Recognising a broken heart We're not talking about a broken heart from lost love here but instead heart disease. Most of the signs of heart disease are related to a decrease in the function of the heart. The signs can be subtle and sometimes hard to detect. Being able...
This study was EPIC! Recent groundbreaking research into canine heart disease is changing the way we treat one of the most common heart conditions. It is estimated that one dog in ten may suffer from some type of heart disease and there it's a particular type of heart...
A healthy mouth equals a healthy heart Did you know that if your pet is suffering from dental disease they may be at risk of heart disease too? When dental disease strikes, plaque and tartar that accumulate on the teeth lead to infection of the gums. Bacteria from...
Walking the Dog Day - Feb 22nd 2019 In the spirit of good heart health for both pets and people in February, it just also happens to be Walking the Dog Day on Feb 22nd! The origins of Walking the Dog Day are a bit obscure. Presumably it was started by an animal lover,...
Flat-faced dogs can't stand the heat It's time to crank the air-conditioning for flat-faced dogs such as the Pug, French Bulldog and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These dogs (known as Brachycephalic breeds) are not very well designed for our hot summer months and are...
Check under the car Don't forget to check under your car before you drive off - cats, in particular, like to seek out the shade provided by a car and are often asleep, putting them at risk of being run over. A toot of the horn before you move the car is always a good...
Happy and healthy ears Summer is a great time to take your dog swimming but did you know that an innocent dip can lead to an ear infection for your dog? We like to think of your dog's ear as its own 'mini-environment'. This environment can be easily disrupted and...
Top tips to prevent heatstroke It's not just flat-faced dogs that are susceptible to the heat. ANY pet can overheat and end up suffering from heatstroke. Heatstroke (also known as heat exhaustion or heat stress), can occur very rapidly and can even be fatal. It's...
The twelve pet hazards of Christmas We'd like to make sure your pet stays happy and healthy this silly season so here's a list of twelve potential pet hazards you need to watch out for this Christmas: Christmas dinner and leftovers are too rich for our pets and can...
Pets are for life - a good reminder at Christmas Christmas is always a good time to discuss pet ownership and remember that pets are for life and not just a cute Christmas present. The Christmas period can be a suitable time to think about getting a new pet, as you...
Travelling with your pet this summer? If you are travelling with your pet these summer holidays there are a few things you need to think about to help keep your pet happy, healthy and safe. + A good place to start is by asking the question: Is my pet healthy? You...
Does my pet need sunscreen? Summer is in full swing and it's time to think about sun protection for your pets but does your pet actually need to need to slip, slop, slap? The answer to this question is not so simple and it depends on many factors. You should think...
Here are our top tips to help keep your dog safe and calm during the event: Bring your dog indoors during fireworks or if you know they are scheduled Try to arrange a family member or friend to stay with your dog during the fireworks if you can't be home Make sure you...
Myth busters: kennel cough It's not uncommon for us to be asked, "if my dog doesn't go to boarding kennels, why is it necessary to vaccinate against kennel cough?" It's time to bust some myths surrounding this and here are the facts ... Kennel cough's correct name is...
Man's best friend The term 'man's best friend' may be even more appropriate than ever. Recent research by an American psychologist has revealed that up to 42 per cent of middle-aged men are more likely to turn to their dog for emotional support during the tough times...
Does your pet need a vaccination? The Christmas holidays are just around the corner (gasp!) and if your pet is going to be boarding this festive season, now is the time to check their vaccination status. Your pet may very well need a booster before they go into the...
Is your cat a bit wormy? When it comes to intestinal worming, it's easy to forget about your cat. Sometimes just the thought of giving your cat a tablet can give you nightmares! Never fear, we are here to help. We can either give your cat their worming tablet (they...
Tick tock This is Annie. Annie is a 2-year-old Jack Russell Terrier Cross who has all the energy in the world and always loves a cuddle on the couch at the end of the day. This Christmas she will be travelling to Mallacoota on the east coast for the quintessential...
A little bit thirsty? Is your pet a bit thirstier than usual? Are you filling up their water bowl more often, or have you noticed them drinking from the shower or toilet? An increase in thirst can be one of the first signs of kidney disease and if you are worried you...
Why urination habits matter It's not only a change in thirst that can indicate an underlying issue with your pet. Subtle changes in urination habits can be a sign of kidney disease and diabetes but they can also indicate a urinary tract infection or even a behavioural...
Warning for local rabbit owners Mira Mar Vets has recently received notification from the City of Albany that they are planning to release a new strain of rabbit Calicivirus into the wild rabbit population near Emu Point in late spring. The virus is specific to the...
Spring is in the air and so is itchy skin Itchy skin can cause absolute chaos and really affect your dog's quality of life. One of the most common and frustrating 'itchy skin' conditions we see in dogs is atopic dermatitis. This inflammatory condition is caused by a...
Our top skin care tips for your pet When it comes to managing the itchy pet, there is no magic pill. It's all about prevention of parasites and taking action before things get out of control. Here are our top tips for healthy skin: Be vigilant with flea treatment all...
Anal glands issues Have you ever seen your dog dragging his or her bottom along the ground? This peculiar act is known as 'scooting' and can indicate your dog has irritated anal glands. The infamous anal glands are located on either side of your dog's anus. Each gland...