Ina Road Animal Hospital

Ina Road Animal Hospital Striving to provide top-notch quality medicine to our patients. We have a number of resources for you to learn about how to take better care of your pets.

We hope to inspire and educate, by providing the highest level of continuing education for our staff and to transfer this knowledge to our clients. Our ultimate goal is to grow with our community and to provide a positive environment for both the healthy pet and the pet in need of healing. Browse around and look at our articles and pet videos. The best veterinary care for animals is ongoing nutr

ition and problem prevention. If you want to ask a question call 520-544-7700 or email us and we'll promptly get back to you. Our Tucson veterinarian office is very easy to get to, and you can find directions on our Contact Us page. You can also subscribe to our newsletter which is created especially for Tucson pet owners. In between your veterinary visits, your pet will benefit from you reading these free informative articles.

Honoring the dads who teach us the true meaning of unconditional love, whether it's for their children or furry family. ...
06/21/2026

Honoring the dads who teach us the true meaning of unconditional love, whether it's for their children or furry family. Happy Father's Day!

The recent canine distemper outbreak at Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) has raised understandable concerns among pet owne...
06/18/2026

The recent canine distemper outbreak at Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) has raised understandable concerns among pet owners throughout our community. As a veterinary hospital that supports PACC and their mission to care for our community's animals, we want to help provide accurate information about this serious disease, how it spreads, and how you can help protect your pets.

What is Canine Distemper?
Canine distemper is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease caused by the canine distemper virus. It primarily affects a dog's respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Distemper can also infect ferrets and certain wildlife species.

How Does Distemper Spread?
The virus is transmitted via airborne exposure (coughing or sneezing), direct contact with infected bodily fluids, or shared food and water bowls.

Who Is Most at Risk?
Puppies, unvaccinated dogs, unvaccinated ferrets, and wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes are at the highest risk. Cats and humans cannot contract canine distemper.

Common Symptoms of Distemper:
Symptoms may develop in stages and can vary in severity.
Early Signs:
• Fever
• Eye and nasal discharge
• Lethargy
• Coughing
Gastrointestinal Signs:
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
Neurological Signs:
• Muscle twitches (especially of the face)
• Head tilt
• Loss of coordination
• Seizures
• Paralysis
Some dogs may also develop thickened or crusty paw pads and noses, commonly referred to as "hard pad disease.”

Is There a Cure?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for distemper. Treatment is focused on supportive care to help manage symptoms and improve comfort.

How Can You Prevent Distemper?
Prevention is critical! Distemper can be devastating because it is often fatal. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect your pet and help prevent outbreaks in our community. Puppies typically begin their distemper vaccine series around 8 weeks of age and continue receiving boosters until approximately 20 weeks of age. Routine booster vaccinations throughout adulthood help maintain protection.

We also want to recognize the incredible work being done by PACC and other local rescue organizations as they care for affected animals and work to limit the spread of disease. Their teams are facing a difficult situation, and they need our community's support.

If you have questions about your pet's vaccination status or would like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at (520) 544-7700. Together, we can help keep Tucson's pets healthy, protected, and safe.

One unexpected emergency can cost hundreds, or even thousands of dollars. While no one likes to think about their pet ge...
06/18/2026

One unexpected emergency can cost hundreds, or even thousands of dollars. While no one likes to think about their pet getting sick or injured, having a plan in place before an emergency happens can make all the difference.

One of the most common questions we receive is about pet insurance and financing options. These are important conversations that often don't happen until a pet owner is facing an unexpected expense. We believe pet owners deserve clear information so they can make informed decisions before they find themselves in a stressful situation.

At Ina Road Animal Hospital, we always strive to be transparent about costs and the options available to help you provide the best care for your pet. As a locally owned, doctor-owned practice, we work hard to keep our prices fair while continuing to provide high-quality veterinary medicine. Veterinary costs have increased across the industry in recent years, which makes planning ahead more important than ever, whether your pet needs routine preventive care, a same-day urgent care appointment, or emergency treatment at a 24-hour veterinary hospital.

> Pet Insurance
Pet insurance can be one of the best ways to prepare for unexpected veterinary expenses.
Most pet insurance plans work similarly. You pay for your pet's care at the time of the visit, then submit your invoice to the insurance company for reimbursement. One of the biggest advantages of pet insurance is that it can typically be used at any licensed veterinary hospital.

The sooner you enroll your pet, the better. Most insurance companies do not cover pre-existing conditions, meaning any illness, injury, symptom, or diagnosis documented before enrollment may be excluded from future coverage. While some companies may offer limited exceptions, coverage is generally most comprehensive when insurance is purchased while your pet is young and healthy.

When comparing plans, we recommend looking for:
• Customizable coverage options that fit your budget and your pet's needs
• High reimbursement rates
• Low deductibles, if possible
• No annual payout limits
• Coverage for accidents, illnesses, emergencies, and specialty care

Over the years, we've worked with many insurance providers and have had positive experiences with companies such as Trupanion, Pumpkin, Pets Best, Spot, and ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. Every pet and family is different, so we encourage pet owners to compare plans carefully and choose the one that best fits their needs.

