Our Blog
Mira Mar Vet, your local vet in Albany
All the latest news from Mira Mar Vet and informative pet tips
Charlie’s Cheeky Chompers
Charlie the cavoodle adores his Kong toy, particularly when it’s stuffed with peanut butter! However, when he was five months old, his owner Vanessa noticed that he suddenly seemed less keen on the Kong, and would only lick at it a few times before walking away. On...
YOUNG AT HEART – SENIOR PET MONTH 2022
For many years, Mira Mar Vets have been dedicating one month of every year promoting the health and wellbeing of our older patients. Senior Pets are considered older than 7 years of age, or 5 years old for giant breed dogs. We are very excited to announce that we will...
Supporting our seniors
As our beloved pets grow older, they may start to require our help with certain self-care tasks. Here are a few things that you might need to assist your senior pet with. Grooming Most elderly cats and dogs will require (and enjoy!) regular “beauty therapy” from their...
More than just the bare bones on joint care
Unfortunately, arthritis affects a significant proportion of middle-aged to elderly dogs and cats, particularly those born with developmental joint problems (such as hip dysplasia) or who have previously suffered a significant joint injury. What is arthritis?...
Mental health maintenance for senior pets
When it comes to quality of life in cats and dogs, mental health is just as important as physical health. Here are some practical ways you can help support your pet’s brain health and function as they age. Environmental enrichment Keeping older dogs and cats mentally...
Cloud formations
As our pets age, some may develop a cloudy appearance to their eyes. Here are a few of the most common reasons for cloudy eyes in dogs. Corneal changes The cornea is the clear “window” portion of the eye, through which we can see the circular, coloured iris and black...
“Please hold” – urinary incontinence explained
Unfortunately, even pets who have previously had excellent toileting control can develop incontinence (urine or stool leakage) issues as they get older. Significant urinary or faecal incontinence can have a negative effect on the quality of life of affected pets, as...
Dog weight loss 101
Dog weight loss 101 Uh oh, your dog’s body weight has crept up… Unfortunately, being overweight can predispose pets to joint injuries, breathing problems, heart issues and some cancers. But don’t worry - we’re here to help, starting with some tips for healthy, gradual...
Food for thought
Food for thought “What is the best food for my pet?” There is often no perfect diet to suit every pet, however there are some things to keep in mind when choosing a type of pet food for your furry friend. Here’s some of the most common food types on offer for dogs and...
Mass confusion
Mass confusion When it comes to body condition, we actually want your pet to get an “average” score, as this indicates that your pet is at their healthiest weight. A low score, however, suggests that your pet is underweight, whilst a high score indicates that your pet...
The tastiest medicine
The tastiest medicine Sometimes, good food really is the best therapy. No, we’re not talking about sweets or cupcakes (although our staff would never say no to cupcakes!) – we’re actually referring to prescription diets for pets! Here are some of the most frequently...
Fuel for mischief!
Fuel for mischief! How can you support your new pup’s growth and development? Offering the right nutrition and exercise is a great place to start. Nutrition It’s recommended that puppies are fed a high quality, complete and balanced puppy growth diet until they have...
Not-so-simple fatty tumours
Not-so-simple fatty tumours Lipomas are fatty tumours that are commonly diagnosed in middle-aged to older dogs of any breed, but particularly breeds such as labradors, beagles, weimaraners and schnauzers. However, there can be more to these lumps than what first meets...
To test or not to test?
To test or not to test? If you’ve noticed that your pet has a new lump, especially if it is growing quickly or causing discomfort, we recommend booking a consultation with our veterinary team for a proper assessment. With physical examination and further laboratory...
When a lump isn’t a tumour
When a lump isn't a tumour Yes, a lump on your pet’s skin could potentially be a tumour requiring further investigation. But rest assured, there are a lot of other things it could be too! Here are some common alternative reasons for localised skin swelling in dogs and...
Common skin lumps
Common skin lumps Uh oh! You were having a lovely cuddle with your pet when you felt a small lump on their skin… what could it be, and does it warrant a vet visit? Types of skin lumps Lumps on your pet’s skin may be areas of localised infection or inflammation, cysts...
BEWARE! RAT/MOUSE AND SNAIL/SLUG BAIT POISONINGS
BEWARE! RAT/MOUSE AND SNAIL/SLUG BAIT POISONINGS Unfortunately over the past few weeks, we have been seeing a number of cases of pets (mainly dogs) being poisoned by eating the baits that have been laid in the home or yard for rats/mice and snails/slugs. PLEASE be...
Mira Mar Vets are hiring!
- We have a permanent part-time position available for a Qualified Veterinary Nurse at Mira Mar Vets! - Please email your cover letter and CV to admin@miramarvet.com.au to apply. - Applications close 30th June 2022
Avoiding medication “cat-astrophes”
Avoiding medication “cat-astrophes” While we prescribe various oral and topical flea, tick and worming medications for our feline patients, we understand that administering these products to cats at home is not always easy! Here’s how to keep home treatments for your...
That’s a tick for parasite prevention
That’s a tick for parasite prevention Is your pet up-to-date with a thorough routine of external parasite prevention? Depending on your dog or cat’s home environment and lifestyle, common parasites that could hitch a harmful ride on your pet include fleas, paralysis...
Cat flu? Ah-choo!
Cat flu? Ah-choo! Despite the simple-sounding name, “cat flu” can be a complex issue for our feline family members! What is cat flu? Cat flu, also known as feline upper respiratory tract disease, is a pattern of respiratory unwellness symptoms that can be caused by...
Preventing parvovirus
Preventing parvovirus Our team wants to ensure that all pets are up-to-date with vaccinations appropriate for their age, lifestyle and environment. However, we are particularly concerned about keeping all our canine patients protected against parvovirus. It’s...
Does my dog have worms?
Does my dog have worms? Unfortunately, intestinal worms are pretty common in pets - and even the best-kept canine citizens can be susceptible. Young pups can become infected with worms through their mother’s milk or from contact with the faeces of other infected...
Pet breathing difficulties
Pet breathing difficulties Pet breathing difficulties (also known as dyspnoea) can indicate a serious issue, and may be distressing for both the affected pet and their owner. What are some common causes of pet breathing difficulties? Dyspnoea in pets can be caused by:...