PARASITE CONTROL

Call Us @ 520.848.3644

Protecting Your Pets in Marana, AZ from
Fleas, ticks, Heartworms and other common parasites

Welcome to Tangerine Pet Clinic, your trusted local veterinary resource dedicated to the health and well-being of dogs and cats in the Marana, Arizona community. Pet owners in Marana understand the joy and companionship our furry friends bring into our lives. With this joy comes the responsibility of ensuring their health, and a crucial aspect of this is protecting them from the various parasites prevalent in our region. While our previous information addressed parasite control in the broader Tucson area, this updated page specifically focuses on the needs of pet owners in Marana, AZ . Tangerine Pet Clinic, conveniently located in Marana, offers comprehensive concierge veterinary services designed to combat and prevent parasite infestations in both dogs and cats. We recognize that the thought of parasites affecting your beloved companions can be concerning, and we are here to provide the expertise and solutions needed to keep them healthy and happy. Let's explore the common internal and external parasites that can affect your pets in Marana and how our dedicated team can help ensure their protection. 

Call Us @ 520.848.3644

Understanding the Threat:
​Common Internal Parasites in Marana

Heartworms:
​A Serious Risk in Arizona

Heartworms pose a significant health threat to pets across the globe, and they are particularly concerning in Arizona . These dangerous parasites are transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes and can lead to severe heart and lung disease in both dogs and cats . Once the larvae enter a pet's bloodstream via a mosquito bite, they mature into adult heartworms that can grow up to 12 inches long and reside in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels . The consequences of a heartworm infestation can be dire, potentially leading to cardiac arrest if left untreated . Fortunately, preventing heartworm infection is significantly easier and less costly than treating it once it has taken hold . Tangerine Pet Clinic strongly advocates for proactive heartworm prevention and offers a range of highly effective preventive medications, available in convenient chewable or pill forms, to stop the development of heartworm larvae . 

Roundworms:
​Highly Prevalent, Especially in Young Pets

Roundworms are among the most common intestinal parasites affecting cats and dogs, with some studies indicating that up to 50 percent of cats may be affected at some point in their lives . These parasites are particularly prevalent in puppies and kittens due to their ability to be transmitted from the mother to offspring either before birth or through nursing . Adult cats and dogs can become infected by ingesting roundworm eggs found in contaminated soil or water or by consuming rodents that carry the larvae . Adult roundworms reside in the small intestine, where they absorb nutrients from the food the pet eats, potentially leading to poor nutrition and intestinal problems . In young animals, the migrating larvae can also cause serious respiratory issues like pneumonia as they travel through the lungs . Symptoms of roundworm infestation can include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, and a characteristic "pot belly" appearance, especially in severe cases . Diagnosis typically involves a microscopic examination of the pet's stool to identify the presence of roundworm eggs . Tangerine Pet Clinic provides effective and safe deworming medications to eliminate roundworm infections in pets of all ages.  

Coccidia and Giardia:
​Microscopic Intestinal Troubles

Coccidia and Giardia are single-celled microscopic parasites that can infect the intestinal tract of dogs and cats . Pets typically become infected by ingesting contaminated water or feces containing the cysts of these parasites . These parasites are particularly common in young animals and in environments where animals are housed in close proximity, such as shelters or kennels, due to the potential for unsanitary conditions . Symptoms of Coccidia and Giardia infections can include diarrhea, which may be watery or bloody, weight loss, and dehydration . However, some pets may carry these parasites without showing any outward signs, only developing symptoms when stressed or if their immune system is compromised . Diagnosis usually involves a fecal examination to identify the presence of the parasite's cysts . Giardia, in particular, is known to be highly contagious among animals . Tangerine Pet Clinic offers diagnostic testing for these parasites and can provide appropriate medications to effectively treat these infections and prevent their spread.

Call Us @ 520.848.3644

Beware the Biters:
​Common External Parasites in Marana

Fleas:
​More Than Just an Itch

Fleas are a ubiquitous external parasite that commonly affects dogs and cats in Marana, Arizona . These small, wingless insects feed on the blood of mammals and can quickly infest a pet's coat . Fleas are notorious for their rapid reproduction cycle, meaning that even a few fleas on your pet can quickly lead to a significant infestation in your home environment . The bites of fleas can cause intense itching and skin irritation, leading to excessive scratching and biting by the pet, which can result in hair loss and secondary skin infections . In severe infestations, especially in young or small animals, fleas can even cause anemia due to the significant amount of blood they consume . Furthermore, fleas can act as vectors for other parasites, most notably tapeworms, as pets can ingest infected fleas during grooming . They can also transmit certain diseases, such as typhus . Given their prevalence and the various health issues they can cause, consistent year-round flea prevention is crucial in the Marana area. Tangerine Pet Clinic offers a variety of effective flea prevention products, including topical treatments and oral medications, and our veterinary team can help you determine the best option for your pet's individual needs.  