Pet insurance can provide peace of mind, greater financial flexibility, and access to more treatment options when unexpected medical situations arise.

> Financing Options at Ina Road Animal Hospital
Even with insurance, unexpected veterinary expenses can happen. That's why we offer several financing options to help make your pet's care more accessible.

CareCredit
- A healthcare credit card that can be used for veterinary and human medical expenses. Depending on the provider and purchase amount, promotional financing options may be available.
Scratchpay
- A payment plan option that allows you to spread payments over time. The application process is quick and straightforward, with plans available for a variety of budgets.
Cherry
- Another flexible payment plan option that allows qualified applicants to make monthly payments. Cherry uses a soft credit inquiry during the application process and considers payment history as part of its approval process.

We never want finances to be the reason a pet doesn't receive the care they need. While we know that veterinary expenses can sometimes feel overwhelming, there are more options available today than ever before. Whether it's pet insurance, a financing plan, or simply understanding your options ahead of time, taking a few minutes to prepare now can help reduce stress and provide peace of mind in the future.

If you have questions about pet insurance, financing options, or veterinary costs, our team is always happy to help guide you in the right direction. Because when it comes to your pet's health, being prepared is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.

🐾🌵 Trivia Tuesday! 🌵🐾When the temperatures rise, surfaces around us can get much hotter than the air temperature. Some s...
06/16/2026

🐾🌵 Trivia Tuesday! 🌵🐾

When the temperatures rise, surfaces around us can get much hotter than the air temperature. Some surfaces can become hot enough to burn your dog’s paw pads in just minutes.

Which of these surfaces can burn your dog’s paws on a hot Arizona day?
A. Asphalt
B. Sand
C. Artificial Turf
D. All of the Above

Drop your answer in the comments below! ⬇️

💡 Bonus question: Which surface do you think gets the hottest in the Arizona sun?

We'll reveal the answers in the comment section tomorrow!

A Summer Safety Message from Bella and the Team at IRAH!At Ina Road Animal Hospital, we often remind pet owners that pav...
06/11/2026

A Summer Safety Message from Bella and the Team at IRAH!

At Ina Road Animal Hospital, we often remind pet owners that pavement, asphalt, and artificial turf can become much hotter than the air temperature, increasing the risk of painful paw pad burns.

Approximate pavement temperatures in direct sunlight:
🌡️ Air Temp: 77°F → Pavement Temp: 125°F
🌡️ Air Temp: 86°F → Pavement Temp: 135°F
🌡️ Air Temp: 87°F → Pavement Temp: 143°F
🌡️ Air Temp: 95°F → Pavement Temp: 149°F

At pavement temperatures above 125°F, paw pad injuries can occur in as little as 60 seconds.

Signs of paw burns can include:
> Limping or reluctance to walk
> Excessive licking or chewing at the feet
> Red, darkened, or blistered paw pads

A few simple precautions can help keep your pet safe and comfortable all summer long. Before heading out for a walk, check the ground temperature using the 7-second hand test. If it's too hot for the back of your hand, it's too hot for your pet's paws. Remember to go for walks during the cooler parts of the day, choose grassy routes, and bring plenty of water!

*** Bella has a few paw-safety reminders to share! Swipe through to learn more ⬇️

Guess This Breed!Think you know your dog breeds? Put your skills to the test! Drop your guess in the comments below and ...
06/11/2026

Guess This Breed!

Think you know your dog breeds? Put your skills to the test!

Drop your guess in the comments below and let us know what breed you think this adorable pup is.

No cheating! We'll reveal the answer tomorrow.

Comment your guess below!

June 8th is National Best Friends Day, and best friends come in all shapes, sizes, species, and personalities.Our pets a...
06/09/2026

June 8th is National Best Friends Day, and best friends come in all shapes, sizes, species, and personalities.

Our pets are so much more than animals, we consider them family. They are our loyal companions, our comfort during difficult days, our biggest cheerleaders, and often our very best friends. They may not speak our language, but somehow they always know exactly how to make us smile, comfort us when we need it most, and fill our lives with unconditional love.

Today, we want to celebrate all of our furry best friends, both past and present. The bond we share with our pets is truly one of life's greatest gifts, and the memories they leave behind stay in our hearts forever.

At Ina Road Animal Hospital, we are incredibly grateful not only for our own pets, but for the opportunity to know and care for yours as well. Every day, we get to build special connections with so many amazing patients, and we cherish each and every one of them.
The collage we're sharing today features just a small handful of the wonderful pets we've had the privilege of caring for. While we couldn't fit all of our amazing patients into one post, please know that every wagging tail, happy purr, slobbery kiss, and gentle paw print holds a special place in our hearts.

So today, take your best friend for an extra walk, spoil them with their favorite treat, or give them a few extra belly rubs. They deserve it for always being by our side and for being the best friends we could ever ask for.

Protect your pets from pests like fleas and ticks during the summer months.
06/06/2026

Protect your pets from pests like fleas and ticks during the summer months.

