Our Blog
Mira Mar Vet, your local vet in Albany
All the latest news from Mira Mar Vets and informative pet tips
Latest newsletter out now!
Please click here to view our latest monthly newsletter! We hope you enjoy it. April 2026 - Is your pet overweight? Don't forget to sign up using the form below, if you want this great newsletter in your email inbox every month!
The skinny on a few common health issues
Did you know that, as well as having general health benefits, the maintenance (or restoration) of optimal body condition in pets can be an important component of treatment for some common illnesses? Here’s when weight loss could be your pet’s gain! How does being...
The how and when of healthy feline feeding routines
When it comes to “You are what you eat”, did you know that this saying holds true for our pets as well? Interestingly, the “Five-a-Day Felix” report by the International Cat Care organisation found that for our feline friends, it’s also a matter of “You are how and...
Weekend warrior syndrome
Have you heard of weekend warrior syndrome in dogs? This condition may hit a little too close to home for some of us humans too, as it occurs when a usually sedentary pet engages in intense physical activity over the weekend, resulting in a sore and sorry doggo come...
Post-operative wound swelling: is it a worry?
Is your pet due to undergo surgery, such as desexing or lump removal? Here are three common causes of post-operative wound issues, and how you can help prevent them to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery for your pet! Wound swelling/inflammation: What it looks...
Newsletter Archive
Are you looking for an older edition of our monthly newsletter? Please choose from our newsletter archive to view previous editions: April 2026 - Is your pet overweight? March 2026 - Is your pet protected all year round? February 2026 - When your pet seems fine but...
Staff changes at Mira Mar Vets
We have had some recent staff changes at Mira Mar Vets! We'd like to welcome our new vet Dr Holly to the team and farewell our long-term vet and friend Dr Jialin. Jialin and her family arrived in Albany from Townsville in 2017, where she worked as a locum for a while...
Dog beauty routines: health essential or social media fluff?
If you’ve noticed the recent social media trend of “Canine beauty routine” videos, you may be wondering: Does my dog need all those treatments? Here’s what’s necessary for maintaining your pet’s health and comfort, and what’s just fluff! Bathing Unless your dog has a...
A wee issue: when toilet habits go wrong
Having a pet “leaving messes” around the house is definitely one of the more unpleasant animal-related problems! If your pet has been toileting inappropriately, it’s best to book a consultation with one of our knowledgeable vets. To help us “get to the bottom” of the...
Just got a new puppy or kitten? Read this first
If you’ve recently welcomed a new canine or feline family member, please don’t forget to book them in to meet us! Not only do we want to snuggle their little fluffy socks off, but we’re also keen to give them a full health check, ensure you’re feeling confident with...
Pet vaccinations explained: what your pet really needs
While most owners understand the importance of ongoing vaccinations for their pet who is out and about in the world, we do sometimes field enquiries regarding other scenarios, such as how often pets should be vaccinated, what types of vaccinations they require, and...
Common parasite prevention pitfalls
We get it – maintaining a comprehensive parasite prevention program for your pet can be challenging in terms of the expense, knowing which products to use, and keeping track of dates! But the reality is that the treatment required for parasite-related health issues...
Congratulations Ellie!
As many of you know, Ellie has been a long-standing member of the Mira Mar Vets family, joining the clinic as a veterinary nurse in early 2018. She grew up in Albany, and came back here after an exciting career in a number of busy vet practices in Sydney. In 2022,...
Pale gums in pets
Did you know that your pet’s gums provide an indication of their overall hydration and cardiovascular health? Here’s the “How To”, and what any abnormal findings could mean. How to check your pet’s gums To check your pet’s gums, gently lift their upper lip in the...
Big dogs, big hearts
Did you know that larger breed dogs can be more prone to developing certain heart problems? Here’s more about heart problems in big dogs, including symptoms to watch for, how they’re diagnosed, and how we can help. What heart problems are larger dogs more prone to?...
Hidden health problems
To proactively monitor your pet’s health, it’s recommended that they undergo a full health check at least every 12 months. If they’re a senior (which is 7-8+ years in larger dogs, and 9-10+ years plus in smaller dogs and cats), they should ideally be checked every 6...
Heart disease in cats
Did you know that heart disease in cats tends to present quite differently from that in dogs? The most common canine heart disease (myxomatous mitral valve disease or MMVD, i.e. a leaky heart valve) tends to be reasonably straightforward to diagnose, as affected dogs...
Pete’s polydipsia
This case example is for educational purposes. Names and details are fictional. Pete the 12-year-old Maltese x Poodle seemed to be drinking A LOT. But as the weather had been hot, his owner Courtney initially didn’t think too much of it. However, when Courtney...
Have you seen your pet suddenly collapse?
Episodes of collapse in pets can occur due to many short or long term health conditions or injuries. While some of these issues can potentially be life-threatening, prompt veterinary treatment will maximise the chance of a good outcome for your pet. Here’s more...
Understanding anxiety in dogs
Is your dog just highly-strung? Or are they suffering from anxiety? Here’s an overview of anxiety in dogs, including potential causes and symptoms to monitor for. Is my pet just highly-strung, or are they anxious? Just like people, some dogs are naturally more...
Runny eyes in little dogs
While any pet can develop a runny or goopy eye, these issues tend to be more prevalent in small breed dogs. Why? In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the more common causes of weepy eyes in small dogs. What causes runny eyes? A noticeably weepy eye...
Nailing your pet’s manicures
Many dogs need their nails trimmed regularly to prevent overgrowth. But what should you do if your pet develops a phobia about nail trims? Here are the Dos and Don’ts of calm nail trims for dogs. First of all, let’s start with the Don’ts: If you’re not sure how to...
Why is my cat going bald?
Unless your cat is a hairless breed like a Sphynx, it’s not normal for them to have bald spots! Here's what can cause excessive hair loss in cats, and how we can get the drop on whatever’s causing their issue. What are some common causes of bald patches in cats? If...
“On the third day of Christmas…”
This Christmas, we’d recommend staying vigilant to ensure your dog doesn’t help themselves to a trio of common Christmas toxins!! Chocolate, fatty foods and garbage scraps are three of the top problem foods that cause illness in dogs over the festive season. Here’s...























