Ina Road Animal Hospital

Pierogi is September's Pet of the Month! 🐱

Ina Road Animal Hospital's Staff Pet of the Week is Benny!

Danielle is a certified veterinary technician and the surgical lead here at Ina Road Animal Hospital. Danielle has been a part of the IRAH family for almost 10 years!!!

"Benny is a 1.5 year old pug mix that came from a local non profit rescue here in Tucson, who brings a lot of their rescue pups in to IRAH. His favorite activities include being a lap dog, smiling, and sitting in ways that look extremely uncomfortable. He recently left paw print art across the entire house after jumping on the table and getting into his kids paint. He was proud of himself!!" - Danielle

Ina Road Animal Hospital's Staff Pet of the Week is VADER!

Vader belongs to Dr. James who started working at IRAH as a doctor on August 1st 2023!

"This is Vader aka Lord Vader, Mr. Pug, Pug Man, Bubba and many more. He’s your typical stubborn pug who loves playing fetch or tug of war, loves sunbathing and cuddling. No need for a security system, Vader makes sure to let us know when someone is coming in the front door. Don’t try cutting his nails though or you will feel the wrath of the dark side of the force. This dude has been with me through so many adventures including a move up to the Pacific Northwest and hopefully many, many more! I couldn’t have asked for a better apprentice❤️" - Dr. James

Make sure you're prepared for the routine and the unforeseen costs of caring for your pet. Be prepared for the unexpected with pet medical insurance – talk to your veterinarian today!

Pignoli is the Pet of the Month for August!

The world is better with a cat by your side. Happy International Cat Day! 🐈 🌟

Heatstroke is a serious risk for our furry friends, especially in this Arizona heat! 🐶☀️

Remember to keep your pets cool and hydrated. Never leave them in a parked car, and always provide plenty of water.

Lets keep our pets safe this summer!

Help us spread awareness of the dangers of leaving your pet in the car. Share this and keep the pets in your community safe.

Updated USA dog import rules from the CDC.

Well, just before implementation of the new import rules (which have NOT been well received!), the rules have changed.

Now, if you are re-entering the USA from a no risk or low risk country, you no longer need a USDA veterinary endorsed CDC form.

What your dog does need:

- be 6 months of age or older

- be visibly healthy

- have an ISO-compliant implanted microchip (this is standard)

- have a completed CDC dog import form

- this is the form the dog owner fills out. It is good for 6 months as long as the dog does not travel to a high-risk rabies country.

Mexico and Canada are considered low-risk countries. You can review high-risk countries at https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/high-risk-countries.html

At this time, I don’t see that any rabies vaccination documentation is even needed, which seems to defeat the purpose of this whole fiasco.

These rules are still subject to change, so be sure to check the CDC USA dog import website prior to travel.

-Dr. Reed

Meet the beloved pets of our amazing team!

Brenna is a certified veterinary technician who recently started working at Ina Road Animal Hospital. We are so lucky to have her! This week we are introducing Brenna's adorable pup, Emmy!

"Emmy's full name is Emerald because she is truly a jewel! She's a spunky girl who loves sunbathing in the yard and chasing just about anything that moves. She has a big voice and will talk your ear off with her strange noises in true Basenji style. She is also the sweetest cuddle bug and makes sure she's snuggled under the covers or a big blanket when it's bedtime or just a lazy day at home. When she's not lounging about she loves meeting new people and new four legged friends (she even befriended a raccoon at one point in time)! She is the life of our household and we love everything about her from her floppy ears to her curly little tail!" - Brenna

Ensuring that your dogs are tick-free is essential to their health!

Ehrlichiosis is just one of multiple tickborne diseases that your dog can contract. Although ticks may not be as common in Arizona compared to other states, Arizona is unfortunately experiencing an increase in ticks and tickborne diseases.

A flea and tick preventative is the best way to keep your dog free from tickborne diseases!

Meet the beloved pets of our amazing team!

This week, we are introducing one of Rhonda's many pets - Odin! You may have seen another one of Rhonda's cats, Amadeus, as employee pet of the week a few posts back. Rhonda has a total of 9 cats and 1 dog! How amazing is that?!? 🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐶


"Hi! I'm Odin. In Viking times Odin was the God of war and of the dead, but I'm not that guy. That's a little too heavy for me. I am the God of my own domain and everyone knows it.

Humans stop and stare in awe at my beautiful blue eyes and my silky coat. Sometimes I'll let them pet me, but mostly they can admire me from afar. I do like to cuddle with my Mom though. For a human, she's alright.

My Mom says I'm a stinker but I know she loves me. I love her too, especially at mealtimes because I like to eat. Sleeping in a warm patch of sunshine is nice too. When it's play time I wrestle with my housemates and chase the little red dot all over the house. It's funny though. I never actually catch it!" Rhonda

⛈ Monsoon Season ⛈ = 🐸Colorado River Toads🐸

Don't let your pet's curiosity get the best of them! Colorado River Toads may look like fun to play with, but one lick can cause your pet to have life-threatening symptoms.

