Miami Puppy Care Guide: Heat, Toads, Parasites and Hurricanes

Miami is a wonderful place to raise a dog, but South Florida brings a few risks that dogs up north never face. Every breed guide on our site covers how heat affects that breed. This page covers the basics that apply to every puppy.

Heat and heatstroke

Walk early in the morning or after sunset, keep midday trips short, and always bring water. Keep your home cool with AC. Flat-faced breeds, thick-coated breeds and very young puppies overheat fastest.

Know the signs of heatstroke: heavy panting, drooling, bright red gums, vomiting, or stumbling. Move your dog somewhere cool, offer water, and call your vet right away.

How hot is too hot for a walk?

Press the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds. If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for your dog's paws. Stick to grass and shade on hot days.

Never leave a dog in a parked car

Not even for a few minutes with the windows cracked. A parked car in Miami heats up dangerously fast.

Parasites all year

South Florida has mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks all year, and mosquitoes spread heartworm. Ask your vet about year-round heartworm, flea, and tick prevention.

What should I do if my dog licks a cane toad?

Cane toads, also called Bufo toads, come out at night, especially after rain. Their skin releases a toxin that can be deadly to dogs. Check your yard with a flashlight before letting your dog out at night.

If your dog licks or bites a toad, wipe or rinse the mouth with water, pointing the head down so the water runs out, and call your vet or an emergency animal hospital immediately.

Pools, boats and the beach

Supervise every swim, teach your dog where the pool steps are, and use a dog life vest on boats and at the beach. Some breeds, like French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs, can't swim at all, so fence or watch the pool. Rinse off salt water and chlorine and dry the ears well afterward.

Hurricane season

Hurricane season runs from June through November. Keep a kit ready to go:

• A carrier or crate that fits your dog
• Several days of food and water
• Medications
• A copy of vaccine records
• A recent photo of your dog

Make sure your dog's microchip is registered with your current phone number.

Find breed-specific tips in our breed guides, or ask us anything.