Safety Tips For The Dog Park

Does your dog get super excited when he hears the word ‘park?’ The dog park may very well be one of Fido’s favorite spots! Your furry pal will both enjoy and benefit from being able to interact and play with other pups. Socializing is very important for Man’s Best Friend, both mentally and physically. However, you will need to take some precautions to keep your pet safe. A local vet offers some tips on this below.

Training

First things first! Before taking Fido to the park, make sure he obeys simple commands, like Sit, Stay, Come, and Heel.

Preventative Care

Keep up with your pet’s parasite control and vaccinations. We can’t overstate how important this is! Dog parks can be hot spots for heartworms, which are carried from dog to dog by mosquitos. Fido could also pick up fleas, ticks, or other parasites. Ask your vet for more information.

Identification

Make sure your canine buddy has been microchipped, and is wearing proper ID tags. You can never be too careful!

Water

Many dog parks have faucets or spigots available for patrons to use. Others even have fountains for their furry guests to play in. However, you should always bring water along, just in case. We recommend keeping a gallon or two in your car at all times. That way, if there is no water available, your cute pet will still get the hydration he needs.

Discretion

You may want to try working on Fido’s training at the park. Just be careful if you are using training treats. If your canine friend’s buddies notice those dog biscuits you brought, you may find yourself at the center of a ruckus.

Playmates

Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that every dog at the park will be gentle and well-behaved. Keep an eye out for aggressive pups, and/or female pooches in heat. That situation can create a lot of tension and bickering, especially among pups that haven’t been fixed.

Time It Right

We’re moving into fall now, and the hottest part of the year is behind us. However, you’ll still need to pay close attention to temperatures. When it’s hot out, don’t bring Fido to the park in the middle of the day. Go in the mornings or evenings, when it’s cooler out.

Please reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your local animal clinic, we are here to help!