Common Parasites That Can Harm Your Pet

A parasite is an organism that lives off a host – either on or inside the host’s body – and is harmful to the host’s health. Unfortunately, there are several types of parasites that threaten the health of pets, and it’s up to pet owners to protect their dogs and cats from these harmful organisms.

The 3 Most Common Types of Pet Parasites

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1. Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasites are a type of internal parasite that lives inside a pet’s intestines, affecting the pet’s gastrointestinal tract. They can be contracted when a pet unknowingly ingests something like water or food that has been contaminated with a parasite’s eggs or spores. The most common types are hookworms and roundworms, but pets can also be infected with whipworms, tapeworms, coccidia, and giardia.

2. Heartworms

Heartworms are another internal parasite that affects a pet’s heart, lungs, and circulatory system. They are contracted when a pet is bitten by an infected mosquito. The mosquito deposits heartworm larvae into the pet’s bloodstream during the bite. The heartworms then grow, mature, and reproduce inside the pet’s circulatory system. Heartworms can be life-threatening for pets and treatments aren’t always 100% reliable (plus, no treatment exists for cats). So, heartworm prevention is essential.

3. External Parasites

The most common external parasites that affect pets are fleas and ticks both can carry dangerous diseases and cause allergic reactions that result in dermatological problems for pets.

How Are Parasites Treated?

If we suspect a pet might have a parasite, we first perform an examination and testing to verify the presence of parasites and determine the type of parasite in order to recommend an appropriate treatment. Treatment for parasites in pets varies greatly depending on the type of parasite. For example, a pet with fleas will likely be treated with a medicated bath while a pet with intestinal parasites will be given a deworming medication.
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Parasite Prevention With Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care

When it comes to parasites and pets, we always recommend prevention as the best medicine because parasites can easily be prevented, saving your pet from discomfort and safeguarding their health. Our veterinarians with Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care can recommend a parasite preventive regimen for your pet based on their individual lifestyle, medical history, other pets in the household, and their exposure risk.
To learn more about protecting your pets from all kinds of harmful parasites or schedule a preventative care appointment, we welcome you to contact us today.

5 Fun Ways to Exercise With Your Dog

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5 Fun Ways to Exercise With Your Dog

April is Canine Fitness Month, and our team at Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care is using the opportunity to remind dog owners how important it is for their dogs to exercise regularly. To help keep you and your dog healthy and happy through fitness, we’ve put together a list of five fun exercise ideas you can try with your dog.

5 Exercises You Can Do With Your Dog

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1. Hiking or Walking

Whether you explore a trail atop Mount Lemon or simply take a walk around your neighborhood while the pavement is still cool in the morning, going for a hike or a walk with your dog is a simple way to increase the amount of exercise you’re both getting.

2. Swimming

Swimming is a great activity for dogs and people to stay active in the heat of the desert. However, not all dogs like to or can swim. So, before taking the plunge with your pup, test the waters slowly to make sure your dog actually likes the water and feels comfortable swimming.

3. Bikejoring

Bikejoring is similar to dogsledding but with a bike instead of a sled. This activity requires some special equipment and training, and is most appropriate for working dogs of active breeds that are in great shape. However, once your dog is trained up, you can take to the bike trails and pedal while your dog runs ahead, pulling you along too.

4. Fetch and Chase

Lots of dogs love a good game of fetch, and it’s a great way to exercise your dog while you relax and wait for them to return the ball to you for another toss. If you’d like to get moving, too, however, you can always add in spurts of chase between fetches. Most dogs love to play keep-away, and when you chase after them, you’ll have a chance to get your heart rate up too.

5. Doga

Your dog probably isn’t going to go through an entire sun salutation and yoga flow with you. However, they do like to play along whenever a yoga mat and their owner hits the floor.
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Canine Lifestyle Counseling With Our Mobile Veterinary Clinic in Tucson

To learn more about exercising with your dog or to get more advice about the kinds of exercises that are appropriate for your dog’s age, breed, and fitness level, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care today.

Know the Signs of Pet Poisoning! You Could Save a Life

While pet owners should always do their best to keep things that are poisonous for pets put away securely and out of their pets’ environments, pets can still sometimes get into and ingest things they shouldn’t. For Pet Poison Prevention Month in March, our veterinarians are raising awareness about the signs of pet poisoning so that you can recognize if your pet might have ingested a toxin, take immediate action, and seek emergency veterinary care right away.

