[Wavy Chips]

We will be coming to TV in November with our maltipoo. We can let him out in our backyard without any real concerns here in Ohio. Is there any type of insect/small critters that we should be aware of in TV? He is use to the OH climate. Are there any special precautions we should be sure to take for him? Thank you.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Wavy Chips

We will be coming to TV in November with our maltipoo. We can let him out in our backyard without any real concerns here in Ohio. Is there any type of insect/small critters that we should be aware of in TV? He is use to the OH climate. Are there any special precautions we should be sure to take for him? Thank you.

I assume your maltipoo is already on heartworm medication during the summer months.
Many Vets in Florida recommend taking heartworm meds year round.

[Wavy Chips]

Yes, he is on heart worm year round. Someone I was speaking with up here mentioned red ants and that is what got me thinking. Is there anything else besides heart worm and flea and tick medicine we should consider? Thank you!

[socrafty]

We are also from Ohio. Up north we had our Shih/Bichon on flea protection part of the year. Down here she is on trifexis for fleas and heartworm all year round. We are not in a villa and no fences allowed so our dog is on a leash whenever outside and never left unattended.. Some have invisible fence, but due to wild animals, they should not be left out by themselves. Not sure if you will be a full time resident or not, but I watch our dog carefully during the summer. The humidity gets very high and the pavement gets very hot for a dogs paws. I hope this has answered some of your questions. Welcome to The Villages!

[kittygilchrist]

Wild animals have never attacked dogs at The Villages animal w/ exception of sm. dog let go to backyard pond w/gators let there off lead by owner who admitted to dumb episode...tell me if wrong...

[socrafty]

Originally Posted by kittygilchrist

Wild animals have never attacked dogs at The Villages animal w/ exception of sm. dog let go to backyard pond w/gators let there off lead by owner who admitted to dumb episode...tell me if wrong...

I cannot tell you that you are wrong. There are coyote, etc here in The Villages. I do not want my dog to be the first one you do hear about because she was outside unattended.

[golf2140]

Originally Posted by kittygilchrist

Wild animals have never attacked dogs at The Villages animal w/ exception of sm. dog let go to backyard pond w/gators let there off lead by owner who admitted to dumb episode...tell me if wrong...

There have been incidents. Last one I heard of was in Bonita

[bluedog103]

Originally Posted by Wavy Chips

Yes, he is on heart worm year round. Someone I was speaking with up here mentioned red ants and that is what got me thinking. Is there anything else besides heart worm and flea and tick medicine we should consider? Thank you!

Fire ants are more of a problem than red ants. Fire ants grow in mounds of varying sizes. The bites are very painful and if standing directly in a bed there can be many of bites, which can be dangerous. If you don't know what a fire ant bed looks like just google fire ant beds. There are some excellent pictures which will help you identify them.

[mtdjed]

The worst problem that you will find is from the genus Hominins. This critter will take your noble descendant of wolves and cause it to lose its ability to maintain its dignity. Sunglasses, visors, bows, and Tutus will become permanent scars as the poor animal is rolled about in a buggy for its afternoon walk. The weight will start to pack on your Sumo canine and you will no longer worry about insects as its feet will no longer touch the ground.

[VT2TV]

Our dogs are always on flea/tick protection. We had a terrible time when we first moved here with ticks from the pine straw/mulch. Every day I found very small ticks on 1 of our dogs. Our other dog very seldom had any on her. Don't know why the difference. I'll bet at times I would pull 10-15 ticks off the 1 dog each week. We got rid of the pine straw, and like magic, the ticks went away. I have heard stories of dogs getting to close to coral snakes and pigmy rattlers in Florida, and getting very sick if bitten, but haven't personally seen any of that in the Villages

[CFrance]

Don't let your dog get at any of the little frogs you may encounter. Some of them will make him sick. Also, some people's cats and dogs like to go after the anols (sp?) that are about (look like geckos). Eating them can give a pet an upset stomach.

[Bonanza]

Be on the lookout for Bufo toads. They are very large and emit a poisonous spray. You will probably only see them at night or in dense shade during the day.

Our dogs are on heartworm medication as heartworm is a disease that once contracted, the damage can never be reversed.

We do not have our dogs on any kind of flea medication and won't unless we have a problem. In the 30+ years in Florida, we have only had a flea problem once and handled it at that time. We do not believe in using indiscriminate insecticides which flea treatments are.

We also do not spray our house for the same reason -- insecticides. We have never had an issue that warranted any kind of monthly treatment. I suggest you wait and see if you need a pest control service. A few bugs is not a reason to spray! Don't let your neighbors put bug fear in you. Many residents spray and usually it is unnecessary.

Please do not walk your pup on the scalding black asphalt street during the heat of the day. Keep him on a leash and if you haven't already -- have him microchipped.

Good luck with your move!

[Spectreron]

Originally Posted by VT2TV

Our dogs are always on flea/tick protection. We had a terrible time when we first moved here with ticks from the pine straw/mulch. Every day I found very small ticks on 1 of our dogs. Our other dog very seldom had any on her. Don't know why the difference. I'll bet at times I would pull 10-15 ticks off the 1 dog each week. We got rid of the pine straw, and like magic, the ticks went away. I have heard stories of dogs getting to close to coral snakes and pigmy rattlers in Florida, and getting very sick if bitten, but haven't personally seen any of that in the Villages

I agree with the pine straw problem. Don't agree that a snake bite will make the dog "very sick". A coral snake can kill a human, so a 20 lb. dog is a goner without treatment. A Pygmy rattlesnake is not so bad but the venom causes tissue loss so I would get the dog to the vet in a hurry for any snake bite. We also have eastern diamondbacks (deadliest snake in North America) and cottonmouths. The diamondbacks are rare here but the cottonmouth isn't. I saw 2 last week within 3 feet of the cart path near the swamp by Brownwood. I would never walk my dogs near a swamp and I'm very careful where I let them sniff around the greenery. I've spoken to a lot of landscapers and they say the venomous snakes are rare here but they have all seen them, and they all have at least one scary story to tell of a close encounter. just be careful and keep your eyes open.

