Protecting Our Furry Friends: Lyme Disease Awareness

Protecting Our Furry Friends: Lyme Disease Awareness

As pet owners, it’s essential to prioritize the health and well-being of our furry friends. Regular checkups and preventative care measures can go a long way in keeping them happy and healthy. However, despite our best efforts, there are still threats that can cause illness or even death in our pets, such as Lyme Disease.
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What Is Lyme Disease?

Next month (May) is Lyme Disease Prevention Month, and it’s an excellent opportunity for pet owners to learn how to protect their dogs from this tick-borne illness. Lyme Disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to dogs through the bite of an infected tick. The symptoms of Lyme Disease in dogs can range from mild to severe, including lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, swollen joints, and lameness.

Diagnosis & Treatment for Lyme Disease In Dogs

If you suspect that your dog may have Lyme Disease, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the disease from progressing and causing further harm to your pet. In order to detect the disease your veterinary care team will run diagnostic testing on your pet. Treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics, which can be administered orally or intravenously.

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Preventing Lyme Disease In Dogs

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to Lyme Disease. Here are some steps you can take to protect your dog:
  • Use tick preventatives: Speak to your veterinarian about the best tick preventative for your dog, whether that be a topical treatment, oral medication, or a tick collar.
  • Check your dog for ticks: Regularly check your dog for ticks, especially after they've been outside in wooded areas or long grass. Use a tick comb to comb through your dog's fur, paying special attention to their neck, ears, and paws.
  • Keep your yard tidy: Ticks thrive in areas with tall grass and brush, so keep your yard tidy and well-maintained to reduce the risk of tick infestations.
  • Vaccinate: There is a Lyme Disease vaccine available for dogs, which can provide an additional layer of protection against the disease.

Diagnostic Testing & Treatment For Pets In Tucson, Arizona

At Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care, we provide comprehensive veterinary care for your pets, including diagnosis and treatment for a variety of diseases and illnesses. Our mobile clinic brings veterinary care to you, making it easier than ever to prioritize your pet’s health and well-being.

If you suspect that your dog may have Lyme Disease or you want to take preventative measures to protect them, give us a call today to schedule your pets checkup. We’re here to help you keep your furry friend healthy and happy for years to come.

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10 Surprising Things that are Poisonous to Your Pet: Poison Prevention Awareness Month

10 Surprising Things that are Poisonous to Your Pet: Poison Prevention Awareness Month

March is Poison Prevention Awareness Month, which is a time for pet owners to take a closer look at the items around their homes that can be harmful to their furry friends. While some poisons are obvious, such as cleaning products or medications, others may come as a surprise. In this blog post we will discuss 10 items that are poisonous to pets that you may have never known about.

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10 Surprising Things that are Poisonous to Your Pet

Here are 10 things you may not have realized could be poisonous to your pets.
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Grapes and Raisins

These popular snack foods can cause kidney failure in dogs.

Xylitol

A sugar substitute commonly found in sugar-free gum and candy, xylitol can cause insulin release and result in liver failure in dogs.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which can cause seizures and even death in dogs.

Onions and Garlic

These foods, in both raw and cooked forms, contain compounds that can cause anemia in dogs and cats.

Avocado

The fruit and pit of an avocado contain a substance called persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.

Macadamia Nuts

These nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, and hyperthermia in dogs.

Lilies

These flowers can be toxic to cats, causing kidney failure.

Ibuprofen

Commonly used to relieve pain and inflammation in humans, ibuprofen can cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure in pets.

Essential Oils

While some essential oils are safe for pets, others can be toxic and even deadly. Keep all essential oils out of reach of your pets.

Nicotine

Nicotine can cause vomiting, tremors, and even death in pets. Keep all nicotine products out of reach of your pets.
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Signs Your Pet May Have Ingested Something Poisonous

If you suspect that your pet has ingested poison, it is important to look out for any signs or symptoms. The signs of poisoning can vary depending on the type of poison your pet has ingested, but some common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, seizures, breathing difficulties, and disorientation. Your pet may also exhibit changes in behavior, such as increased anxiety or aggression.

If you suspect your pet has ingested a poison, it’s important to act quickly. Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for assistance.