If your pet licks or eats a Colorado River Toad, please give Ina Road Animal Hospital a call at (520) 544-7700 or take your pet to an emergency hospital near you.

Splash safely! Avoid strong currents and watch for fatigue as pups enjoy the water.

Meet the beloved pets of our amazing team!

Kellie, an amazing Certified Veterinary Technician has been working at Ina Road Animal Hospital for 7 years! This week we are introducing one of her many pets, GECKO!

"Geckos favorite food - I don't actually know, he loves churus, he likes saltine crackers and tortilla chips. He enjoys pretty much any kind of canned cat food.
His favorite thing to do is chase bugs in the backyard, followed by rolling around in the bathtub.
Memorable stories - despite having a whole bunch of pets who live with us, Gecko makes sure he isn't forgotten. Every night, after the spare human and dogs go to sleep, he stands at the kitchen entrance and meows at me loudly. This is my cue to join him in the kitchen for our secret nightly pet session. I've tried to convince him to move our nightly pet sessions to the living room, but he insists we sit on the kitchen floor." - Kellie

Let's celebrate the red, white, and woof alongside our furry friends. Wishing you a day filled with joy, safety, and lots of tail wags! 🇺🇸

With holiday festivities TOMORROW, we want to remind you: Your pet does NOT want to go to the fireworks show! Please leave pets at home and safely secured - with appropriate ID (collar and tags, microchip). Better yet, stay home and celebrate the holiday at home with your pet 💙

Meet the beloved pets of our amazing team!

Brittany has been a detailed, affectionate, and diligent lead tech here at Ina Road Animal Hospital for 7 years!

Introducing Miss Minnie ❤

“Minnie is 13 years young! She was inherited from a family member who sadly had passed away but has been the sweetest addition since. Minnie loves rolling around on her back and taking in all the sun rays. Her favorite time is eating time! And will huff, puff, and bark until she is served. Despite her deep bark, she is the gentlest fur baby. She enjoys company and will binge watch any show with you. She’s a true and loyal companion and we love every hair tuff of her!" - Brittany

Meet R***r!

We are excited to introduce R***r as July's Pet of the Month. R***r is a joyful and energetic companion who brings a smile to anyone's face who meets him. Join us in celebrating R***r and all of the joy that he brings! 🐾

Keep your pets safe this 4th of July!

1. Keep your pets indoors - Fireworks can be very frightening for pets. Keep them inside in a safe, quiet room to reduce stress and prevent them from running away.

2. Identification - Ensure that your pet has up-to-date ID tags and microchip information. We also recommend putting an AirTag on your pets collar because it can help you locate your pet if they go missing.

3. Create a Safe Haven - Use a quiet room with familiar bedding. Playing soothing music or white noise can also help drown out loud sounds.

4. Avoid Fireworks - Never use Fireworks around pets, as they can cause burns.

5. Watch out for Food Hazards - Keep your pets away from BBQs and party food, which can be harmful. Common hazards include: chocolate, corn cobbs, alcohol, bones, and anything with onion or garlic in it (including the powder form).

6. Stay Hydrated - Make sure that your pets have plenty of water, especially if they are outside for any period of time.

7. Exercise Beforehand - Take your pets for a long walk before the event starts.

8. Consult a veterinarian for advice on medications to help keep your pets calm. If your pets get anxious during fireworks, give us a call as SOON as possible for some calming medications.

By following these tips, you can help ensure your pet stays safe and calm during the festivities. 🐾

Meet the beloved pets of our amazing team!

Kayla a lead tech here at Ina Road Animal Hospital, has been with the practice for 6 years! This week, we are introducing just one of her ADORABLE pets, Annabelle!

"This is Annabelle! My 17 year old soul dog. She also affectionately goes by Annaballs and sometimes Annasmells. She loves to sleep near her favorite humans and is always ready for feeding time. She refuses to show her age and will perform acrobatics to get that bowl of food!" - Kayla

Meet Dr. James!

We are thrilled to introduce Dr. James to all of our beloved clients! With his passion for veterinary care, Dr. James is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for your beloved pets.

"I grew up in Gilbert Arizona, with tons of different pets, including African dwarf frogs, hermit crabs, guinea pigs, and several wonderful dogs. I attended the University of Arizona for my undergraduate degree before moving to the Pacific Northwest to attend Oregon State University for my DVM. I'm so excited to be back home at IRAH and look forward to helping as many pets (and their humans) as I can!" - Dr. James

Is your furry friend slowing down? Arthritis could be the cause!

In dogs, arthritis can develop from conditions like hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament disease, or a luxating patella. Trauma, infections, and factors like genetics, obesity, and age can also contribute.

