Pesky Pests in the Desert: Common Parasites Affecting Dogs and Cats in Marana, AZ

Living in the beautiful Marana, Arizona, offers a unique lifestyle with stunning desert landscapes and plenty of sunshine. However, this environment also plays host to a variety of pesky parasites that can affect the health and well-being of our beloved dogs and cats. As dedicated pet owners in the Marana area, it's crucial to be aware of these potential threats and understand how to protect our furry family members year-round.

​At Tangerine Pet Clinic, your local experts in dog and cat care, we believe that knowledge is the first line of defense against these unwelcome guests. This comprehensive guide will introduce you to the common internal and external parasites prevalent in our region, explain the dangers they pose, and highlight the importance of proactive parasite prevention.

Understanding the Threat: Why Parasites Are Dangerous for Your Pet
The thought of your dog or cat being infested with parasites is undoubtedly unsettling. Beyond the "ick" factor, however, parasites can have serious and even life-threatening consequences for your pet's health . These tiny invaders can diminish their quality of life, cause significant discomfort, and lead to a range of health issues if left untreated .  

External Parasites:

• Fleas: These small, wingless, brown insects are fast-moving and can be seen in your pet's fur . They feed on blood and can cause intense itching, leading to continuous scratching, gnawing, and licking . Some pets are allergic to flea saliva, resulting in inflammation and even more discomfort . If ingested during grooming, fleas can transmit tapeworms, an internal parasite . Severe flea infestations can even lead to anemia, especially in young or small animals . Furthermore, fleas are capable of transmitting serious diseases .  
• Ticks: These members of the spider family can be found in various outdoor environments in Marana, such as grassy meadows, woods, brush, and weeds, as well as in cracks and crevices around your home . While some tick bites may only cause mild irritation or swelling, others can transmit serious illnesses to your pet . Diseases like Lyme disease can lead to more severe health problems and even be fatal if left untreated . It's important to have any attached ticks removed safely by a professional to limit the impact of their attachment .  

Internal Parasites:

• Heartworms: These dangerous parasites are transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito . Heartworms live in the heart and surrounding blood vessels, and the adult worms produce offspring called microfilariae that circulate in the pet's blood . In the early stages, pets often show no outward signs of infection for months . Later symptoms can include difficulty breathing, coughing, weight loss, tiring easily, and listlessness . Untreated heartworm infections can be fatal .  
• Roundworms: These common intestinal parasites can affect both dogs and cats in Marana . They live in the intestine and feed on partially digested intestinal contents, robbing your pet of vital nutrients necessary for staying healthy . Puppies and kittens can even acquire roundworms from their mothers . Symptoms of roundworm infection can include a distended abdomen, lack of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and visible worms in the feces .  
• Hookworms: Another type of intestinal parasite, hookworms reside in the digestive tract of cats and dogs where they feed on the pet's blood . Hookworm infections can lead to anemia and other serious conditions . Like roundworms, they can be particularly dangerous for young animals .  
• Whipworms: These internal parasites are spread through the ingestion of soil that has been in contact with an infected dog's feces . Whipworms pose a serious health risk to dogs .  
• Tapeworms: As mentioned earlier, tapeworms can be transmitted by fleas . Pets can become infected by ingesting an infected flea during grooming . Tapeworms live and grow in your pet's intestines . Symptoms can include scooting, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss .  

Given the warmer climate in Arizona, parasite activity can be elevated throughout the year, making consistent prevention even more critical for our Marana pets .  

Recognizing the Signs: When to Seek Treatment for Parasites
Early detection and treatment are key to minimizing the impact of parasite infestations on your pet's health . Here are some signs that may indicate your dog or cat has parasites:  

Signs of Fleas:

• Continuous scratching, gnawing, or licking .  
• Restlessness and discomfort .  
• Hair loss, especially around the base of the tail and hindquarters .  
• Flea dirt – small, dark specks that look like coffee grounds or pepper – visible on your pet's skin, particularly on their abdomen or when combing their coat with a fine-tooth comb .  
• Visible live fleas in their fur .  

Signs of Ticks:

• Finding a tick attached to your pet's skin .  
• A small bump or swelling at the site of the tick bite .  
• Excessive licking or scratching at the bite area .  
• Symptoms of tick-borne diseases, which can vary but may include fever, lethargy, lameness, and loss of appetite .  

Signs of Heartworms:

• In the early stages, often no visible signs .  
• Persistent cough .  
• Difficulty breathing .  
• Fatigue and decreased exercise tolerance .  
• Weight loss .  
• Swollen abdomen in advanced cases .  

