Which Illnesses Are Dogs Exposed to the Most in Miami?
Miami, Florida, is one of the more tropical states in the US. This can make caring for your dog a challenge, especially when weather conditions are on the extreme side. Preventing dog illnesses is always the best way to save on your vet bills, but having good pet insurance is another safeguard against the unexpected. Let’s explore the most common dog illnesses in Florida and discuss how you can counteract the risks.
Climate Conditions in Florida
During the summer months, Florida gets extremely humid. Humidity coupled with rainy weather creates a hotbed for ticks, fleas, and common skin irritations. Dog parks are not immune to these pests, and neither are foliage areas near beaches. Winter presents its own challenges to the health of your dog, which is why it’s so important to educate yourself on how to prevent common illnesses and observe your dog for any signs of disease.
Preventative Care for Your Dogs
The first step you should be taking to prevent illness in your dog is to expect that at some point in their lives, they will need to visit a veterinarian. Getting pet insurance for dogs and cats in Tampa is especially important, since this allows you to visit your vet regularly (whether for a checkup or an emergency.
Another step is to equip yourself with a different tick & flea barrier once every year. Since ticks and fleas tend to develop immunity to these substances, choosing a different one each time you make a purchase will give your dog more protection throughout the year.
Thirdly, remember to keep up with your dog’s vaccinations. Your local vet will know what diseases are most common in your area and suggest the most fitting vaccinations to keep them safe from rabies, distemper, and other ailments.
Common Dog Illnesses in Florida
Vet visits in Florida are often associated with the following common ailments. We’ll give you some information about each one so that you’re more equipped on how to notice them if your dog is showing symptoms.
Leptospirosis
Vaccinations can safeguard your dog from contracting leptospirosis, an often fatal disease that attacks the liver and kidneys. Dogs that love exploring are exposed to contaminated water, especially during rainy weather. It’s this water that is mainly responsible for this disease, so keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date. If your dog is vomiting, has diarrhea, or is showing white gums, take them to the vet immediately.
Lyme Disease and Ehrlichiosis
Some ticks are more dangerous than others. Red ticks, in particular, are responsible for spreading both Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis, which can quickly cause extreme lethargy and loss of bladder control in your dog.
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is probably one of the most common illnesses found in Florida dogs. If your dog is quickly losing weight and coughing more than usual, this may be the culprit. Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes, so look out for this one, especially during hot months.
Parvo
Puppies are more prone to contracting parvo than older dogs. Symptoms include lethargy and loss of appetite, as well as vomiting and diarrhea. The only way to prevent parvo is to make sure your dog has had all their shots since this disease can be easily contracted and is fatal.
Dehydration
Another common problem vets see in Florida dogs is dehydration. When the weather is hot, and water isn’t freely accessible, dogs can quickly show symptoms of excessive drooling, panting, and eventual collapse.
Keeping Your Dog Healthy
Always make sure your dog has plenty of water. In Florida, this is often the most important aspect of caring for your dog, especially if they have thick fur. Also, remember that diet plays a major role in your dog’s energy levels and immune system. Thoroughbred dogs should always eat a vet-approved brand that contains essential oils, protein, and lots of vitamins & minerals in it.
Indoor Dogs vs Outdoor Dogs
Even if your dog spends most of its time inside your home, don’t think they aren’t susceptible to these common illnesses. Many of these viruses could be lurking in your backyard, not to mention contracted from other dogs or even cats.
Outdoor dogs that love being taken for a walk will do a lot of exploring. They may drink water that’s contaminated with something or pick up a leftover bone or carcass while sniffing around. Keep an eye on your dog, and always visit your vet as soon as you can if you notice something off about their behavior.
Final Thoughts
As we can see, dogs in Florida can experience illnesses that may not be as common in other states. But fortunately vets have become more adept at countering the most common ailments. Utilize the measures given to you by your local vet to keep ticks and fleas off your dog’s skin. Also, make sure you feed your dogs a healthy and balanced diet so that their immune systems are strong whether they spend most of their time indoors or outdoors.