What Pets Actually Want & Need | Dr. Karolina Westlund

from Huberman Lab

by Scicomm Media

Published: Mon Apr 28 2025

Show Notes

My guest is Dr. Karolina Westlund, Ph.D., a professor of ethology at the University of Stockholm and an expert in animal emotions and behavior who uses science-based methods to improve the lives of animals in human care. We discuss the often overlooked needs of domesticated animals—primarily dogs and cats—and the things we can do to improve their well-being and our relationship with them.

We cover how to interpret animal body language, the unique needs of specific dog breeds, and the needs of cats and birds. We also discuss the pros and cons of spaying and neutering and how weaning age impacts a pet’s attachment style. Whether you’re a pet owner, trainer, or simply an animal lover, this episode teaches you how specific pet behaviors are rooted in their immutable biology—and the simple things you can do to vastly improve your pets’ health and well-being, as well as your relationship with them.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

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Timestamps

Karolina Westlund

Students & Animal Species; Horses

Dog Breeds & Interaction, Predatory Sequence, Smell, Domestication

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