Our Blog
Mira Mar Vet, your local vet in Albany
All the latest news from Mira Mar Vets and informative pet tips
Staying on point with your pet’s health
We get it! In the busy rush of day-to-day life, non-urgent appointments are naturally going to slip down the priority list. However, just like us, middle-aged and older pets may start to develop some health issues which, if diagnosed early, can be easier (and...
Ear infections again? Here’s what you can do
If your dog suffers from recurrent ear infections, lend us your ears and rest assured: there’s lots we can offer to help! Recurrent ear infections are not only painful for the poor pet, but can also become frustrating, expensive and time-consuming for owners to deal...
Reverse sneezing? You nose it!
Has your dog ever reverse sneezed? While these paroxysmal respiration episodes can look rather alarming if you haven’t seen them before, many dogs will occasionally experience them, and they usually don’t require any treatment. As a result, we’re achoo-sing to answer...
Simple ways to support your pet’s skin
With their skin being the largest organ of your pet’s body, our epidermally-experienced team would love to give you the skinny on how to keep your pet’s “outer coating” in tip-top health! You can support your pet’s general skin health through: Regular ectoparasite...
Fighting a flea infestation in your house
You noticed your pet scratching, checked their skin and… oh no, they have fleas! Here are our professional tips for getting rid of those pesky parasites, pronto. Treating all susceptible pets Fleas can live, feed and breed on dogs and cats in the household, so all...
August is Dental Month at Mira Mar Vets
Each year Mira Mar Vets celebrates National Pet Dental Month in August by raising awareness of pet dental health. It has been discovered that 70% of cats and 80% of dogs have some form of dental disease after the age of three years. In 2025 we are paying attention to...
Dental visits for pets are more familiar than you think
With most of us considering our pets to be an integral part of the family, it may comfort you to know that our veterinary dental health procedures share many similarities with the dental care you receive. Read on to learn more about some of the key similarities...
What makes pet dental care different from yours (and why it matters)
While there are a lot of similarities between dental procedures in dogs and cats and what you’d undergo in a routine dental check-up, there are also some important differences that need to be considered to ensure the best results for your pet after any dental work....
All about animal anaesthesia
Although we’re probably all familiar with the portrayal of human anaesthesia that we see in movies (picture a medical mask descending over the camera!), many owners aren’t sure what’s involved in a general anaesthetic for their pet. As a result, our team have decided...
A sighthound syndrome that every greyhound owner should know about
With an increasing number of gorgeous greyhounds being rehomed into loving family homes, a growing awareness has emerged of a common health issue affecting these gentle giants. It’s believed that 25-30% of greyhounds may be affected by fibrinolytic syndrome, a...
A wee bit of trouble
Inappropriate house soiling is one of the most common problem behaviours that vets see in cats, and, understandably, can be a pretty unpleasant issue for owners to deal with. Here’s why cats might start urinating inappropriately, and how “wee” can help! “Why has my...
Tail issues? That’s cold!
Have you heard of limber tail? It is definitely one of the stranger health conditions that can occur in dogs! Given that the weather is getting cooler, here’s a brisk refresher on how to recognise limber tail, plus which dogs are most likely to get it and how we can...
Are your indoor plants putting your dog at risk?
With most pets spending more time indoors during winter, it’s particularly important to be vigilant about potentially toxic indoor plants. Below we’ve compiled a list of some of the more common toxic indoor plants to avoid bringing into your house, plus some...
Is paracetamol safe for pets? Here’s what every owner should know
If you’re resting up at home with the lurgy this winter, make sure to keep your cold and flu medications well out of reach of your pets. Unfortunately, paracetamol, ibuprofen and decongestants can cause pretty nasty unwellness in dogs or cats who consume them. Here...
Common things occur commonly: 3 hidden issues in senior dogs
Can you guess three of the most common “hidden” quality of life problems that we see in elderly dogs? Read on to get confident in spotting these canine comfort complications! 1. Dental disease Untreated dental disease leads to inflammation, infection and pain, which...
Feline confused? Spot the signs of brain ageing in cats
Did you know that elderly cats can suffer from cognitive decline (brain health deterioration) too? Read on to learn more about feline brain health and how we can help maintain it in your pet. What causes cognitive decline? Classic cognitive decline occurs due to...
Let’s C about CBD in pets
With increasing public awareness about the potential benefits of appropriately prescribed CBD oil products in humans, we’re receiving more questions about their use in dogs. So, roll up - our experienced team is here to weed the facts from the fiction! What is CBD...
GOLPP in dogs: What every large-breed owner should know
Whilst GOLPP is a common condition in some larger-breed dogs, many owners simply haven’t heard of it. Here’s a gulp of information on GOLPP - what it is, the symptoms it causes, and what can be done to help affected pets. What is GOLPP? GOLPP (geriatric onset...
Alley Cat Rescue Team
Here at Mira Mar Vets, we are proud to be performing the vaccinating, micro-chipping, de-sexing and general health care of the cats and kittens from Alley Cat Rescue Team. This rescue organisation has already taken in over 150 cats and kittens since it launched in...
Multi-skilled medics: Inside our vet team’s secret talents
One of our favourite things about our veterinary team is the wide variety of medical skills that we get to learn and practice. We think you might be surprised by some of the things we can do behind the scenes, so please pardon us while we toot our own horns about a...
When allergies attack – recognising anaphylaxis in pets
Whilst not common, episodes of anaphylaxis in dogs and cats do happen, and they can be very confronting for pet owners, not to mention serious for the affected pet. We’re here to give you an injection of knowledge about anaphylaxis – why it happens, how to recognise...
Understanding heart disease in dogs with MMVD
In many cases of MMVD (myxomatous mitral valve disease, the most common acquired heart problem seen in dogs), our vets can detect tell-tale abnormal heart sounds, known as heart murmurs, early in the course of the disease. This means that the patient can then be...
What dog owners should know about prostate problems
Did you know that male dogs have a prostate gland? Because many owners are not aware of the potential for prostate problems in dogs, we’re providing the down-low on common issues “down there”! Where is the prostate gland? The prostate sits within the pelvic canal of...
Wendel’s wonky walk – how a limping cat led to a surprise diagnosis
(This fictional story has been created for educational purposes only and does not depict a real pet or owner.) Around dinner time, Erin heard a miaow at the back door and saw Wendel, her domestic shorthair cat, standing near the glass, waiting to be let in after a day...