Ticks:
​Disease Carriers Lurking in Our Environment

Ticks are another common external parasite found in Marana, particularly in areas with wooded or grassy vegetation . These nasty ectoparasites attach themselves to both animals and humans and feed on blood . Several species of ticks are prevalent in Arizona, including the Brown Dog Tick, the American Dog Tick, and the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick . Ticks are larger than fleas, making them somewhat easier to spot on your pet, especially if they have shorter fur . However, they can be tricky to find on cats with thick fur . The primary concern with ticks is their ability to transmit a variety of serious diseases to pets, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, bartonellosis, and ehrlichiosis . In some cases, a reaction to a neurotoxin in a tick's saliva can even cause a condition called tick paralysis, characterized by rapid heart rate, partial paralysis, and difficulty breathing, which can be fatal if the tick is not promptly removed . Due to the significant health risks associated with ticks, using effective tick prevention on your pet is highly recommended, especially if you live in or frequent areas where ticks are common .

​ It's also important to check your pet for ticks after they have been outdoors.  If you see a tick on your pet, do not try and burn it off with a match. This does not work and could harm your pet. ​ Tangerine Pet Clinic offers various tick prevention products and can provide guidance on the proper and safe removal of ticks if you find one attached to your pet.  
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Mites:
​Tiny Irritants Causing Skin Problems

Mites are tiny parasites that can burrow into a pet's skin, causing significant irritation, inflammation, and various skin conditions . These parasites are fairly common in both dogs and cats and can lead to intense itching, hair loss, dandruff, and the development of sores . Several types of mites can affect pets, with ear mites being particularly common in both cats and dogs, often responsible for feline ear disease . Mite infestations can make your pet very uncomfortable, leading to excessive scratching, rubbing, and head shaking, especially in the case of ear mites . In more severe cases, mites can cause conditions like mange . Tangerine Pet Clinic can diagnose mite infestations through skin scrapings and microscopic examination and provide appropriate treatment options, such as medicated shampoos, ointments, or oral medications, to relieve your pet's discomfort and eliminate the mites.

Call Us @ 520.848.3644

Proactive Protection:
Year-Round Parasite Prevention in Marana

The most effective way to protect your beloved dogs and cats from the discomfort and potential health complications caused by parasites is through proactive prevention. At Tangerine Pet Clinic, we firmly believe that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" when it comes to parasites. We offer a range of safe and effective preventive medications for heartworms, fleas, and ticks, which can be administered regularly to keep your pet protected year-round. Given the mild climate in Marana, Arizona, many parasites can remain active throughout the year, making consistent, year-round prevention particularly important. In addition to preventing external parasites and heartworms, regular fecal examinations are a crucial part of a comprehensive parasite control program. As recommended by veterinary organizations, all dogs and cats should have at least one fecal examination per year to test for the presence of internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and Giardia . This allows for early detection and treatment, even if your pet is not showing any obvious signs of infection. Furthermore, practicing good hygiene and taking some environmental control measures can help reduce your pet's exposure to parasites. This includes keeping your yard clean and free of animal feces and avoiding areas known to harbor high numbers of parasites, such as marshes and areas with tall grass . Our team at Tangerine Pet Clinic can work with you to develop a personalized parasite prevention plan tailored to your pet's specific needs, lifestyle, and risk factors, ensuring they receive the best possible protection. 

​ Ensuring a Healthy, Parasite-Free Life for Your Pet

​At Tangerine Pet Clinic, our top priority is the health and well-being of your dogs and cats in Marana, AZ. Protecting them from the numerous parasites prevalent in our environment is a fundamental aspect of responsible pet ownership. Through proactive prevention, regular check-ups, and prompt treatment when necessary, we can help your pets live healthier and happier lives, free from the discomfort and dangers associated with parasite infestations. We encourage all pet owners in Marana to contact us to discuss their pet's individual needs and to develop a comprehensive parasite control plan. Together, we can ensure that your furry companions remain healthy and vibrant members of your family for years to come.

Call Us @ 520.848.3644