Emergency Pet Care At Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care, in Tucson Arizona

If you suspect that your pet has ingested a toxic substance, please do not hesitate to contact us immediately! Our emergency care team is available 24/7 to assist you in such situations and we are committed to saving your pet’s life. At Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care, we provide expert care for your pets in the comfort of your own home.

If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of dedicated veterinarians and staff. We are here to help ensure that your furry friend stays healthy and happy!
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Why Dental Care Is Essential For Your Pets

Why Dental Care Is Essential For Your Pets

February is designated as National Pet Dental Health Month, an important time for pet owners to focus on their pets’ dental health. Dental health is essential for pets, just as it is for humans, and neglecting dental care can lead to serious health problems.

Just like humans, pets can suffer from dental problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, and plaque buildup. In fact, dental disease is one of the most common problems seen in pets, with over 80% of dogs and cats over the age of three developing some form of dental disease.
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The Signs Of Dental Disease In Pets

The signs of dental disease in pets can be subtle, so it’s important to keep an eye out for them. Bad breath, difficulty eating or chewing, swollen or bleeding gums, and loose or missing teeth are all signs that your pet may be suffering from dental disease.

But why is dental care so important for pets?

Here are a few reasons:

1. Dental disease can cause pain and discomfort

Pets with dental disease may experience pain and discomfort when eating or drinking, and they may be reluctant to play or engage in other activities. Untreated dental disease can lead to serious infections, which can be extremely painful for pets.

2. Dental disease can lead to other health problems

Dental disease can lead to other health problems such as heart disease, kidney disease, and liver disease. The bacteria that cause dental disease can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs, leading to serious health problems.

3. Regular dental care can save you money in the long run

Preventing dental disease is much less expensive than treating it. Regular dental cleanings and checkups can help catch problems early, before they become more serious and expensive to treat.
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What can pet owners do to ensure their pets' dental health?

Here are a few tips:
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1. Schedule regular dental checkups with your veterinarian

Your veterinarian can perform a dental exam and cleaning, and can also provide advice on how to keep your pet’s teeth clean and healthy.

2. Brush your pet's teeth regularly

Brushing your pet’s teeth is the most effective way to prevent dental disease. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for pets, and be sure to start slowly and work up to brushing all of your pet’s teeth.

3. Provide dental-friendly toys and treats

There are many toys and treats that can help keep your pet’s teeth clean, such as dental chews and toys that promote chewing and dental health.

Schedule A Dental Exam At Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care

Pet dental care is essential for your pet’s overall health and well-being. By taking the time to provide regular dental care, you can help ensure that your pet stays healthy and happy for years to come.

Our experienced team members at Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care, will take the time to give you a demonstration on the proper techniques for taking care of your pets teeth. So, if your pet is showing signs of dental disease, or if you think it might be time for their next dental check up, call today, or click here to schedule an appointment with one of qualified Veterinarians at Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care.

How to Ring in the New Year With Your Pet

How to Ring in the New Year With Your Pet

With loud noise makers, startling fireworks, and toxic treats and drinks all over the place, New Year’s celebrations are not exactly pet friendly. However, if you want to include your pet in the festivities, consider the following ideas for safely celebrating the new year with your furry friends.
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5 Fun and Safe Ways to Celebrate the New Year With Your Pet

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1. Make Pet-Friendly New Year's Resolutions

Start celebrating the new year by making a resolution that involves your pet. This might mean resolving to go for more walks, teach your dog some new tricks, signing up for a training class, or setting aside more time to relax together on the sofa.

2. Have a Pet Party

Host a New Year’s party for your dog with some of his best friends (or your closest friends’ dogs). Have puppy treats available, plenty of toys, and a secure space where the dogs can run and play together.

3. Drop a Different Kind of Ball

On New Year’s Eve, everyone waits for the ball to drop in New York City. You can “drop” your own kind of ball by taking your dog out early in the day (before the fireworks start) for an invigorating game of fetch.

4. Prepare Pet-Friendly Treats

You can celebrate the New Year with your own goodies and also have some special pet-friendly treats prepared for your dog or cat too. Any cat will appreciate a good can of tuna or other fresh meat. For dogs, consider trying a dog treat recipe, filling a Kong with peanut butter, or making your own ‘pup’sicles.

