Dead Iguana Kills Florida Woman's Dog, Partially Paralyzes Another

Bridget Garrison warns pet owners after her dogs ate a dead iguana, leading to botulism poisoning.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A woman in Palm Beach County, Florida, is warning pet owners after her two dogs ate a dead iguana in their yard following Florida's recent cold snap, leaving one of them dead and the other partially paralyzed from botulism poisoning.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers that dead iguanas can pose to pets, especially during Florida's cold snaps when the reptiles can freeze, fall from trees, and die. Veterinarians warn that the decomposing iguanas can lead to botulism poisoning in dogs that eat them, which can be fatal.

The details

Bridget Garrison's two dogs, Karma and Tally, ate the arms and legs of a dead iguana in their yard. Days later, Garrison noticed something was wrong, with Karma sliding around and unable to get up. Both dogs were taken to the vet, where they were diagnosed with botulism poisoning. Tally unfortunately did not survive, while Karma remains partially paralyzed. Veterinarians explain that during Florida's cold snaps, iguanas can freeze, fall from trees, and die, leading to bacteria and decomposition that can be deadly for dogs that consume them.

  • On February 19, 2026, Bridget Garrison's two dogs ate a dead iguana in their yard.
  • Days later, Garrison noticed her dogs were exhibiting symptoms of illness.
  • On February 21, 2026, Tally, one of Garrison's dogs, died from the botulism poisoning.
  • Karma, Garrison's other dog, remains partially paralyzed from the incident.

The players

Bridget Garrison

A woman in Palm Beach County, Florida, whose two dogs ate a dead iguana, leading to the death of one dog and the partial paralysis of the other.

Karma

Garrison's blue-tick hound dog that survived the botulism poisoning but remains partially paralyzed.

Tally

Garrison's other dog that died from the botulism poisoning after eating the dead iguana.

Dr. Evan Kadish

A veterinarian at Lantana-Atlantis Animal Hospital who explained the dangers of dead iguanas and botulism poisoning in dogs.

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What they’re saying

“Both dogs got a hold of an iguana in the yard that had been dead, I believe. They ate the arms and legs off.”

— Bridget Garrison (turnto23.com)

“She was sliding around trying to get up, and she couldn't.”

— Bridget Garrison (turnto23.com)

“They've eaten animals in the yard before — squirrels, rabbits, a dead chicken. But an iguana, apparently, they develop botulism.”

— Bridget Garrison (turnto23.com)

“Once they die, you have bacteria starting to decompose and dogs come along. You can start seeing hind-limb paralysis, and that will ascend the body eventually, causing more and more problems.”

— Dr. Evan Kadish, Veterinarian, Lantana-Atlantis Animal Hospital (turnto23.com)

“Just walk through your garden, have a look under your trees. Use gloves or whatever to dispose of them safely.”

— Dr. Evan Kadish, Veterinarian, Lantana-Atlantis Animal Hospital (turnto23.com)

What’s next

Garrison is focused on Karma's recovery while hoping to prevent other pet owners from experiencing the same tragedy.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a warning to pet owners in Florida about the dangers of dead iguanas, which can lead to botulism poisoning in dogs that consume them. Veterinarians advise proactively checking yards and gardens for any dead iguanas and safely disposing of them to protect pets.