If you have lived here for a few summers, you know the drill when it comes to Florida’s rainy season: clear skies in the morning, a downpour by 3pm, and a yard full of standing water by dinnertime. It is just part of life here, but at Paw Haven we want to make sure our clients and their pets are prepared for the hazards that come with the wet season, because some of them are easier to overlook than you might think.
Here is what to watch for once the wet season settles in!
Standing Water Is Not as Harmless
That puddle in the backyard or along your walking route might look like a fun splash for your pup, but standing water can carry some genuinely serious risks for dogs.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that thrives in moist environments and spreads through water contaminated by the urine of infected wildlife like squirrels. Dogs can contract it by drinking from or even just wading through contaminated water. It is also zoonotic, meaning it can spread to humans, which makes it a public health concern on top of a pet health one. Symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, excessive thirst, and muscle stiffness. Left untreated, it can cause permanent organ damage.
Giardia is another parasite that spreads through contaminated water. It causes gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss, and can also spread to humans.
Beyond bacteria and parasites, runoff from roads and lawns can carry motor oil, fertilizers, pesticides, and antifreeze into standing water. If you suspect your pet has come into contact with any of these, call your vet right away.
Paws-itively Perfect Tip from Paw Haven: The leptospirosis vaccine is worth discussing with your vet if your dog spends time outdoors. It is a once-a-year vaccine and a straightforward way to reduce a real risk.
Mushrooms Pop Up Fast After Rain
Another overlooked rainy season hazard is mushrooms. Florida’s warm, wet conditions are ideal for mushroom growth, and they can appear in yards and along trails seemingly overnight. Most are harmless, but some wild mushroom varieties are highly toxic to pets and can cause serious liver damage or neurological symptoms. The safest approach is to treat any wild mushroom as potentially dangerous. If you see your pet sniffing or chewing one, remove them from the area, snap a photo of the mushroom, and call your vet.
Muddy Paws and Wet Coats Need Attention
Less dangerous but worth staying on top of are wet and muddy paws after walks or yard time. A wet coat can develop skin irritation or hot spots, especially in dogs with thicker or longer fur. A quick towel dry goes a long way in keeping their skin healthy (and your floors cleaner)!
Mosquitoes Are an Ever-Present Problem
More rain means more standing water which means more breeding grounds from mosquitos. Heartworm is transmitted through mosquito bites, which is why year-round prevention is not optional here. If your pet is not currently on a heartworm preventive or has not been tested in the past year, that is worth addressing sooner rather than later.
Symptoms to Watch For
After any significant outdoor exposure during the rainy season, keep an eye out for lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unusual behavior. These can be signs of anything from a minor stomach upset to something more serious like leptospirosis or toxin exposure. When in doubt, call us! We would rather help you figure out it is nothing than have you wait on something that needs critical intervention.
The rainy season is just part of living in Florida, and with a little awareness it does not have to be stressful for you or your pet. If you have questions or want to make sure your pet is covered heading into the wet months, we are here. Call us at (863) 334-0158 or book online at pawhavenvet.com.
