Now that we are fully into "the season" for South Florida, and I'm seeing new "snowbirds" every day, I thought I'd write an article addressed to our visitors about the pros and cons of their pets' new winter home.
The first item of business is to check and see whether they are using heartworm prevention.
Up North, pets don't need to be on heartworm prevention in the winter. Down here, though, we do, because we have mosquitoes, which transmit heartworms year-round.
The next item of importance is the deadly bufo toad - one lick by a small dog is frequently fatal. So always take a flashlight with you at night when walking your dog, and be prepared to pull your dog away if you spot one.
If your pet is salivating excessively, has red gums and seems disoriented, wipe his mouth out with a wet washcloth to remove as much toxin as possible.
If your pet is suffering a seizure, having tremors or cannot stand, take him to a veterinarian as soon as possible! When it comes to bufo toads, curiosity really can kill the cat (or dog).
Toxic plants are another problem in South Florida, because many of your beautifully landscaped ornamental plants can cause some toxicity. A few more common ones are bird of paradise, oleander, castor bean and sago palm (especially the seeds). Visit our Web site for more.
Another issue that is often worse in South Florida is allergies. Plants sequestered underneath a foot of snow don't bloom and therefore don't send out pollen. Down here, however, we have blooming plants and growing grasses all year long.
So if your pet gets itchy only in the spring or fall up North, he or she might have year-round problems down here in the humid South.
Heatstroke is obviously a major concern in the summer, but even in the winter, a closed-up car can become hot.
And in Florida, we have a law that says no children or pets can be left unattended in a car. So for your pet's safety, and to avoid a costly ticket, never leave your pet alone in the car.
Also, every year, I hear stories of old blind dogs that fall into a pool and drown, or of a more-active pet that falls into a canal but can't find a way up the bank or seawall. Please monitor your pet around water, just as you would your children, to avoid tragedy.
There is a price to living in paradise, and sunny South Florida is no exception. As long as you are aware of the special concerns we've talked about, you and your pet should have a great time here in the Sunshine State.
Dr. Mary Fondren, a graduate of the North Carolina State University School of Veterinary Medicine, has been practicing in the Palm Beaches since 1987. Her Fondren Pet Care Center is in Palm Beach Gardens. To e-mail her, visit www.fondrenpetcare.com and click on the Residences link.
