Practical Guidance for South Florida

Seasonal Pet Health Tips for South Florida.

Practical guidance for the season we are in. From the team at Fort Lauderdale's independently owned emergency veterinary hospital.

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In Season Now Two dogs panting near a water bowl at golden hour in South Florida heat

In Season Now

This Season's Featured Tip.

Cane Toad Season · April – October

Cane Toad Awareness for South Florida Pets

Cane toads (also known as Bufo toads) are common throughout South Florida from April through October, with peak activity in summer. Their toxin can be fatal to dogs and cats.

Signs to watch for: heavy drooling, pawing at the mouth, red gums, disorientation, vomiting, or seizures after your pet has had contact with a toad.

What to do right now: rinse your pet's mouth with running water immediately, wiping outward and downward (never toward the throat) for several minutes. Then come in. Do not delay.

How to prevent it: inspect your yard at dusk and dawn when toads are most active. Keep pet food and water dishes indoors. Supervise outdoor time, especially after rain.

Call (954) 772-0420

Cornerstone tips

Six Tips, Rotating Throughout the Year.

Each tip is timed to South Florida's actual climate and risk patterns. Bookmark this page or sign up below to get the right one in your inbox at the right moment.

April – October

Cane Toad Season

How to recognize cane toads, what to do if your pet has contact, and how to prevent exposure.

Read the tip

May – September

Pet Heatstroke in South Florida

How to recognize heatstroke, immediate steps to take, and how to prevent it during walks, drives, and outdoor time.

Read the tip

June – November

Hurricane Preparedness for Pets

Pet-specific hurricane prep checklist, evacuation planning, supply lists, and what to do during and after a storm.

Read the tip

November – January

Holiday Hazards for Pets

Foods, plants, decorations, and stresses that put pets at risk during holiday gatherings.

Read the tip

February – April

Spring Plants and Allergies

Toxic spring plants common in South Florida, seasonal allergies in pets, and what to watch for as flora changes.

Read the tip

Year-round, peak summer

Pool and Water Safety for Pets

Drowning risks, teaching pets to find pool exits, gear that helps, and what to do after suspected near-drowning.

Read the tip

Get tips by email

One Useful Email a Month.

Once a month, we send a short email with the seasonal tip that matters most for South Florida pets right now. No fluff, no marketing. Just the kind of thing you would want a friend who happens to be a veterinarian to send you.

We never share your email. Unsubscribe any time.

Compassionate care. Always Here.

When the Season Changes, the Risks Change. We Will Keep You Ahead of Them.

If your pet is showing signs of a seasonal hazard right now, do not wait. Call us at (954) 772-0420 or come in.

Call (954) 772-0420 Book a Telehealth Consultation

Pet Emergency Center

921 East Cypress Creek Rd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

(954) 772-0420

Weeknights 5:00 PM to 8:00 AM
Weekends & Holidays Open 24/7