Common Pet Poisons and Toxins

Substances that are poisonous or toxic to pets can be found just about everywhere you look. They’re in our refrigerators, pantries, medicine cabinets, cleaning supply cupboards, bathroom toiletries, gardens, garages, and in nature.
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Ingestion of the following substances can cause permanent organ damage and even be life-threatening to pets.
  • Medications - Many over-the-counter and prescription medications are toxic for cats and dogs.
  • Foods - Many human foods are very dangerous for pets. Some of the most common include all foods from the allium family (garlic, chives, and onions), xylitol (artificial sweetener), chocolate, raisins and grapes, and certain nuts.
  • Alcohol and Caffeine - Found in some of us humans' favorite beverages these substances are toxic to pets.
  • Household Items - Cleaning products, pool chemicals, batteries, and other household items are toxic for pets.
  • Pesticides - Pesticides and rodenticides of all kinds are toxic for animals. Talk with your exterminator about pet-safe options.
  • Plants - Several common houseplants are toxic or poisonous for dogs and cats. Some of the most common include lilies, palms, tulips and several other bulb plants, rubber trees, poinsettias, mistletoe, and more.
  • Sonoran Desert Toad - Sonoran desert toads are drawn to pets' outdoor water bowls. If a toad simply walks through your pet's water, this could result in a fatal poisoning.

Signs and Symptoms of Pet Poisoning

The signs and symptoms of poisoning can vary based on what particular toxin a pet has been exposed to and how much of it they have ingested. Pets that have ingested a poisonous substance sometimes only act a little strangely or seem slightly confused. Other pets might have severe symptoms such as:
  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea (especially when blood is present)
  • Excessive drooling
  • Appetite loss
  • Pale gums
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting or collapse
  • Seizures or trembling
If you have any suspicions that your pet could have possibly ingested a poisonous substance (for example, you notice odd behavior or appearance, signs and symptoms, or evidence like bite marks in toxic plants or packaging), we strongly encourage you to seek immediate veterinary care.

What to Do If Your Pet Ingests a Poison

  • Rinse out your pet's mouth with water, spraying a hose across the mouth rather than into the mouth
  • Make note of the substance ingested or save the label from the packaging.
  • Contact Animal Poison Control for immediate instruction
  • Contact and seek emergency veterinary care as soon as possible
If you suspect your pet has ingested a poisonous substance, it’s important to take action right away.

Does My Pet Need Dental Care?

Dental care is just as important for cats and dogs as it is for humans. Without proper care, pets can develop periodontal disease (gum disease), which not only causes painful problems inside the mouth that can negatively affect your pet’s nutrition and comfort but it can also lead to systemic health problems that can drastically shorten your pet’s lifespan. Unfortunately, most dogs and cats do not get the oral care they truly need and will have developed some form of dental disease by the time they are three years of age.
Additionally, pets can suffer from ailments like tooth decay, cavities, broken teeth, lost teeth, oral abscesses, and more.
The following signs can indicate that your pet has already developed an oral health problem and should have a pet dentistry appointment as soon as possible.

5 Signs Your Pet Needs Dental Care

1. Dropping Food or Toys

Oral health problems can cause tooth pain and painful gums that can make it painful to eat and drink normally or to pick up and carry around objects. You might notice your pet dropping its kibble, dropping its toys, or even wincing or whimpering when eating or playing.

2. Persistent Bad Breath

Oral health problems are often caused by an excess of harmful bacteria living inside the mouth. This increase in bacteria will give your pet noticeably bad breath.

3. Yellowed or Browned Teethed

If your pet’s teeth look yellow, brown, or otherwise stained, this is a sign of the plaque, tartar, and bacterial buildup that causes gum disease and cavities.

4. Bleeding, Red, or Swollen Gums

Gum problems go hand-in-hand with gum disease. If your pet’s gums are bright-red, swollen, or bleeding, they have likely developed periodontal disease (a bacterial infection of the gums) and should have professional dental care as soon as possible.

