danger to my dogs? (Glendale: scorpion, subdivision, live in)

[ukusagirl39]

I have an older dog with heatworm infestation who is too old to undergo treatment who takes monthly heartworm preventative. He also has a terrible case of arthritis as well as a large non cancerous growth on his chest that impedes some of his activity. I had hoped that lack of mosquitos would prevent reinfestation since the bet stated within two years of no reinfestation my boy should be heartworm free if all goes well.

[observer53]

Heartworm is not as much of a problem here as in more humid areas like the South, Texas, etc. I would think he would do well here in that respect.

[ukusagirl39]

That is great news as well. Lets hope that my dog and his tired old bones adapt well when and if we get there lol

[MotleyCrew]

Originally Posted by ukusagirl39

That is great news as well. Lets hope that my dog and his tired old bones adapt well when and if we get there lol

Watch out for Sonoran toads. They will kill your dogs if they lick or bite them.

[Grannysroost]

Originally Posted by MotleyCrew

Watch out for Sonoran toads. They will kill your dogs if they lick or bite them.

Ewwww, I found one of those and it was flocking huge, it disappeared the next day...now where is that thing and not sure if I want to know...

They also have snake training for dogs which surprised me, never head of that one before...

The problem I had with mine since it was hot when we came, was their pads became very sensitive to the heat and rocks and cracked and peeled, even with just limited time outside. I ended up rubbing aloe gel on their feet a few times a day..the bag balm worked great, but with greasey film and dirt...not good on the carpet

[ukusagirl39]

omg now I have to google Sonorian toads lol

[gammerus]

Not much really. during the summer they need access to the home or a ton of shade (even that may not suffice).

If you live anywhere near the mountains there are scorpions and rattle snakes. I don't live near that area so I don't worry about it, but I believe there are some sort of vaccines or something you need to keep on hand for such an emergency.

Bee swarms can also be a problem, while it is very rare, phoenix is home to africanized bees. I want to stress that this is rare, but it can happen so make sure to check for nests occasionally.

[Grannysroost]

Originally Posted by ukusagirl39

omg now I have to google Sonorian toads lol

Here is a picture of the one I found covered in dirt, this thing was big, and those eyes are evil...

[ukusagirl39]

what an ugly mother he is!!! Are they poisonous to people as well? Also about the bees, are they poisonous to people?have you had experience with them? What about those ugly looking ants I have seen on the net? What kinds of creatures are indiginous to there and what are your experiences? heck I think this should be in another forum lol.

[MarianR]

If you take your dog with you if/when you go hiking, please keep it on a leash. For the dog's safety - from snakes and cacti, and for those of us who do not like being jumped or sniffed you know where by strange dogs.