🧀 Happy National Cheese Day! 🐾You know the rule…Open the cheese drawer = pay the cheese tax.Slice a block of cheddar = p...
06/04/2026

🧀 Happy National Cheese Day! 🐾

You know the rule…
Open the cheese drawer = pay the cheese tax.
Slice a block of cheddar = pay the cheese tax.
Make a sandwich = definitely pay the cheese tax.
If your dog is the official Cheese Tax Collector at home, the good news is: dogs can have cheese in moderation!

Here are a few tips before you hand over payment:

> Choose wisely
Low-fat, lower-lactose cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or plain cheddar are usually the best options.

> Keep portions tiny
• Small dogs: 1 pea-sized piece
• Medium dogs: 1–2 small cubes
• Large dogs: 2–3 small cubes

> Skip these cheeses
Avoid blue or moldy cheeses, and cheeses with garlic, onions, chives, or added seasonings.

> A little goes a long way
Cheese should be an occasional treat. Too much can cause tummy upset, and in some pets, the high fat content can even trigger pancreatitis.

> Trying it for the first time?
Start with a very small piece and monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, gas, or other digestive upset.

So yes… the cheese tax can be legally collected… just in moderation.

Tell us, does your dog come running the second they hear the cheese wrapper?

Swipe through to see Arizona's step-by-step strategy for collecting the Cheese Tax:
1️⃣ Spot the cheese
2️⃣ Sniff the cheese
3️⃣ Taste the cheese
4️⃣ Acquire the cheese
Arizona understood the assignment!

Meet Kobe!Kobe is a very sweet 3.5-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix. On May 13th, Kobe experienced a frightening emergency ...
06/03/2026

Meet Kobe!

Kobe is a very sweet 3.5-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix. On May 13th, Kobe experienced a frightening emergency when he was bitten by a rattlesnake.

Kobe’s family had let him outside into their backyard when he began sniffing around some plants. Suddenly, he jumped back quickly. His family realized right away that Kobe had been bitten by a rattlesnake. They also noted that the snake did not rattle or give any warning before striking.

Kobe’s family acted immediately and brought him straight to Ina Road Animal Hospital. Their quick thinking made all the difference.

When Kobe arrived, our team triaged him right away. He already had mild swelling around his snout, and we quickly administered pain medication to help keep him comfortable. Bloodwork and a clotting time test were performed, which confirmed that Kobe had been bitten by a rattlesnake.

We perform clotting time tests after suspected rattlesnake bites to detect and monitor venom-induced consumption coagulopathy (VICC), which occurs when venom affects the body’s ability to clot normally. Rattlesnake venom contains toxins that can attack the blood and tissues, potentially leading to dangerous bleeding complications if not treated promptly.
Symptoms of rattlesnake bites in dogs can vary depending on the species of snake, the severity of the bite, and the dog’s individual health. Signs may appear immediately or develop over the next several hours. In severe cases, symptoms can worsen rapidly and become life-threatening without treatment.

Common signs of a rattlesnake bite in dogs include:
• Pain and swelling at or around the bite site
• Redness or discoloration of the skin
• Bruising
• Bleeding from the wound
• Drooling
• Lethargy
• Weakness or collapse
• Tremors or shaking
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Paralysis
• Shock

Because Kobe’s family brought him in so quickly, we were able to begin treatment right away. Kobe was hospitalized with us and received antivenom while being closely monitored by our medical team. We repeated his bloodwork and clotting times, which showed improvement after treatment.

Kobe stayed with us overnight under the care of our overnight technician. He ate his dinner well and even spent part of the evening watching Bluey on an iPad while recovering.
The next morning, our doctor performed another exam and repeated Kobe’s bloodwork and clotting times, which had returned to normal limits. Because Kobe was feeling well, eating, and showing improvement, he was able to go home with his family.

Kobe returned to the hospital 2 days and again 5 days after discharge for follow-up clotting time checks to ensure he remained stable. He passed both recheck appointments with flying colors.
Kobe’s positive outcome is a direct result of his family recognizing that something was wrong and seeking veterinary care immediately. Thankfully, Kobe responded very well to treatment, but unfortunately, not every patient responds as favorably. Prompt veterinary care allows for rapid assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, which can make a lifesaving difference.

If you think your pet may have been bitten by a rattlesnake, seek veterinary care immediately. Call Ina Road Animal Hospital at (520) 544-7700 during business hours, or go to the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.

Kobe also has Trupanion pet insurance, which offers a “pay-to-hospital” option. This meant Kobe’s family was only responsible for their deductible and 10% of the total bill, while Trupanion paid the remainder directly to the hospital. Pet insurance can help make unexpected emergencies less stressful and can allow families to focus on getting their pets the care they need without the added burden of financial uncertainty.

Thank you to Kobe’s family for trusting us with his care. We’re so happy to see him back home and doing well!

Address

7320 North La Cholla Boulevard, Suite #114
Tucson, AZ
85741

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 8am - 7pm
Wednesday 8am - 7pm
Thursday 8am - 7pm
Friday 8am - 7pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm

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