5. Excessive Drooling

Some dogs drool all the time. However, if you notice your dog or cat suddenly drooling more than usual, this could be an indication of an oral health problem that’s either causing them to produce more saliva or making it difficult for them to swallow their saliva.
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Pet Dentistry With Our Mobile Veterinarian in Tucson

The best way to combat gum disease in pets is to prevent it from developing in the first place with proper dental care combining professional pet dental care with at-home strategies like teeth brushing and providing pets with dental-friendly treats and chew toys.
To learn more about pet dentistry, we welcome you to contact Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Center to schedule an appointment today.

Are Mobile Veterinary Services Right for Your Pet?

There are lots of reasons why visiting a veterinary clinic with your pet can be a stressful experience. As a result, many pets simply don’t receive the care they need. If this sounds like your pet, consider the following reasons why mobile veterinary care might be right for your pet.

5 Signs Mobile Veterinary Services Are Right for Your Pet

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1. Your Pet Doesn't Like to Travel

If your pet gets carsick or does not like to ride in the car, mobile veterinary care eliminates the need.

2. Your Pet Has Anxiety

Pets often experience anxiety and stress when visiting the veterinary clinic. When we can examine them in their own homes, we get a better baseline of their health and your pet enjoys a calmer, more relaxed experience while getting the care they need.

3. Your Pet Is Difficult to Handle

If your pet is large, strong, difficult on a leash, or overly excited about other animals, then visiting the veterinary clinic can be stressful and tough for you. When we come to your home, there’s no need to control your pet in a public location.

4. You Have a Tough Time Getting to the Veterinary Office

Whether your schedule is busy, your transportation options are limited, or you have mobility issues that can make it difficult to travel with your pet for veterinary exams, then mobile veterinary care is the perfect solution. Since we come to you, you can save time by avoiding the commute to and from our veterinary clinic while also avoiding the inconvenience of having to transport your pet.

5. It's Safer for You and Your Pets

When you visit the veterinary clinic, you and your pet are exposed to other people and animals – just like visiting any other public place. As a result, there’s a greater risk of you both being exposed to and subsequently contracting a contagious disease.
With a housecall veterinary appointment, your only point of contact is our veterinarian and any technicians working with them, making it a much safer option, especially if you are immunocompromised or in a high-risk category for severe illness with COVID-19.
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Mobile Veterinary Services in Tucson

Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care is a mobile veterinary clinic treating patients in and around Tucson, Arizona. Our mobile clinic and housecall veterinarians are fully equipped to provide comprehensive veterinary care to pets in the comfort of their own homes. We have everything we need to provide wellness and preventative care, in addition to diagnostic and treatments for sick pets.
To learn more about the complete services available to you and your pets with the convenience of our mobile veterinary clinic and housecall veterinarians, we welcome you to contact Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care today.

How to Protect Your Furniture From Your Cat

Every cat owner knows the struggle of living with a cat while trying to have nice things, like carpet or upholstered furniture. Unfortunately, cats like to scratch. They do it instinctively to mark their territory, to help them stretch their agile muscles, and sometimes they even scratch the furniture out of boredom.
Whatever the reason your cat might be scratching your furniture, there are some strategies out there – that don’t include declawing – that can help you protect your furniture while caring for your favorite felines.

6 Tips to Stop Cats From Scratching the Furniture

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1. Provide Better Alternatives

Invest in a high-quality scratching post for your cat and place it near their preferred piece of furniture. You can also get scratching posts that feature different materials including sisal rope, carpet, cardboard, and even sandpaper that helps with nail health. Additionally, look for posts and scratching pads that offer differently angled surfaces.

2. Claw Covers

Instead of declawing a cat, which is painful and dangerous for them, give claw caps a try. These little plastic caps are claw-shaped and fit over your cat’s nails to prevent them from scratching.

3. Scented Sprays

We don’t recommend spraying your cat as punishment, as this can lead to them fearing you, but you can spray your furniture with a cat-deterring scent.

4. Furniture Protectors

Cover your furniture with a special plastic protector.

5. Other Deterrants

Hanging foil or double-sided sticky tape from the backs of your furniture will discourage some cats.

6. More Play

It’s possible that your cat is scratching the furniture out of boredom, frustration, anxiety, or stress. Introducing more opportunities for play into your cat’s schedule and environment can help. Purchase or craft some new toys for your cat and schedule daily playtime to help your pet burn off some excess energy.
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Professional Cat Behavior Advice and Product Recommendations

If you’re struggling with your cat’s behavior, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Clinic in Tucson. Whether your cat is scratching more than usual, having litter box trouble, or is acting out in other ways, behavior problems in pets can sometimes be a sign of an underlying illness or other problem.
We’ll thoroughly examine your cat to rule out possible underlying health problems that could be leading to the behavior issues. We can then provide you with a variety of strategies for improving your pet’s behavior.
To learn more or schedule an appointment at your doorstep, we welcome you to contact us today.

