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