5. Keep Your Pets Safe During Celebrations

If you’re attending or hosting a New Year’s party, then it’s best to take steps to keep your pet safe, calm, and comfortable during the festivities. Create a tranquil retreat for your pet in a safely closed-off room where they have everything they need, their favorite toys and bed, and the radio, television, or a white noise machine playing to help drown out any scary sounds.
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Start the New Year on the Right Paw With a Wellness and Preventative Care Appointment

Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care makes it easier than ever to start the new year on the right paw with our comprehensive mobile veterinary services for pets. We’ll bring all the wellness and preventative care your pet needs for a healthy and happy 2023 right to your doorstep. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact our mobile veterinary clinic in Tucson today.

5 Holiday Foods That Are Dangerous for Pets

5 Holiday Foods That Are Dangerous for Pets

Most families’ holiday traditions and celebrations include a variety of special foods and treats that are only prepared and enjoyed during this time of the year. While you might want to include your pets in every aspect of your holiday celebrations, it’s best not to feed them foods prepared for human consumption because many foods that are safe for people are actually dangerous for pets. The following are some of the five most common foods that poison pets during the holidays.
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5 Holiday Foods That Are Dangerous for Pets

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1. Anything With Raisins or Grapes

Grapes and raisins (dried grapes) are toxic to both dogs and cats, and just a small amount can make them very sick and put their lives at risk. Keep these ingredients and any items that contain them (turkey stuffing, fruit cake, muffins, or other desserts) out of your pet’s reach.

2. Chocolate and Coffee

Chocolate and coffee contain similar chemical compounds (theobromine and caffeine) that are toxic to both dogs and cats. Ingesting just a small amount of either can make pets ill and even lead to death.

3. Foods With Any Type of Alliums

Allium is a genus of plants that are poisonous to dogs and cats. The genus contains plants that we commonly eat and use in our cooking including onions, garlic, shallots, and chives.

4. Alcohol

Alcohol is also toxic to both dogs and cats. While most pet owners wouldn’t intentionally give their pets alcohol to consume, curious pets can sometimes sneak sips from uncovered and unattended drinks around the household. Make sure your guests know to keep an eye on their drinks or, better yet, throw a private party for your pets in a confined room away from the rest of the festivities.

5. Xylitol

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is commonly used in sugar-free gum, desserts, candy, and other foods. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs.

Emergency Veterinary Care in Tucson

With all of the hubbub of the holiday season and festivities, pets can sometimes get into foods that they shouldn’t. If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance or food, you should seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Keep the number for Animal Poison Control on hand at all times, and contact Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care so that we can bring our emergency, life-saving services right to your door.

Caring for Your Senior Pet During Adopt a Senior Pet Month

Caring for Your Senior Pet During Adopt a Senior Pet Month

November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month, and we’re celebrating by helping all of our senior pet owners take better care of their elderly pets. With the right care and lifestyle modifications, senior pets can enjoy good health and lots of energy well into their golden years.
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5 Tips on How to Care for Senior Pets

1. More Frequent Checkups

We recommend biannual wellness appointments and routine health screening with laboratory tests for most senior pets. This helps ensure we detect any health changes or age-related diseases as soon as they develop. With early diagnosis, we can often start treating and managing your pet’s illness before they experience any outwardly noticeable symptoms.
If your pet is diagnosed with a chronic disease, more frequent appointments might be necessary for managing symptoms and ensuring their medications are at an effective dose.

2. Dietary Adjustments

Senior pets benefit from eating a diet specially formulated for seniors. If they also have chronic health issues, we might recommend a prescription diet that features a recipe designed to help address those medical concerns.

3. Exercise Modifications

Senior pets benefit greatly from staying active, but they might not be able to exercise at the same level or intensity as they once did. Swimming is a great low-impact activity for senior pets. You might also consider going out for shorter but more frequent walks each day rather than one, long walk.

4. Environmental Changes

Modifying your pet’s environment can help them ease into old age with greater comfort and less age-related pain. Provide elevated bowls, a soft bed, and pet stairs onto the sofa, bed, or into the car.

5. Minimize Stress With Mobile Veterinary Care

A great option for senior pets that have a difficult time getting around or that need frequent care due to a chronic illness is mobile veterinary care. With a mobile veterinarian, your pet can receive all the geriatric care, diagnostic testing, and even end-of-life care that they need in the comfort of their own home.
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Schedule a Senior Pet Appointment With Our Mobile Vet in Tucson

Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care brings our veterinary clinic and the personalized care your pet needs right to your doorstep. To learn more about caring for your senior pet or to schedule an appointment, we welcome you to contact Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care today.