Tips to Keep Your Dog Calm for Grooming

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Tips to Keep Your Dog Calm for Grooming

Whether you’re bathing your pet at home or taking them to a professional grooming appointment, all of the new sounds, smells, objects, and sensations can be overwhelming for a dog. As a result, dogs can quickly become stressed, anxious, and unable to complete their bath, brushing, or haircut.
To help your dogs stay healthy with regular grooming while avoiding the anxiety of having a nervous or scared pup, consider the following tips to smooth the process.

7 Tips to Calm Your Dog for Grooming

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1. Let Them Explore

Give your pet the opportunity to explore your grooming tools on their own. Let them sniff, lick, and get comfortable with these objects before you start using them. This is especially necessary for any tools that make noise.

2. Go Slowly

Work your way to a full groom slowly by starting with just brushing or just a bath. Get your pet used to these activities before introducing clippers.

3. Provide Lots of Praise and Treats

Help your pet develop positive associations with the grooming experience by providing lots of praise and treats throughout.

4. Put a No-Slip Mat or Towel in the Tub

The slick, slippery texture of a tub can be enough to stress out a pet. Put a towel or rubber mat inside your tub to help your pet feel secure.

5. Visit the Groomer Without a Groom

If going to a professional, ask if you and your pet can stop by to say hello and get acclimated to the pet salon and groomers. This helps your pet understand that the groomers are friendly and that a pet salon is a nice place.

6. Tell the Groomer About Your Pet's Grooming Experiences

If it’s your dog’s first time at the groomer’s or if they’ve exhibited anxiety in the past, let your groomer know when you call to make the appointment. Then they can make special arrangements and be prepared to better accommodate your pet.

7. Stop If It's Too Much

Don’t try to force your pet. Pay close attention to your pet’s behavior, demeanor, and body language, and stop if grooming gets to be too much.
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Professional Advice From a Veterinarian

If you feel like you’ve tried everything, but you’re still struggling to help your dog acclimate to bathtime, then we encourage you to talk with a veterinarian at Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care. We can help you find new strategies to keep your pet calm and happy while getting the care they need.

Does My Pet Really Need to Be Vaccinated?

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Does My Pet Really Need to Be Vaccinated?

At Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Clinic, we put a strong emphasis on wellness and preventative care for pets because this type of veterinary care is so essential to their wellbeing, health, happiness, and longevity. One of the most important aspects of preventative veterinary care is having your pet vaccinated.

7 Reasons Why Vaccinating Your Pet Is Vital

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1. It Prevents Disease

The number-one reason to vaccinate your pets is to prevent them from getting sick with highly dangerous and contagious diseases. There’s nothing more stressful than having a pet who is sick and suffering from painful symptoms – especially when it could have all been easily prevented in the first place.

2. It's Safe and Effective

Vaccines are incredibly safe and also the most effective way to prevent your pet from contracting a variety of contagious diseases.

3. It's the Law

Pet owners are required by law to make sure that their pets receive certain vaccines and booster shots to prevent the spread of diseases like rabies and leptospirosis.

4. It Protects You

Several of the diseases that vaccines prevent pets from contracting are zoonotic, which means that they can be transmitted between animals and humans. So, vaccinating your pet also protects yourself, your family, your friends, and your delivery person.

5. It Protects the Community

Vaccinating pets also protects the community at large. By preventing your pet from contracting disease, it reduces the general spread to other pets, wildlife, and people living nearby.

6. It's Less Expensive

The cost of pet vaccines is much, much lower than the cost of the veterinary care that is required when a pet becomes seriously ill.

7. It Saves Lives

Many of the diseases that vaccines protect pets from have no cure and are fatal. So, vaccinating your pet could save his or her life (and your own).
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Convenient Pet Care With Our Mobile Veterinary Clinic

If you find it difficult to visit the veterinary clinic due to a stressed pet, mobility issues, transportation problems, or any reason, you can still get your pet the veterinary care they need to stay healthy and safe with our convenient mobile veterinary clinic. That’s right! Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care will bring everything your pet needs right to your doorstep.
To learn more about wellness and preventative care for pets or to schedule a house call appointment for your pet, we welcome you to contact us today.