Symptoms in Dogs:
~ Lameness or Limping
~ Decreased Activity
~ Inability to Jump
~ Stiffness
~ Difficulty with Stairs
~ Changes in Behavior (Increased Irritability)

Symptoms in Cats:
~ Hesitancy to Jump
~ Urination / Defecation Outside of the Litterbox
~ Poor Grooming
~ Increased Sleeping
~ Stiffness when Rising
~ Changes in Behavior (Increased Irritability)
~ Sensitivity to Touch

If you notice any of these signs, give Ina Road Animal Hospital a call at (520) 544-7700 to speak with a team member today!

Meet the beloved pets of our amazing team!

This week we are introducing one of Elissa's many pets, Pearl the pug! Elissa has been an AMAZING client service representative here at Ina Road Animal Hospital for 7 years!

"This is Pearl aka Pretty Girl Pearl aka Baby P. She will somehow be 10 years old already at the end of the year. She loves lying out in the sun until she smells like Fritos, barking at absolutely nothing, taking naps under blankets and giving kisses up people’s noses. She is the most perfect sweetie girl and I’m very lucky that she’s mine." - Elissa

Isn't Pearl adorable!?🐾

To help keep pets calm during fireworks, pet owners can try a few different strategies:

1. Make sure that your pet has proper ID - Ensure that your pet’s collar tag and Microchip information is current.

2. Exercise your pets before fireworks - Take your pets for a long walk before the event starts.

3. Create a safe place for your pet - Use a quiet room with familiar bedding. Playing soothing music or white noise can also help drown out loud sounds.

4. Offer enrichment - Giving a Kong toy or food puzzle filled with your pets favorite treats can help distract your pet during the fireworks.

5. Use calming products - Calming vests or pheromone diffusers can help keep your pets comfortable.

6. Consult a veterinarian for advice on medications to help keep your pets calm.

If your pets get anxious during fireworks, give us a call as soon as possible for some calming medications. We're here to help them remain safe and relaxed!

Meet Zoe, the senior feline with a heart of gold! We are excited to introduce Zoe as Junes pet of the month. 🐾

Meet the beloved pets of our amazing team!

This week, we are introducing Ezra's cat - Chicken! Ezra is an incredible client service representative at Ina Road Animal Hospital.

"This is Chicken! She is 18 years old. I adopted her as a senior from Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. Her favorite things to do lately are solving food puzzles, cuddling with me in bed, and people-watching from her favorite windowsill. She is THE sweetest cat, and I am SO glad I adopted a senior cat." - Ezra 🐔

Keep those paws cool and happy this summer!

To prevent your furry friend's paw pads from burning in the summer heat, here are some helpful tips:

1. Test the pavement: To check how hot the pavement is for your dogs, place the back of your hand on the pavement and hold it there for 5 seconds. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog's paws.

2. Walk your dog during cooler times of the day to avoid hot pavement. Recommended time frames are early morning or late evening.

3. Keep your dog well hydrated to help regulate their body temperature during walks.

4. Choose shady routes or grassy areas for walks to reduce paw pad exposure to hot surfaces.

5. Consider using protective booties for your dog to shield their paws from hot pavement.

6. After walks, check your dog's paw pads for any signs of redness or irritation, and apply a pet-safe paw balm to moisturize and protect their pads.

These tips can help ensure your dog's paw pads stay safe and comfortable during the summer months!

Keeping your pets safe from heat stroke is super important, especially during the hot summer months. Here are some tips to help prevent heat stroke in pets:

1. Hydration - Always provide plenty of fresh, cool water for your pets to drink.

2. Shade - Make sure your pets have access to shady areas to escape the sun.

3. Avoid Exercise - Try to limit exercise on hot days to early mornings or evenings. Do not exercise your pets during peak temperatures.

4. Never Leave in Cars - Never leave your pet in a parked car, even for a short period of time!

5. Cooling Mats or Fans - Consider using cooling mats or fans to help keep your pets cool.

6. Recognize Signs (See Poster Below) - Be aware of signs of heat stroke such as excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and vomiting.

7. Vet Visit - If you suspect heat stroke, contact Ina Road Animal Hospital right away, or go straight to the nearest veterinary emergency hospital.

Remember, prevention is key when it comes to heat stroke in pets! 🐾☀️

Meet the beloved pets of our amazing team!

This week, we are introducing one of Rhonda's many pets -Amadeus! Rhonda, an incredible veterinary assistant at Ina Road Animal Hospital for 6 years, has a story to share about her mischievous yet charming feline friend.

Here's Amadeus' tale:
"Hi! I'm Amadeus. When I was a kitten my mom called me "You Rotten Little Monster" because I liked to chew electrical cords, shred toilet paper rolls, and shower curtains. At one point my mom went to the Dollar Store and bought 10 shower curtains because I was shredding them that fast! It was fun, but I'm older now and I've outgrown that sort of thing, mostly. My mom is happy about that.

My favorite things to do is sleep, eat, and get pets. Every now and then I like to terrorize my housemates so they remember who's boss. My mom says I'm a handsome black panther and I think she's right. What do you think?" - Amadeus