Why Choose a Mobile Veterinary Clinic? (Top 10 Benefits)

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Why Choose a Mobile Veterinary Clinic? (Top 10 Benefits)

It used to be common practice for doctors to make house-call appointments, visiting their patients at home. Unfortunately, modern medicine has gotten away from this tradition, preferring to have patients come to a central clinic. In veterinary medicine, however, you still have the option of choosing a mobile veterinary practice that brings your pet’s care right to your doorstep.

10 Reasons to Choose a Mobile Veterinary Practice

1. Less Stress for Pets

Most experience anxiety and fear when visiting a veterinary clinic. Having the clinic come to you means that pets avoid this unnecessary stress.

2. More Accurate Veterinary Examinations

Since pets are calmer in the comfort of their own homes, veterinarians are able to get more accurate examination results. For example, your pet’s heart rate won’t be elevated because he or she is nervous in an unfamiliar place.

3. Less Stress for You

House-call veterinary appointments are also less stressful for pet owners. You don’t have to worry about getting your pet into a carrier or handling them around other pets in the waiting room.

4. No Transportation Worries or Traffic Headaches

Additionally, mobile veterinary care means you don’t have to worry about how you’ll be getting your pet to the veterinary clinic if you do not drive or do not own a car. You also won’t ever have to worry about heavy traffic making you late.

5. Less Exposure to Contagious Disease

Having us come to you exposes your pet to fewer animals, reducing the risk of disease transmission.

6. Simpler for Multi-Pet Households

We can examine all of your pets in a single appointment if you have more than one.

7. Better Pet Hospice and End-of-Life Care

End-of-life care is better for pets when they can remain in their homes.

8. Dedicated Time and Attention

House-call appointments eliminate the distraction of other patients’ needs.

9. No Waiting Times

You won’t have to wait for your pet’s appointment to begin.

10. In-Office Options for More Serious Treatments

Many mobile veterinary clinics also offer on-site care for patients in need.
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Enjoy These Benefits and More With Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care in Tucson

Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care brings the care your pet needs right to your doorstep with our mobile clinic. Plus, we have an on-site surgical and hospital treatment center for pets requiring more intensive care or extensive surgical treatments. To learn more about the benefits of choosing a mobile veterinary clinic or to schedule an appointment for your dog or cat, we welcome you to contact us today.

We’re Celebrating Pet Sitter Education Month

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We're Celebrating Pet Sitter Education Month

Professional pet sitters are more than just a person who checks in on your pet while you’re away, they are professionals with loads of training, education, experience, and certifications. During Pet Sitter Education Awareness Month, Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Clinic is working hard to ensure pet owners understand the difference between professional pet sitters and any other person you might ask to keep an eye on your pet while you’re away.

What Is Pet Sitter Education Month?

Created by the educational association for professional pet-sitters, Pet Sitters International (PSI), Pet Sitter Education Month is intended to highlight the continuous effort made by pet sitters to learn about proper pet care while also providing pet sitters with a variety of educational materials and events such as magazines, toolkits, webinars, and certification opportunities.
Pet Sitter Education month is designed to help separate professional pet sitters from the average kid next door whom you might ask to watch your pet.
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Why Choose a Professional Pet Sitter?

The primary reason to choose a professional pet sitter to watch your pet is your pet’s safety and happiness. Professional pet sitters have the experience and education that’s necessary to keep your pet safe, administer medications, observe signs of illness or injury, and provide your pet with comfort and companionship while you’re away.
Additionally, hiring a professional pet sitter also means that your pet can remain in the comfort of their familiar environment while you’re away when the alternative option might be checking your pet into a boarding facility. Professional pet sitters come to your home, instead of requiring that your pet comes to them.

Mobile Veterinary Care and Tucson Pet Sitter References

At Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care, we understand how important it is for some pets to be able to spend the majority of their time in the comfort of their own homes. Whether this is due to illness, injury, or anxiety, our mobile veterinary clinic is designed to bring the veterinary care your pet needs right to your doorstep. Additionally, these pets can benefit greatly from pet sitting when you’re away from home. Hiring a pet sitter allows your pet to stay home – and not go to a boarding facility – when you’re traveling or away for other reasons.
To learn more about our mobile veterinary practice or to learn more about professional pet sitters, we welcome you to contact our office today.
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 Is Telemedicine Right for Your Pet?

