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FLORIDA??
by Carol R.
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
I plan on taking my Chardy to Florida with me for a couple of weeks in March. We are from upstate NY and everyone has told me it isn't safe to bring dogs to the Florida area because of the insects. I was told that the small dogs get terribly infected by the bugs. So....Any feedback on this subject you have would be greatfully appreciated. We are going to the Orlando area and Vero Beach. Thank you.
DISCUSSION:
I really wouldn't worry too much about bugs here in Florida in March unless one is talking about fleas, which it is possible that these little devils could hitch a ride. As for Mosquitoes they usually are not out until late spring or summer. And most of the time you aren't really bothered too much by them in the city only in area's with woods. When it is mosquito time the city sprays. Now this is not to say that you will not see any bugs, as Florida has all kinds. Orlando is a beautiful city with much to see, Sea World, Universal Studios, Disney, Chruch Street Station and a whole lot more. Hope you enjoy your stay here. I've been here for almost 50 years, born and raised in this lovely town.
BarbaraO
Carol, I don't know who told you what, but I just moved up north here from Orlando. I had Diva there for 11/2 years and we never had a problem. Of course use your head as with anything. Be sure shots are up to date and in Florida you use heart worm medication year round. I know alot of wonder full maltese owners and breeders in Florida, and I don't ever recall them having excessive problems, go and enjoy the sunshine. I plan to be there in January myself, along with Diva and Fancy. MaryP
Mary Palmer
Please see your vet no later than January to begin flea, tick and heartworm prevention for your Florida vacation. And also go over your pet for ticks everytime he/she comes in from outside. Heartworm is terrible down south and is caused from mosquito bites to your animal. Keep your dog away from creeks, canals, etc. noted for mosquitos. We were in Orlando and Marco Island, and I'm sure I removed a tick a day. Good Luck!
Gail
Carol...I live in the Orlando and have a little Maltese. I have lived here for 30 years and have had several dogs which have lived long lives. I do keep Jake on heartworm medicine. We have flea problems, I guess like everywhere else but other than that, no problems. March is generally rather cool in Orlando. I don't think you have anything to worry about.
Hope you have a great vacation!
Marlene
What people are talking in such a slanderous way about Florida? There is more lymme disease in upstate New York and New Jersey than here!! You can get it in your backyard up there from those little deer ticks. Our fleas die just as fast with Advantage or BioSpot (which I like because it repells mosquitoes). I assume if your dog is outside in New York in summer you treat him with a heartworm preventative. You would also do that here, just more months of the year if he is outside at any time where there are mosquitoes. We all live in air conditioning most of the year along with our dogs. I recommend Maltese be paper trained so they don't have to go outside during rain downpours that can go on for hours. But it's never too cold. You will love it in Florida, the Sunshine State. Some of the finest Maltese are from Florida such as Marcris, C and M, Russ Ann, Windsong, and my own (I mention humbly) Gulfstream. We are the old timers and there are a lot more today on the finer breeders list. March through May are, I think, our most beautiful months.
Mary Lou
Carol, I have lived in Fl. all my life. Yes, we have BUGS! Never had a problem with my animals, they are on heartworm medicine year round, they only go out to do their potty. Thank God I haven't had a flea problem, but I do have advantage on hand incase I find a flea. Comming from the north to Fl. I would recommend using the advantage,as your going to the Orlando area and to the theme parks, where you'll have to put your doggie in a kennel, and who knows what dog was in there before yours. Or maybe, just leave the doggie in the motel your staying at while your visiting the many attractions in Orlando. You and your doggie will be just fine.
Dottie & Tasha
don't worry about FL. listen to what the others have said.
i'm from tampa, and tenny (my 7 year old maltese) is too. mosquitoes will bother you more than your dog. their hair protectes them. ifyou're going to be camping or something, then you would have to worry about ticks, but otherwise, they shouldn't be a problem.fleas are a problem, but tenny has a special creme rubbed into his hair once a month, and that keeps them away very nicely. so, don't worry and have a nice time in FL
juancarlos
My 10 year old Maltese named Jordan has lived in Florida for
his entire life and the only problem that I have had is mold
in the grass. He is allergic to it. But with the right pet
care Jordan is now fine. But his mold allergies did'nt even
develop until he was eight. I am sure your vacation with your
family will be great. I would'nt worry about it. If you go
to Disney to stay, the Kennel and Walt Disney World Majic kingdom location, is a wonderful place for them while you are in
the parks. HAVE A WONDERFUL VACATION!!!!
Jordan's Mom
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Please bear in mind when reading topics pertaining to health issues, that most of these questions were answered by helpful Maltese owners with no formal education in veterinary medicine. When in doubt seek a professionals advise.