Signs of Intestinal Worms (Roundworms, Hookworms, Tapeworms, Whipworms):

• Diarrhea, sometimes with blood .  
• Vomiting .  
• Weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite .  
• Pot-bellied appearance, especially in puppies and kittens .  
• Visible worms or worm segments in your pet's feces .  
• Scooting (dragging their rear end along the ground) .  
• Lack of energy or lethargy .  

If you observe any of these signs in your dog or cat, it's important to schedule an appointment with us at Tangerine Pet Clinic immediately . We can perform the necessary tests to diagnose the specific parasite and recommend the appropriate treatment plan. For ticks, if you see one and cannot remove it yourself, please call us right away for assistance . It's much safer to have a trained professional remove the tick properly .  

Prevention is Key: Protecting Your Marana Pet from Parasites
The best approach to dealing with parasites is prevention . Preventing infestations is not only easier and more cost-effective than treating them, but it also protects your pet from the discomfort and potential health complications associated with these parasites . At Tangerine Pet Clinic, we strongly emphasize the importance of year-round parasite prevention for all dogs and cats in the Marana area.  
Here are some key aspects of parasite prevention:

• Year-Round Preventative Medications: One of the most common and effective methods of parasite prevention is the use of monthly oral or topical medications. These medications can protect your pet against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and various intestinal worms . Our veterinary team is happy to discuss your pet's individual risk factors and health status to help you choose the correct preventative regimen . It's important to use products specifically formulated for dogs or cats, as some medications for dogs can be harmful to cats .  
• Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Annual or semi-annual wellness exams are crucial for monitoring your pet's overall health, including screening for parasites . We recommend an annual blood test to screen for heartworms and tick-borne diseases . We also recommend at least one fecal examination per year to test for intestinal parasites .  
• Flea and Tick Control in the Environment: In addition to treating your pet directly, it's important to manage fleas and ticks in your home and yard. This can include regular vacuuming, washing pet bedding frequently, and using appropriate outdoor pest control products if necessary.
• Mosquito Control: Since mosquitoes transmit heartworms, taking steps to reduce mosquito populations around your home can help protect your pet. This includes eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
• Proper Hygiene: Practicing good hygiene, such as promptly cleaning up pet feces in your yard, can help prevent the spread of intestinal parasites .  

It's crucial to discuss your pet's lifestyle and risk factors with our veterinary team at Tangerine Pet Clinic on a yearly basis to ensure they are on the most effective parasite control program . We can help you navigate the various options available and choose the products that are ideal for your household and your beloved dog or cat.  

Questions and Answers About Pet Parasites in Marana
Here are some common questions pet owners in Marana have about parasites:

Q: How do puppies and kittens get parasites? A: Young pets are particularly vulnerable to parasites. They can acquire intestinal worms from their mothers before birth or through nursing . Fleas can jump onto puppies and kittens from the environment or other animals. Heartworm prevention is typically started at a young age, as recommended by your veterinarian.  
Q: Are pet parasites contagious to humans? A: Yes, some pet parasites can be transmitted to humans, posing a health risk to your family . This is why regular parasite prevention and good hygiene practices are so important. Roundworms, hookworms, and even fleas can potentially affect humans.  
Q: How often should I give my pet parasite prevention medication? A: Most preventative medications for fleas, ticks, and heartworms are given monthly . It's crucial to administer these medications consistently year-round for optimal protection, even during the cooler months when parasite activity might seem lower.  
Q: Can indoor cats get parasites? A: Yes, even indoor cats are at risk of parasites . Fleas can be brought into the home on shoes or clothing, and mosquitoes can still bite indoor cats, transmitting heartworms. Intestinal parasites can also be inadvertently introduced into the home. Therefore, year-round parasite prevention is recommended for indoor cats as well.  
Q: What should I do if I find a tick on my pet? A: If you find a tick on your pet, it's important to remove it carefully. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. Once the tick is removed, clean the bite area with antiseptic. If you are uncomfortable removing the tick or notice any signs of infection or illness following a tick bite, please contact us at Tangerine Pet Clinic for assistance .  

Protecting Your Furry Friends: Our Commitment at Tangerine Pet Clinic
At Tangerine Pet Clinic in Marana, AZ, we are committed to helping you protect your beloved dogs and cats from the dangers of parasites. We offer a comprehensive range of safe and effective parasite control products and can work with you to develop a personalized prevention plan that fits your pet's individual needs and lifestyle . Don't wait until your pet is suffering from a parasite infestation. Contact us today at (520) 848-DOGG (3644) to learn more about our parasite prevention services and schedule a consultation. Let us help you keep your furry companions healthy, happy, and pest-free all year long!