Florida and Dogs

[MyMaggie_May]

This summer I am moving. Originally I was planning to move out to Las Vegas Nevada. But im still keeping my options open. I have also considered moving to Florida or possibly Georgia. Now as a family years ago we used to visit Florida every spring and summer. We would bring our toy poodle Gideon with us as well. And from what I can remember fleas were a HUGE problem.

Now when I move I am obviousely taking Maggie and my other dog Dozer. And I was just wondering if there were any members here from Florida that could give me some insight on fleas and ticks in Florida. Maggie has never had a flea problem here and neither has Dozer. I am just wondering if I really keep up on them both could they live comfortably. I just don't want to be infested with fleas.

[KennelMom]

Fleas can be a problem pretty much anywhere in the south. Along with fleas, you have ticks...and sand ticks if you live near the beach. they like to dig in to the dog's feet. With the ticks you have an increased risk of tick bourne disease like Ehrlichia. Provided you keep them on flea/tick preventative (probably year round in Florida), it shouldn't be a problem.

[calgal]

I lived in Florida for 7 years and never could get used to all the http://www.dudeface.com/pbdefinit.htmlhorrible mosquitoes, roaches (that they call palmetto bugs. HAH). And the humidity was horrific ALL year long.
It was a 24-7 ordeal keeping fleas ticks and mosquitoes off ourselves and the dog. My two oldest boys got infected mosquitoe bits two years on a row, one got some kind of worm that crawled up his leg from the inside and it had to be frozen twice.
If you do choose to go live in a swamp (and that's exactly what FL. is) then stock up and be prepared to live with insect repellent on your body for the rest of your life. I don't recommend that way of life, but I'm not fond of all those spiders and bugs down there either.

[roman]

iceybluesibes lives in florida so you could ask her how the dogs handle things down there

[MyMaggie_May]

Originally Posted by roman

iceybluesibes lives in florida so you could ask her how the dogs handle things down there

Okay thanks I will have to PM her .

[IceyBlueSibes]

I lived in Florida for 7 years and never could get used to all the http://www.dudeface.com/pbdefinit.htmlhorrible mosquitoes, roaches (that they call palmetto bugs. HAH). And the humidity was horrific ALL year long.
It was a 24-7 ordeal keeping fleas ticks and mosquitoes off ourselves and the dog. My two oldest boys got infected mosquitoe bits two years on a row, one got some kind of worm that crawled up his leg from the inside and it had to be frozen twice.
If you do choose to go live in a swamp (and that's exactly what FL. is) then stock up and be prepared to live with insect repellent on your body for the rest of your life. I don't recommend that way of life, but I'm not fond of all those spiders and bugs down there either.

What area did you live in?

I really wouldn't call Florida a swamp. Sure, if you live down near the everglades, that's a different story. If you keep a lot of standing water around your home or neighborhood, then mosquitoes are horrible.

I've lived here my entire life. 18 years. I have never had a huge problem with fleas, and never had to deal with ticks on any of the dogs. The summer months are usually when I would have to keep flea prevent on the dogs, and the mosquitoes were worse.

Since I've disinfected my house for fleas, and rid the dog and cats of fleas, I haven't had a problem since and I don't use flea prevent on any of them. If they happen to get some, then I'll slap the prevent on them and disinfect the house with spray.

I am not trying to get on a high horse here, but I wouldn't really say that bugs are everywhere here. The way I took it, is that you have made it out to be a horrible place to live. It's really not, and you have to look at the area. I'm not mad or what not, so I'm not looking for a shouting match or anything Just stating my opinion.

Where I live, it's beautiful and we only have mosquito problems when it has rained or there's standing water nearby. I have friends who live in other parts of Florida, and I'd say the same thing about where they live (Stuart, Tampa, Ocala, Jacksonville).

So, if you're looking to move to Florida. Consider the place you are in, and take prevention before you allow your house/dogs to become infested.

[calgal]

I lived in Orlando. And yes, Fl. is nothing but swamp land. It's everywhere around you. Standing water and swamps is what FL. is made up of and of course that mean mosquitoes by the countless zillions. All you see are those trucks spraying chemicles to try and keep the numbers down.
The humidity is unbearable. My closets and shoes were always getting mildew as well as the bathrooms and around all the windows and doors and on the outside of the house. I was always scrubbing everything.
Anyway, that's my take on FL. so sorry if it bothers anyone.

[IceyBlueSibes]

Hm that's very interesting. Cause I've never even seen trucks spraying for mosquitoes. There also are no swamp areas or standing water around me. Just a bunch of beach --

Ah well, I really don't see it, and would tell anyone to come see for themselves... but to each their own

[CheechoDorito15]

I live in Tampa, Florida and I usually find fleas more of a problem in the summer. I use Adams Flea and Tick Shampoo and it works great. I havent really seen many mosquitos and when I have don't really bite me. I agree with Iceey as long as you use the right preventives you'll be fine. Mine is just starting up with his scratching but we'll make it. Let me know if you need the name of the house spray we use.