Florida Pugs

Having pugs in Florida is nothing like having pugs in Indiana.

I knew going into this move that things would be a little different. I knew we’d need to do year round flea and tick protection- I heard about sand fleas right away and lucky us, our backyard is VERY sandy.

I know we’ll be happy when we don’t have to fight and drag them out in the snow and below zero temperatures. But the rain in central Florida in the summer is almost as bad. It seems to always rain when I have to take them out! And they DO NOT like it.

I can still take the pugs out back, but the critters drive me nuts. I saw a freaking SNAKE in our yard the other day. It moved much faster than I ever thought a snake could move (and don’t worry I confirmed it wasn’t anything venomous.) Our first week or so here, Harley got attacked by fire ants. 30+ bites/stings, like tiny tumors or zits, ALL over his leg. There are also tons of lizards, frogs, and bugs that the pugs try to chase. It’s a lot more involved than the easy backyard romps of Indiana.

Not to complain a ton- it’s not all bad. I guarantee it will only get better as the humidity subsides and temperatures cool a bit.

We felt our first real effects from the climate change though this week. Sophie had been having a hard time- scratching, having accidents, the whole nine yards. She just seemed miserable, not her normal happy and cute self. She was on a prescription food for years for her UTI issues, and we weren’t able to find it down here. We called the vet and made an appointment, and found out they could special order the food. Win!

It ended up being an expensive visit. Sophie has ear infections, one ear being pretty bad. She hasn’t had that issue since we first got her! And of course, the UTI. She has two ear medicines and an antibiotic. Then, the vet talked to B about the issues the pugs face being in Florida. He said pugs especially have a hard time with this climate. While she didn’t have any fleas, he had us switch from topical to oral flea medication. It’s more hardcore than the topical stuff, and can’t wash away from rain or a bath. He also suggested more frequent baths to rid them of irritating allergens.

We took the advice to heart and gave them a bath that night.

Dixie doesn’t love the bath at all, and dramatically shivers for a few hours after.

Sophie doesn’t like baths either, but Harley does. He tried to jump in after his turn was over! Sophie gave him a second bath while they were drying off.

I’m interested to see how the pugs’ attitudes and bodies adjust to this tropical locale. I think that overall, they will be thrilled with the move when they find out it means no more icy, frozen, snowy walks.

What location-related challenges are presented to your pets?