Tips for Helping Your Cat Live a Long, Happy Life

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Tips for Helping Your Cat Live a Long, Happy Life

We love our pets, but it’s no secret that their lifespans aren’t as long as ours. Although our veterinarians can’t help you make your cat live forever, we can provide you with some tips and advice to keep your beloved kitty healthy and happy so that they can enjoy a full life with you.

7 Lucky Tips to Help Your Cat Live a Long, Happy Life

1. Safe Environment

Going outside is dangerous. Dangers like cars, wildlife, and diseases result in much shorter lifespans for outdoor cats. Keep your cats inside, and try harness and leash training to safely explore the outdoors together.

2. Spaying or Neutering

Spaying or neutering your cat protects them from several contagious diseases and several types of cancer. In addition to unwanted litters, it also prevents dangerous behaviors like wandering and territorial aggression.

3. Quality Nutrition

Talk with our veterinarian about a recommendation for high-quality cat food and nutritional supplements that will meet all of your cat’s unique needs based on age, size, activity level, and other health concerns.

4. Age-Appropriate Care

The nutrition, lifestyle, and veterinary care that’s most appropriate for our pets changes as they age. What’s best for a kitten won’t necessarily be right for an adult cat, and what’s best for an adult cat won’t necessarily be right for a senior cat.
Ask our veterinarian about diet, lifestyle, environment, and about how your pet’s veterinary care should change as he or she ages.

5. Enrichment and Exercise

Cats need lots of enrichment, activity, and exercise to stay happy and maintain a healthy weight.

6. Dental Care

Periodontal disease that occurs as a result of poor oral health causes systemic health problems that can significantly reduce a cat’s life expectancy.

7. Wellness and Preventative Veterinary Care

The most important thing you can give your cat to help them enjoy a long life is regular wellness and preventative veterinary care that includes vaccinations, physical exams, and more.
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Wellness and Preventative Care With Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care

At Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Care, we not only provide mobile, house-call veterinary services but also high-quality, comprehensive care for cats and dogs alike. From kittenhood through your cat’s golden years, our veterinarians are experienced and fully equipped to provide personalized, age-appropriate care designed to keep your pets happy and healthy.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about the convenience of choosing mobile veterinary care for your pets, we welcome you to contact us today.

What Does It Mean to Be a Responsible Pet Owner?

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What Does It Mean to Be a Responsible Pet Owner?

Pets are easy to love, but they need more than just love to survive, thrive, and live long and happy lives; they need proper care from a responsible pet owner.
But what exactly does responsible pet ownership entail?

How to Be a Responsible Pet Owner

Every aspect of responsible pet ownership starts with educating yourself about your pet’s needs and being prepared to meet those needs throughout your pet’s life.
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Establish Care With a Veterinary Clinic

When you get a new pet, one of the first things you should do is schedule an appointment with a veterinarian. Your new pet will get a wellness check and preventative care treatments like vaccinations.
Additionally, the veterinarian will talk with you about the benefits of spaying or neutering your new pet to prevent future medical and behavioral problems in addition to unwanted litters.

Meet All of Your Pet's Needs

In addition to veterinary care, pets need food, shelter, and plenty of water. They also need lots of exercise, socialization, and enrichment activities (toys, games, walks, training, and interaction) to keep their minds active, their bodies healthy, and their behaviors in check.

Set Aside Enough Time for Your Pet

Meeting your pet’s needs means making time to take them out for daily walks, exercise, and play in addition to planning their routine veterinary visits.

Budget for Your Pet

Meeting a pet’s needs can become quite expensive when you factor in wellness and preventative veterinary care, food, toys, supplies, grooming, training, medications, nutritional supplements if necessary, and sometimes even emergency care.
Add a line to your household budget for monthly pet expenses and start saving for unexpected expenses like a visit to the emergency vet – or consider purchasing pet insurance to help offset unexpected costs.

Get Permanent Identification for Your Pet

In addition to current, readable ID tags on your pet’s collar, we recommend getting your pet microchipped. A microchip is a permanent form of identification that greatly increases the chances of reunification should your pet become lost.