[Freeda]

Hi, I have never had pets since moving to The Villages, but I have a guest coming with a very small dog. I am concerned about it being stung by fire ants - and also am concerned about other risks. I'm trying to get a rational take on how big a risk/problem there is to be worried about.

I see people walking dogs a lot on the sidewalks, at postal stations, at the squares, etc. - aren't fire ants potentially in those places, and so are dogs at risk for being stung while walking on the sidewalks, at postal stations, the squares, etc.? How does one avoid this from happening?

Do I need to have my yard treated with some particular product to prevent fire ants from being in my yard and stinging the dog? If so, which product(s) work best?

Are there other insects or 'critters' (I mean besides the obvious gators), ie, in the grass, etc. that I need to be concerned about in terms of the dog's safety? Snakes, etc?

Where are the best places to walk a dog to avoid these risks, or at least minimize them?

What do you do for the dog if it does get stung by fire ants? Does this require a vet visit?

Thanks, I really appreciate your advice!

[Bonanza]

Fire Ants don't sting, they bite. While you can find them almost anywhere, 99% of the time you will find them in the grass or surrounding the base of a plant. You can see the mound but you may not see the ants. The mound simply looks like a meticulous small, smooth hill of sand, although they can become large if left undisturbed.

You might want to have a small bag of insecticide that you keep for this purpose. Follow the directions on the bag EXACTLY but no, you really don't need to have your lawn treated.

You've pressed an unnecessary panic button. Don't worry about fire ants but just be aware. If a person or animal is severely bitten -- yes, they probably would require the care of a doctor or vet. The chances of a few bites aren't usually a problem except that they itch like hell and it takes a number of days for the itching to go away.

Snakes are all over Florida. Don't worry about them either. I don't walk my dogs near any water just to be safe. You never know if a critter is in the water waiting for a good meal.

RElax and enjoy your company and don't be paranoid. The chances of having a problem are almost non-existent.

[Lauren Sweeny]

Watch the ground area where your visiting dog will be sniffing. Most of the time you will see a small pile of crumbled sand that shows a fire ant nest. Simply keep the dog from that area. Avoid tall grassy areas ( snakes) .Eagles are in some areas , I was told by my vet to never leaving the dog out alone without a person . A very large frog lives in Florida, that when ingested or licked can be hurtful to any dogs digestion. Most Northern dogs do not need to worry about fleas during the Fall and winter months , because of the cold weather, not so here. Be sure your friends dog has recent flea,heart worm etc. protection . It is wise to have your visitors bring their dogs vet info of all shots.. Our little critters ( lizards) will look enticing because they are fast moving and " a new toy" . Be on the watch . I have had many dogs in my care and never once had any of the trouble, I mention. This advice is just a precaution to help you be aware not to scare.

[Freeda]

Thanks for the info, Bonanza and Lauren!

[Lauren Sweeny]

Keep the Buffalo Ridge Emergency Vet Hospital 352-751-4700 handy ( just in case)

[Allegiance]

Originally Posted by Lauren Sweeny

Keep the Buffalo Ridge Emergency Vet Hospital 352-751-4700 handy ( just in case)

Is the 24 hour? Where are they located? ty

[Gerald]

Dogs should be on a leash at all times. They do not belong at the mail boxes to do their potty training. There are places to take dogs in the villages to play. Some people who have dogs put up electric fences around their property to help protect the dog. Yes, there are some predator animals around the water and in the water. A few in the air also if the dog is very small. But any dog on a leash is safe. As for bugs yes you need to spray your own area if you don't want them in your lawn. But only use sprays that will not hurt the animal. I have a small dog and never had any problem.

[rdhdleo]

I have 2 small dogs and have never had any issues. Massey treats our lawn and does pest control after they treat the lawn you just need to keep you dog off of it for a few hours. Then it's fine. Now that said my dogs are always on a leash and the only place they go is in our own yard. Stay clear of the pine mulch as they are a breeding ground for ticks. I would be more worried about my pets picking up an infection or virus from others dogs pee and poop, you never know who may have some intestinal parasites their owners are not aware of. My 2 are perfectly happy in the confines of their own yard no ned to take them anywhere.

[zcaveman]

Watch out for the nettles. These are small weeds that have stinging points on the leaves.

I had my lawn people spray them to kill them.

