Our Blog
Mira Mar Vet, your local vet in Albany
All the latest news from Mira Mar Vet and informative pet tips
A sting in the tail
A sting in the tail Bees are sometimes colloquially referred to as “spicy sky raisins”, because our curious pets are often drawn to snap at or play with these buzzing insects, and can unfortunately pay a rather painful price as a result! What will happen to my pet if...
Dietary indiscretion
Dietary indiscretion Uh oh, your pet has just stolen and eaten something they shouldn't have… What should you do? If you think that your pet may have eaten something potentially toxic, it’s always best to seek veterinary advice as soon as possible. Time can be of the...
A sharp warning
A sharp warning Like us, animals don’t always get on with each other! Unfortunately, the results of their disagreements can range from a warning nip to a full-blown attack or fight. As well as being traumatic and upsetting for the pets involved (and us as owners), dog...
Tummy troubles
Tummy troubles When our pets are suffering from an upset tummy, we empathise with them and want to relieve their troubles as soon as possible (even if we’re pretty sure their symptoms are the result of some cheeky food scrap stealing). However, it can sometimes be...
Super-friendly cats: ‘Slinkies’ and ‘Floofs’
Super-friendly cats: 'Slinkies' and 'Floofs' In addition to particularly confident 'moggies', there are some popular cat breeds with a reputation for being highly friendly and almost dog-like in their behaviour. We like to divide these cats into two cat-egories – the...
Giants among us
Giants among us Despite their intimidating size, giant breeds such as bernese mountain dogs, dogue de bordeaux and mastiffs are often devoted, gentle and sensitive family members. It’s important to be aware that these “Big Friendly Giants” will naturally cost more to...
Lapping up the attention
Lapping up the attention The companionship and comfort of a little dog curled up on your lap can be a real positive for mental health. Whilst many dogs love a good cuddle, breeds such as chihuahuas, poodles, shih tzus and maltese have a particular reputation for being...
Climate damage on the Great Barrier Reef: can we hit “reef-resh”?
Climate damage on the Great Barrier Reef: can we hit “reef-resh”? Image sources: the ABC, the Guardian Hope is in the air - or better yet, in the sea - after a recent coral spawning event took place in November last year. This annual spectacle in the Great Barrier...
Them rolls: dog breeds with excess skin
Them rolls: dog breeds with excess skin Shar-peis, basset hounds, neapolitan mastiffs, bulldogs and dogue de bordeaux. What do they all have in common? Lots of skin folds and wrinkles! Whilst dogs with rolls can look appealing, their excess skin can, unfortunately,...
Snootiful sighthounds
Snootiful sighthounds Whether you’re thinking of adopting an adult greyhound or welcoming a whippet pup into the household, you’re in for a treat! As well as looking like the perfect cross between a dog and a reindeer, sighthounds are generally gentle, sweet dogs who...
How Christmas carols can help koala conservation this year A koala released back into the wild, Queensland. Image source: The Guardian The Australian Koala Foundation warns that koalas are in rapid decline around the country, with 30% of the species lost in just three...
The dangers of bones!
The dangers of bones! Whilst it is really tempting to share tasty Christmas roast leftovers with your pet, it’s safest to immediately dispose of any cooked turkey or ham bone remnants into a large, secure outdoor bin, where your pet can’t access them. Why? Firstly,...
The skinny on fatty foods and dogs
The skinny on fatty foods and dogs Unfortunately, whilst most dogs would really love a hearty meal of Christmas ham and crackling, or a bowl filled with turkey meat, it’s best to be really careful about feeding these types of foods to our pets. How can fatty foods be...
What might Santa bring your cat?
What might Santa bring your cat? Looking for the “purr-fect” Christmas gift for your cat? Whilst there are some pretty excellent cat toys available online, it’s also possible to give your cat a great home-made present too! Cat furniture Cat furniture provides your cat...
What might Santa bring your dog?
What might Santa bring your dog? For a very happy canine this Christmas, consider organising one of these dog-friendly gifts for your four-legged friend! Toys If your pet loves playing fetch, you could consider a mouth-friendly toy made from tough, chew-resistant...
Toxic Christmas foods
Toxic Christmas foods During the holiday season, many of us want to be able to treat our pets a little too! So, our team would like to provide an official “naughty or nice” Christmas food list, outlining which foods are potentially harmful to your pet, and which ones...
Shedding those excess canine kg’s!
Shedding those excess canine kg’s! It’s estimated that up to 50% of dogs are overweight, and in many cases, their well-meaning owners may not actually realise! Body condition scoring is a useful way of objectively assessing your pet’s weight through comparing them to...
Fat cats
Fat cats Unfortunately, feline obesity is increasingly common, and brings with it an increased risk of issues such as diabetes, fatty liver disease, urinary tract disease and arthritis. If you think your cat may not be at their ideal healthy weight, it’s best to bring...
Not just a “lazy bones”!
Not just a “lazy bones”! If your dog seems to be tiring quickly on walks, don’t just chalk it up to “laziness” or old age. Certain medical issues can also reduce exercise tolerance – here are a few common ones that are worth bearing in mind for any older pet who’s...
The frozen future of conservation
The frozen future of conservation Ever heard of biobanking? It’s a method of collecting and storing biological samples for research. Often used for human data, the concept is now being implemented for the conservation of Australian wildlife. The Australian Frozen Zoo,...
A healthy weight
A healthy weight What if we told you that there was one thing that you could do to help keep your pet healthy, reduce their risk of many common diseases, and maximise their lifespan? The answer? Keep them in a slim, healthy body condition! Unfortunately, being...
“It’s my hormones!”
“It’s my hormones!” Whilst changes in a pet’s body condition are often related to lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise, did you know that there are some cases where significant weight changes can be the result of an underlying medical issue? This includes...
Butt-scooting
Butt-scooting Does your dog frequently scoot their bottom on the floor? As well as being embarrassing for you (as pets seem to save this “party trick” for when guests arrive!), it can be a symptom of an underlying issue in your pet that requires veterinary treatment!...
Get out of h-ear!
Get out of h-ear! It’s very common for us to see pets who unfortunately suffer from recurrent ear infections. Rest assured, we are familiar with how to best manage this very challenging issue! Making sure ear infections are properly treated If your pet ever suffers...