Have you heard of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC)? This is the newer name for the illness commonly known as “kennel cough”. Whilst it’s a mouthful to say, the term CIRDC better reflects the fact that dogs can be exposed to this illness in a...
If you’re a cat owner, there’s a good chance that you’re already aware of cat flu. However, here are four quick facts about cat flu that you might not know. 1. Cat flu isn’t caused by a single type of “bug” The term “cat flu” refers to a collection of common upper...
Have we recommended anti-anxiety medications for your dog or cat? Whilst this can sound concerning, try not to worry! When used correctly, these medications are generally well-tolerated and effective. Are anti-anxiety medications commonly used in pets? Anxiety is an...
Murphy the seven-year-old Labrador was, to put it politely, in slightly “generous” body condition. Hence when the dog flopped happily into his owner Josh’s arms and Josh noticed an increased roundness around Murphy’s tummy, he was initially unsure if it was a problem....
Positive, gentle interactions between young children and pets are a joy to behold and can enrich the lives of both the child and the animal. However, it's not always a given that these interactions will run smoothly, so it's important to take some consistent...
If you know that your cat tends to be anxious or even “spicy” for visits to the clinic, never fear – there are lots of things we can suggest to reduce everyone’s stress and facilitate the purr-fect veterinary visit. The right carrier While most owners know that their...
Sadly, we have already started seeing snake bite affected pets in Albany this Spring. With ten of the deadliest snake species in the world calling Australia home, a known or suspected snake bite in your pet should always be taken very seriously. Here’s how to help...
If your pet suffers from recurrent allergic skin and ear issues, you’ll know that it usually requires consistent management to help keep those pesky irritations at bay. Here are some of our team’s top tips for home management of allergy symptoms in pets, and when it’s...
Mast cell tumours (MCTs) are a common type of tumour in dogs and unfortunately can be bad news. Here’s what to monitor your pet for, and how we can help. What do MCTs look like? MCTs commonly occur on or just underneath the skin of dogs. These tricky tumours generally...
Did you know that just like us, cats can suffer from asthma, too? It is estimated that up to 5% of cats may develop feline asthma, also known as feline allergic bronchitis. So, take a deep breath and learn more about the ins and outs of this issue. What is feline...
If you’ve ever been subjected to the cringeworthy, repetitive, “schlurp… schlurp…” sound of a dog obsessively licking their paws, you’ll know that recurrent paw licking can be an annoying problem for owners as well as pets! Here, we’ll dig into some common causes of...
Celebrated every August in Australia, National Pet Dental Health Month was created to highlight how important oral health is to the overall health, happiness and well-being of your pet. Each year at Mira Mar Vets we aim to raise awareness and improve the dental health...
Many of you would remember Dr Farand Thompson, who was a long-term locum at Mira Mar Vets from the end of 2020 until the beginning of 2022. Whilst Dr Farand was with us in Albany, he was also involved in an exciting research project using ultrasound techniques on...
If cuddles with your pet have become unpleasantly odorous of late, there are several potential causes to consider. Here, we’ll go through some of the common reasons pets develop bad breath and how we can help! 1. Dental disease This is the most common cause of pongy...
Regular dental care is an important aspect of caring for your pet’s general health and quality of life. If you’ve ever had tooth pain, you’ll know how miserable it can be! Additionally, untreated dental disease can release bacteria into your pet’s bloodstream,...
A few dental-related myths are still floating around, which can mislead owners about the best dental care for their beloved pets. Here are some of the top veterinary "tooth untruths" that our team would love to myth-bust. 1. Home dental care will prevent your pet from...
Did you know that the 8th of August is International Cat Day? This month, to celebrate the purr-fect feline friend in your life, our team has come up with a list of feline-friendly gifts to consider. A heated cat bed Provided that you ensure you’re purchasing a...
With International Dog Day fast approaching on the 26th of August, our team are practically barking with excitement to share this list of wallet-friendly gifts and environmental enrichment ideas that are sure to get your canine friend’s tail wagging! Canine comfort...
As dogs reach their senior years, they may develop mobility troubles that cause them difficulties when navigating stairs, walking over smooth floors, or rising from rest. If you notice your pet starting to have issues moving around comfortably and confidently, we'd...
“But, isn’t he/she too old for a dental procedure?” Our team would love to help provide reassurance about any fears that pet owners may have about their older pet undergoing a general anaesthetic for dental or surgical procedures. Here’s what we can do to help support...
Noodle the seven-year-old dachshund was a loyal little fellow, always shadowing his elderly owner Maeve for household or garden-related chores regardless of the hour. So, when Maeve awoke for a bathroom trip one night, Noodle sleepily arose to accompany her. When he...
Whether it’s a “number one or two”, we understand that pet toileting accidents around the house are no fun to deal with! Here are some of the top reasons senior pets start having unusual toileting accidents indoors and what we can do about them. 1. Incontinence...
*Ahem*. If your older dog has a cough that just won’t go away, it’s a good idea to book them for a prompt veterinary assessment with our experienced team. Here are four potential causes of a chronic cough in an older dog, and how we can help. 1. Chronic bronchitis...
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common in cats, affecting 30-40% of cats over ten years of age. Here are four important facts to know about feline CKD. 1. Symptoms of early CKD may be mistakenly attributed to “normal aging” Cats in the earlier stages of CKD usually...