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Santa Cruz Animal Clinic

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Santa Cruz Animal Clinic in Brandon, FL, offers exceptional veterinary care, focusing on preventative health and modern medical procedures since 1971.



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Santa Cruz Animal Clinic is dedicated to providing outstanding veterinary care for the Brandon community pets, offering customized treatment plans for every patient. Your pet's health and comfort are our highest priorities.

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Santa Cruz Animal Clinic in Brandon, FL, offers exceptional veterinary care, focusing on preventative health and modern medical procedures since 1971.


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Parasite Prevention: Protecting Your Pet Inside and Out Parasites may be small, but the problems they cause can be serious. Fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites not only make your pet uncomfortable, but they can also lead to major health issues if left untreated. That’s why parasite prevention is a cornerstone of responsible pet care.At our clinic, we take a proactive approach to help keep your pet safe, healthy, and itch-free year-round.Why Parasite Prevention MattersParasites are more than a nuisance. Some carry diseases that affect your pet’s organs, immune system, and even your family. Others, like intestinal worms, may go unnoticed until your pet shows signs of illness.Preventive care helps avoid:<ul><li>Itchy, irritated skin</li><li>Allergic reactions (especially to flea bites)</li><li>Transmission of Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and other tick-borne illnesses</li><li>Intestinal upset, weight loss, or anemia from worms</li><li>Potentially fatal heartworm disease</li><li>Risk of zoonotic transmission (parasites that spread to humans)</li></ul>With the right plan in place, most of these issues are entirely preventable.Common Parasites We Guard AgainstExternal Parasites<ul><li>Fleas – cause skin issues and may lead to flea allergy dermatitis</li><li>Ticks – can transmit serious diseases with just one bite</li><li>Mites – microscopic pests that lead to ear infections and mange</li></ul>Internal Parasites<ul><li>Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms – live in the intestines and can cause digestive problems, especially in puppies and kittens</li><li>Heartworms – transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworms grow inside the heart and lungs and can be life-threatening if untreated</li></ul>Prevention Options We OfferWe tailor parasite prevention based on your pet’s lifestyle, age, and regional risks. Options include:<ul><li>Monthly chewable or topical preventives</li><li>Routine deworming (especially for puppies, kittens, or outdoor pets)</li><li>Annual fecal exams and heartworm testing</li></ul>Many of today’s preventatives offer broad-spectrum protection—one dose can cover multiple parasites.What to Watch For<ul><li>Scratching or biting at the skin</li><li>Scooting or licking around the rear</li><li>Visible worms in stool or vomit</li><li>Lethargy, coughing, or changes in appetite (potential signs of heartworm)</li></ul>If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to schedule an exam right away.<div data-type="horizontalRule"><hr></div>Parasite prevention is simple, affordable, and highly effective. Staying consistent with your pet’s prevention plan protects not only their health—but also your household.💙 Whether it’s a checkup, questions, or care needs, visit us—we’re here to be your partner in your pet’s health.

Protect your pet from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and more with year-round parasite prevention plans.


Parasite Prevention

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Have Questions

Manage your pet's health faster and easier with the Santa Cruz Animal Clinic 'PetDesk' mobile app, now available for iPhone and Android.



Preferred options for most of our clients.



We are pleased to offer access to a variety of financing options.



Save time at your first appointment! Complete your client registration and media release form online before your visit.

Karin Fraker

Kathleen

Taylor Joseph

Amy Sim

375+

Proudly serving Brandon since 1971, trusted for years of compassionate, dependable pet care.

Open on Saturdays - because pets don't just need care Monday to Friday.

Weekend Care

Consult Online

Online Store

Pet Portal

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Additional Services

General Services

Specialty Services

Open on Saturdays - because pets don't just need care Monday to Friday. 

Get your pet's medications, food, and preventives delivered straight to your door—fast and easy.

Pharmacy

Pharmacy Home Delivery

Not feeling like themselves? We're here to diagnose, treat, and help your pet feel better fast.

Illness / Injury & Sick

Illness/ Injury & Sick

A quick microchip gives your pet a permanent ID and increases their chance of being reunited if lost.


Microchipping

Treating and preventing internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms with trusted care.


Deworming

Deworming & Parasite Control

From routine to advanced procedures, your pet is in skilled, compassionate hands every step of the way.


Pet Surgery

Spaying or neutering helps prevent health issues, unwanted litters, and certain behavioral challenges.


Spay & Neuter

Get expert guidance on your pet's nutrition, weight, and feeding to support lifelong wellness.


Nutrition & Diet Counseling

Advanced diagnostics like bloodwork, X-rays, and ultrasound help us catch issues early and treat them quickly.

Diagnostics & Imaging

Protect your pet from preventable diseases with customized vaccine schedules for every life stage.

Vaccinations

Keep your pet healthy with routine wellness exams, early detection, and personalized care plans.

Wellness Care and Exams

Wellness & Exams

When every second counts, our team is ready to treat injuries, illness, or sudden changes in behavior.

Urgent Care

We care for exotic pets with species-specific expertise and heart.


Exotic Pet Care

When every second counts, our team is ready to treat injuries, illness, or sudden changes in behavior.


Emergency Care

Emergency

Non-invasive laser therapy helps reduce pain, speed healing, and improve mobility for pets of all ages.


Laser Therapy

We offer advanced surgical care using skilled techniques, modern equipment, and compassionate support.