[bkcunningham1]

Originally Posted by mtdjed

The worst problem that you will find is from the genus Hominins. This critter will take your noble descendant of wolves and cause it to lose its ability to maintain its dignity. Sunglasses, visors, bows, and Tutus will become permanent scars as the poor animal is rolled about in a buggy for its afternoon walk. The weight will start to pack on your Sumo canine and you will no longer worry about insects as its feet will no longer touch the ground.

That's funny.

[bkcunningham1]

Although we are in Central Florida, these cautions hold true here as well: Palm Beach Veterinary Specialists ™

The following are common hazards. This list is meant to serve as a guideline to prevent possible injuries.If you feel your pet is having symptoms of toxicity from food or other substances that have possibly been ingested you should call your veterinarian and poison control immediately.

Alligators
Every fresh or brackish body of water, lake, pond, swamp, or canal in Florida has the potential to be home to an alligator. Alligators eat fish, turtles, and will eat a variety of other animals including dogs and other small animals. Gators can move surprisingly fast over short distances, and their powerful jaws and swinging tails make them dangerous to approach. Alligators are particularly aggressive when guarding their nests. It is best to always avoid river banks and unfamiliar bodies of water.

Bees and Wasps
Stinging insects such as bees, hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets are also at home in Florida. If you or your pet is attacked by them, get your pet and run away as fast as you can. You can run faster than they can fly. Do not try to hide in water. They will wait for you to emerge. Get in an enclosed space such as a car, which is disorienting to the few that may get in there with you.

Blue-green Algae
This type of algae occurs in many fresh water environments year-round, but may thrive to a dangerous degree in during periods of sustained warm days in shallow, nutrient rich bodies of water. In these conditions, the blue - green algae “blooms” reproducing exponentially. This algae produces a powerful toxin – one of the most powerful natural poisons known. Be on the safe side, if the water looks cloudy, with a green or blue-green cast, you should suspect a dangerous overgrowth of blue-green algae, and prevent your pet from swimming or ingesting the water

Bufo Toads
Large Bufo ( or Marine ) toads ooze a deadly toxin. Most cats leave them alone. Dogs can get in to trouble very easily when they mouth or bite a toad. Seek immediate attention for the seizures that typically result. Rinse your pet's mouth carefully before you rush him to the vet.

Fleas and Ticks
It's a year-round thing, so prepare for the potential invasion. Pet owners should always be careful about the flea products that they choose for their pet. It is always best to consult with your vet about flea treatments .There have been many cases of cats being poisoned by in-expensive, over the counter flea treatments. Protecting your cat from fleas is extremely important but what pet owners sometimes do not realize is that some brands can be harmful or deadly to cats. Veterinarians would not recommend flea treatments that could poison their patients and often discourage owners from buying cheaper over-the-counter brands. Many times owners can purchase products right at their veterinarian's office. Although they may be more costly, they will be safe for your pet.

Heartworms
Mosquitoes are present here year-round, Monthly treatment is mandatory. To prevent heartworm infection use preventatives, have your pet tested and reduce their exposure to mosquitoes.

Heat
Pets that spend any time outdoors are likely to have some extra trouble acclimating to the year-round heat. Never, ever leave your pet unattended in your car.
Hurricanes- Come up with a plan ahead of time; see our emergency preparedness section for planning strategies.

Lizards
Your cat's predilection for prey will likely lead him to attack lizards. If he eats the muscle, a parasitic infection of the liver (liver flukes) may result. Your vet can check for and treat these.
Plants-The most serious local plant toxin is contained in the dreaded palm berries of certain species. In the worst cases, a fatal liver toxicity may result.

Slug and Snail Baits
snail bait is one of the most common causes of accidental poisonings in dogs. The toxic active ingredient found in most slug and snail baits is metaldehyde. Snail bait usually comes in pellet form which your pet can find very attractive because it resembles dog kibble. The snail pellets are sometimes combined with molasses, apples and bran which is added to attract the slugs and snails. Snail bait is also available in liquid and granule form, however, if you use it in this form dogs may walk on it and later lick their paws. They may even eat the dirt containing granules or liquid. It is in your pet's best interest not to use snail bait around your yard. It is critical to get veterinary attention immediately if you suspect snail bait poisoning. Your dog could die within a few hours of ingestion. Seek emergency treatment immediately.

Venomous Snakes
It is important to treat every type of snake as potentially poisonous. Seek immediate veterinary treatment for any snakebite. Rattlesnakes tend to prefer dry areas, often retreating in burrows, dense vegetation, hollow logs, or rock outcroppings. Rattlesnakes make a characteristic rattling sound as a warning, but unfortunately few dogs are warned off by it. Their venom has proven fatal to many dogs. Coral snakes have small mouths and are less likely to bite but are also very poisonous. Florida is also home to water snakes, commonly the cottonmouth, or water moccasin. This poisonous snake lives in swamps, lakes, rivers, and ditches. It often basks on the shore during the day, but is more active at night. It can be identified by the light coloration inside its mouth and its way of swimming with its head held out of the water. Its bite can be fatal