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...
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...
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,...
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...
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?...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Would you recognise heatstroke in your pet? And more importantly, would you know how to help them if they were to develop this potentially life-threatening condition? Here’s the lowdown on heat-related illness in pets, including symptoms to watch for and the treatment...
While marijuana has long been around for “recreational purposes”, cannabis products are increasingly being prescribed for medicinal reasons as well, such as for the relief of chronic pain or anxiety. So, what is the risk for pets who get into their human family...
“Honk honk”. Once you’ve heard a pet demonstrating a classic “tracheal collapse cough”, you’ll never forget it! On that note, here’s a little blast of information about tracheal collapse, including which dog breeds are more at risk, how it’s diagnosed, and how we can...
Did you know that some of the “All-in-one” parasite control products may not be treating your dog against all the tummy worms they could be picking up? While these monthly products provide important protection against fleas, ticks and heartworm, their intestinal...
Does your dog regularly scoot their bottom along the ground? They could be having trouble with their anal sacs (also referred to as anal glands). Here’s a whiff of information on what can cause recurrent anal sac issues, how to recognise them in your pet, and how we...
When senior kitties are due to go into holiday boarding, owners can be understandably a little concerned about whether their beloved pet will cope. As nice as boarding facilities may be, they’re not your cat’s familiar home environment! The sights, sounds and smells...
“We need to take our dog on a long road trip. How can we keep them calm and happy in the car?” Whether it’s to a boarding facility, temporary holiday digs, or even a new house, the prospect of a long drive with a dog who doesn’t like the car can be daunting! Here are...
With allergies in pets appearing to be on the rise, our team would love to bust a few common myths about food allergies in dogs and cats. Open wide for some bite-sized facts! Myth 1: Food allergies are the most likely cause of recurrent skin issues Studies indicate...
You can help to keep your pet’s skin comfortable and healthy with an effective year-round program of parasite prevention against fleas, ticks and mites, and appropriate grooming and bathing routines. However, did you know that you can also support their skin condition...
Did you know that older pets can be prone to a few troublesome eye issues? But don’t worry - our team is here to help! Below we’ve gone through some of the symptoms that would warrant a prompt eye assessment for your pet, and how regular health checks can help our...