Did you know that about one in four cats is likely to be overweight or obese? Here’s how to recognise whether your cat is overweight and how you can help them attain a healthy body condition score. Assessing your pet’s body condition score Given the large variety in...
In conjunction with Hill's Prescription Diets, Mira Mar Vets offer any of our more 'portly' patients the opportunity to join our FREE Weight Watchers Club. Members of our Weight Watchers Club get FREE regular monthly checks with our nurses to weigh your pets and talk...
Arthritis, otherwise known as DJD (degenerative joint disease), is an irreversible, degenerative condition affecting the joints of many middle-aged to senior pets. It can develop naturally with aging or occur due to factors such as previous joint injuries or...
When we think about cruciate ligament injuries, we tend to think about athletes suddenly limping off the field with severe knee pain. This can be the case with dogs too, as high-impact exercise has the potential to trigger sudden knee problems. However, cruciate...
Poppy the Border Collie was excitedly running around the off-leash park with her ball when she suddenly yelped and held up her front left paw. Her owner Andy tried to have a look, but Poppy was too sore to be cooperative. Agitated, Poppy continued to limp and...
Hip dysplasia is a joint condition commonly seen in dogs (but also sometimes in cats), and is thought to occur due to a number of genetic and environmental factors. Here’s what you need to know about hip dysplasia, and how we can help to ensure that your pet’s hips...
We’re guessing that you probably don’t think much about your cat’s claws unless they’re scratching at your furniture! But here are three important things to remember about your cats’ claws: 1. Scratching is natural Scratching is a natural feline behaviour, and serves...
Did you know that our domesticated feline friends may need a little extra help to stay healthily hydrated? Why are some cats at risk of dehydration? Some cats may not drink enough water on a regular basis, as: Cats can be naturally sensitive to water tastes and may...
“Is my puppy a healthy weight?” We field this question pretty commonly from new pet owners. It can be hard to tell if your new furry family member is in healthy body condition or not, particularly with some puppies being very fluffy and/or sporting loose skin rolls or...
What should you do if your pet is showing signs of an upset tummy? Do they need an immediate vet visit? Read on for practical tips on what to do when all is not well with your pet’s tummy. What are the signs of gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats? Pets with upset...
Does my pet really need to go on a “special” diet when they reach a certain age? In this article, we answer this and other commonly asked questions about senior pets and their nutritional requirements. Q: When is my pet considered to be old? A: In general, cats and...
Did you know that breeds such as dachshunds, corgis and basset hounds get their characteristic ‘sausage’ body shape from a developmental condition called chondrodystrophy? Their silhouette may be iconic, but unfortunately, these dogs have a much higher risk of spinal...
If we say “german shepherd”, do you picture a focused and courageous working dog? Or a loyal and calm family companion? Unfortunately, without the proper socialisation, training and healthcare, this special breed can actually be prone to significant health and...
If you’ve ever heard a veterinarian talk about a ‘brachycephalic’ animal, you might have wondered if they were talking about somebody’s pet dinosaur! In fact, this term refers to flatter-faced breeds such as bulldogs and pugs. These extremely popular breeds make...
There are three common traits that all labradors tend to share: Being very friendly Specialising in the “wag walk” (where their wagging tails may actually help to propel them forward) Liking food. A lot. Sometimes, however, our labrador friends are guilty of making...
When we think of modern-day working dogs, we tend to think of breeds like kelpies, cattle dogs and collies rounding up sheep and other livestock. However, other traditional working breeds such as certain gundogs, hounds, terriers and the arctic breeds can also have...
It’s natural to feel a little worried if you find an unusual lump on your pet. Our team are here to reassure you that with prompt treatment, there’s a good chance of a positive outcome for your pet. Here are two potential ways we could achieve a good result: 1. Not...
Chronic kidney disease (or CKD) is particularly common in elderly cats, and involves a progressive deterioration in kidney function. Whilst early CKD rarely causes any obvious signs in affected cats, cats with more advanced disease can show symptoms of unwellness,...
Mitral valve disease (MVD) is a degenerative heart condition most commonly seen in middle-aged to older small-breed dogs. It involves the progressive thickening and dysfunction of valves within the heart, eventually leading to heart disease symptoms in some dogs....
Does your pet have a sensitive tummy? Recurrent gastrointestinal upset can be a real bother for both pet and owner, with common symptoms in affected animals including runny, bloody or mucus-covered poos, increased toileting frequency, vomiting episodes, or a reduced...
Arthritis affects many older dogs and cats, but doesn’t always cause the obvious limping or yelping symptoms that many pet owners might expect. Instead, pets with arthritis will often show more subtle signs of joint discomfort, such as a hesitance to jump or climb...
Whilst many kids and family pets are best buddies (and adorably so!), positive and safe interactions between children and dogs should never be taken for granted! Unfortunately, dog bites do happen, and most often children are bitten by a dog they already know. Why are...
Have you heard of separation anxiety in dogs? This is a behavioural condition where a dog experiences abnormal levels of distress when a person or animal to whom they are highly attached is absent. As well as being unpleasant for the dog in question, separation...
It’s not uncommon to hear jokes about “small dog syndrome”, but is it actually a thing? We have many gorgeous small-breed canine patients who are sociable, amenable, and friendly to all. However, we do also see a reasonable number of small dogs who try to rule the...