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Is Telemedicine Right for Your Pet?

Although the concept has been around and available to human and animal patients for a long time, the concept of telemedicine really took hold during the pandemic, when it wasn’t always possible or safe to physically visit the doctor’s office or veterinary clinic. While the dangers of the pandemic have subsided, the convenience of telemedicine is leading many patients to choose this remote care option for their pets.

What Is Telemedicine for Pets?

Telemedicine refers to the use of electronic communication (rather than in-person appointments) for conducting veterinary appointments for observing, diagnosing, or treating patients or providing medical advice to pet owners. Telemedicine can refer to appointments that occur with a video call, a regular phone call, through text messaging or electronic messaging software, or through email.
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Is Telemedicine Right for Your Pet?

Telemedicine for pets can be a highly useful tool for both veterinarians and pet owners. For your pet’s safety, Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care only accepts patients for telemedicine appointments if the patient has already established a relationship with our veterinary practice – except in emergency medical situations when immediate advice and guidance are needed to stabilize a pet until our emergency veterinary clinic arrives.

When to Use Telemedicine for Pets

Telemedicine is a wonderfully convenient tool for a variety of veterinary situations including client education, medication refills, patient observation, post-operative follow-ups, appointment scheduling, and in some instances diagnosis and treatment.
Sometimes, however, it is necessary for a veterinarian to see your pet in person. These situations might include providing certain treatments to pets such as vaccines, performing health screenings, or running diagnostic tests that make it possible to determine the underlying cause of an ailment. An accurate diagnosis is essential to providing safe and effective treatments to pets.
Our veterinarians can help you determine whether a telemedicine appointment is the right choice for your pet.
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Telemedicine and Mobile Veterinary Care for Pets in Tucson

In addition to our telemedicine services, Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care is first and foremost a mobile veterinary clinic that specializes in providing housecall veterinary appointments. If your pet requires in-person care with a veterinarian, you still don’t need to leave the comfort of your home because we’ll bring everything your pet needs right to your doorstep. To learn more or schedule an appointment, we welcome you to contact our mobile veterinary clinic in Tucson today.

How to Keep Your Pet Hydrated in the Extreme Heat

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How to Keep Your Pet Hydrated in the Extreme Heat

The summer is here, and it is hotter and drier than ever which means your pets are at an increased risk of suffering from dehydration and heatstroke. So, it’s essential that you help them stay hydrated.

6 Tips to Keep Your Pet Hydrated in the Heat

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1. Provide Plenty of Fresh Water

To stay adequately hydrated in the summer heat, your pets need access to plenty of fresh water at all times during the day and night. Be sure they have enough available that they don’t drink it all while you are away.

2. Purchase a Fountain Bowl

If your pet is reluctant to drink enough water, a fountain dish with a built-in water pump can help keep their water from going stale and encourage them to continue drinking all day long.

3. Clean Your Water Bowls Frequently

In warm water, your pet’s dishes will grow bacteria and get dirty more frequently than in cooler weather. Be sure to keep your pet’s water bowl clean so that their water is fresh and safe for drinking.

4. Put Ice Cubes in Water

Pets love playing with floating ice cubes in their water dishes. They also help keep the water cool and more refreshing to drink.

5. Add Water to Dry Pet Food

You can also help your pet stay hydrated by adding water to your pet’s dry food before feeding them. Simply fill the dish with kibble, cover the kibble with water, and let it soak in. Your pet will then be getting extra moisture in their diet, too.

6. Keep Your Pets Cool

Simply allowing your pets to stay indoors out of the sunlight and in the air conditioning will help prevent them from dehydrating. Keep pets indoors during the hottest times of the day.
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Mobile Emergency Veterinary Care for Tucson Pets

If you notice any signs of heatstroke in your pet or suspect they could be dehydrated, you should seek emergency veterinary care right away as these issues can cause permanent organ damage and even be fatal. In the event of an emergency, our veterinarian with Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care will come straight to your doorstep with life-saving treatments to help rehydrate and stabilize your pet’s condition.
To learn more or schedule an appointment to establish your pet’s care with our mobile veterinary clinic, we welcome you to contact us today.