Z

[Taltarzac725]

Black Fire Ant Facts & Control: Get Rid of Black Fire Ants

Some of the fire ants are red some black.

There are a lot of fire ant mounds at Doggie Doo Run Run. They do treat these every once in a while when the dogs are not present.
Doggie Doo Run Run is a private 10 acre dog park about 1.2 miles north of CR466 and CR101 near the intersection of CR101 and CR104. It is just south of a cell phone tower. New dogs need proof of vaccinations and have to be spayed/neutered and over 6 weeks.

Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital information:

http://www.buffaloridgeanimalhospital.com/

If you are on Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/BRAHVet

[Lauren Sweeny]

I forgot to mention,two things,do not let the dog drink from any surface ,puddles in TV! The water is contaminated with poisonous runoff of weed killer and fertilizer . Pay attention to the signs posted on lawns after fertilizer or bug treatment. Dogs lick their paws ingesting this residue . I know several dogs with paw irritations that really have gotten inflamed . Try to wipe dog paws (including between the toes) after a walk on lawns. Sometimes you may need to dip each paw and dry.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Freeda

Hi, I have never had pets since moving to The Villages, but I have a guest coming with a very small dog. I am concerned about it being stung by fire ants - and also am concerned about other risks. I'm trying to get a rational take on how big a risk/problem there is to be worried about.

I see people walking dogs a lot on the sidewalks, at postal stations, at the squares, etc. - aren't fire ants potentially in those places, and so are dogs at risk for being stung while walking on the sidewalks, at postal stations, the squares, etc.? How does one avoid this from happening?

Do I need to have my yard treated with some particular product to prevent fire ants from being in my yard and stinging the dog? If so, which product(s) work best?

Are there other insects or 'critters' (I mean besides the obvious gators), ie, in the grass, etc. that I need to be concerned about in terms of the dog's safety? Snakes, etc?

Where are the best places to walk a dog to avoid these risks, or at least minimize them?

What do you do for the dog if it does get stung by fire ants? Does this require a vet visit?

Thanks, I really appreciate your advice!

Hey Freeda, haven't seen you in ages.

You are overthinking the fire ant problem.
If you keep the dog away from any sandy mounds you see, the dog should be just fine.
If you have a Vet problem, Buffalo Ridge has a 24 hour Vet service.

If the dog needs a lot of exercise, and if he is socialized, take him to the "real" Dogpark on CR 101.
If the dog is a couch potato, walk him in your back yard.
If you take him anywhere, keep him off people's lawns and pick up poop.

Your company's dog will probably enjoy golf cart rides.
If so, make sure he is secured with a harness so there is no chance he'll jump out.
And have lots and lots of fun!

[aussiemom]

Currently have Massey but they really don't do a thing and when contract runs out, will be cancelling. Hate chemicals use especially with animals.

Found a good DIY pest control of ants, cockroaches, etc. It's non-toxic Diatomaceous Earth. Will not harm people or pets, wildlife, etc. Best to use the food grade form though. Heard about it for years but never tried it. Just recently tried it because of ant problem and seems to be working great. Best to where a mask while applying because of the dust when spreading over wide area. No smell either. Can use a small applicator for cracks, small holes.

Go to Diatomaceousearth.com..........sure cheaper than all these firms and not toxic either.

[kittygilchrist]

The bottom line on pests and wild animals and threats to your friends dog is… Relax!

That said, The likely problem here is that many people do not control their dogs well, meaning that they can't retain the dog on a leash beside them, but allow the dog to run willy nilly on a long lead. So my Best recommendation for safety is keep your dog on a short leash and avoid close contact with other dogs.

[rdhdleo]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

Hey Freeda, haven't seen you in ages.

You are overthinking the fire ant problem.
If you keep the dog away from any sandy mounds you see, the dog should be just fine.
If you have a Vet problem, Buffalo Ridge has a 24 hour Vet service.

If the dog needs a lot of exercise, and if he is socialized, take him to the "real" Dogpark on CR 101. If the dog is a couch potato, walk him in your back yard. If you take him anywhere, keep him off people's lawns and pick up poop.

Your company's dog will probably enjoy golf cart rides.
If so, make sure he is secured with a harness so there is no chance he'll jump out.
And have lots and lots of fun!

Spot on advice!!!!