🐾
Just like humans, most cats and dogs have a preferred paw.

The Test: Place a treat inside a container or under a sofa and see which paw they use first to fish it out.

Fun Fact: Research suggests that male dogs and cats are more likely to be "left-pawed," while females tend to favour their right!

Quick Quiz: The Super Ear! 👂
A dog has about 18 muscles in each ear to help them rotate and tilt. How many muscles does a cat have in each ear?

A) 12

B) 24

C) 32

Write your guess (A, B, or C) in the comments! 👇

From Fearful to Fearless: Meet Molly! 🐾✨Living with a reactive or anxious dog can feel like your world is getting smalle...
14/05/2026

From Fearful to Fearless: Meet Molly! 🐾✨

Living with a reactive or anxious dog can feel like your world is getting smaller and smaller. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.

Take a look at Molly. These photos show a dog navigating the world with newfound confidence, hanging out calmly under a bench in a public space and even tackling playground obstacles!

This kind of progress isn't just about "teaching commands"; it's about Veterinary Behaviour.

The Path to Confidence
When a dog is in "survival mode," they can’t learn effectively. Our veterinary-led approach focuses on:

• Medical Screening: Ensuring underlying pain or health issues aren't driving the behaviour.
• Emotional Support: Using science-based protocols to help the brain move past fear.
• Diagnostic Clarity: Understanding the why behind the behaviour to create a real solution.

Molly’s journey is proof that with the right clinical support, the world can become a much less scary place. We are so proud of how far she’s come!
________________________________________
Take the First Step Today

You don’t have to navigate your pet's behaviour challenges alone. Whether you prefer to book instantly or chat with our team first, we’ve made it easy to get started:
🌐 Book Online: Visit our website to schedule your Initial Behaviour Review at your convenience.
📧 Email Us: Send your inquiries to our reception team for more information.
📞 Give Us a Call: We’re happy to discuss how our service can help your unique situation.

 # # **Is Your Pet Just "Being Difficult".....or Is It Something Else?** 🐾Living with a pet who struggles with anxiety, ...
12/05/2026

# # **Is Your Pet Just "Being Difficult".....or Is It Something Else?** 🐾

Living with a pet who struggles with anxiety, reactivity, or unusual behaviors can be exhausting. It’s easy to feel like you’re constantly managing the environment instead of enjoying your companion.

When "traditional training" isn't moving the needle, it’s often because there is a deeper emotional or medical component at play. That’s where a Veterinary Behaviourist makes the difference.

# # # **Why Book an Initial Review?**

Unlike standard training, our approach looks at the **whole picture**:

* **Medical Screening:** Ruling out underlying pain or health issues that trigger behavior.
* **Diagnostic Clarity:** Understanding the *why* behind the barking, hiding, or aggression.
* **Medical Screening:** Ruling out underlying pain or health issues that trigger behaviour.
* **Customised Care:** A plan designed for your pet’s unique challenges and your specific household.

You don't have to navigate this alone. Let’s move past the "quick fixes" and start working toward a calmer, happier life for you and your pet.

Simba’s Transformation: From Hypervigilant to Lake Days! 🐾We love a success story, and Simba’s journey is a true testame...
11/05/2026

Simba’s Transformation: From Hypervigilant to Lake Days! 🐾
We love a success story, and Simba’s journey is a true testament to what happens when you combine the right medical support, expert training, and an incredibly dedicated owner.

Through a combination of Phase 1 medical support to stabilise his emotional pathways, targeted behavior modification with Lauren Bray, and a lot of patience from his family, Simba started to find his "calm."itors, and the idea of being off-lead at a place like Lake Gnangara felt like an impossible dream.

The Journey:
Through a combination of medical support to stabilise his emotional pathways, targeted behaviour modification, and a lot of patience from his family, Simba started to find his "calm."

Today:
Simba is thriving! His latest update shows him enjoying the freedom of Lake Gnangara—off-lead and loving life.

"A couple of years ago, I never would have been comfortable taking him to a place like this ❤️❤️❤️"

Seeing Simba transition from a dog who was constantly "on guard" to one who can simply enjoy being a dog is why we do what we do. Well done, Simba!

Perth is cooling down! Is your pet feeling it? 🌧️🐕🐈As the WA winter chill starts to set in, our pets' needs change more ...
07/05/2026

Perth is cooling down! Is your pet feeling it? 🌧️🐕🐈

As the WA winter chill starts to set in, our pets' needs change more than we realise. Beyond just a cozy rug, here are 3 things to watch for this May:

🦴 1. The "Cold-Start" Joints: Did you know that arthritis pain often flares up during our first cold snaps? If your senior dog is slower to get up after a nap or hesitant on the stairs, it might not just be "laziness"—it’s the damp WA autumn/winter affecting their joints.

🥘 2. The Winter Appetite: With shorter walks at the dog park due to the rain, many Perth pets get less exercise. Keeping them on their summer food portions can lead to "winter weight gain." It might be time to slightly adjust their scoops!

🐍 3. Late Season Snakes: Don't let your guard down yet! Baby snake season in WA can run right through May. Keep an eye on long grass and woodpiles while you're doing your autumn garden cleanup.

💬 COMMUNITY CHECK: Have you noticed your pet getting "the zoomies" more now that the heat has broken, or are they already hogging the heater? Let us know in the comments! 👇

Is Your Garden Pet-Friendly? 🌿🐶🐱Living in WA means we love our outdoor spaces, but some of our most common garden plants...
04/05/2026

Is Your Garden Pet-Friendly? 🌿🐶🐱Living in WA means we love our outdoor spaces, but some of our most common garden plants are hidden hazards for our furry family members. Before you start your weekend gardening, check your yard for these common culprits:

🚩 The "Big 3" to Watch Out For:
1. Oleander: Often used for privacy hedges in Perth. Every part is highly toxic and can cause serious heart issues
2. Sago Palm (Cycads): These look great but are incredibly dangerous. The seeds are especially toxic and can lead to liver failure.
3. Lilies: A major "No-Go" for cat owners. Even a small amount of pollen can cause fatal kidney failure in cats.

⚠️ Other Common WA Hazards:
1. Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow (Brunfelsia): Popular for its purple-to-white flowers, but can cause seizures in dog.
2. Spiderwort(Tradescantia): Often causes itchy, red skin allergies on paws and bellies.
3. Spring Bulbs: Tulips, Daffodils, and Jonquils can cause severe stomach upset if your dog decides to dig up the bulbs.

✅ Safe Alternatives: Consider planting Bottlebrush, Camellias, or Marigolds instead!

🆘 Emergency?If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, contact your vet immediately or call the Animal Poisons Helpline at 1300 869 738.

1. Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow (Brunfelsia): Popular for its purple-to-white flowers, but can cause seizures in dogs. ons Helpline at 1300 869 738.

Address

6 Ashton Avenue
Claremont, WA
6010

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Website

https://ap-booking.vetstoria.com/booking/6458a01526c0c/?r=6

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