Does Fido get super excited when he hears the word ‘park?’ The dog park may very well be one of your pup’s favorite spots! Our canine buddies both enjoy and benefit from being able to interact and play with other pups. However, you will need to take some precautions to keep your furry friend 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.
Water
Many dog parks have faucets or spigots. Some of them even have fountains for their furry guests to play in, which is of course adorable to watch. However, you should always bring water for Fido. Get into the habit of keeping a gallon or two of water in your car. That way, if there is no water available, your cute pet will still get the hydration he needs. (This is also handy for emergencies.)
Preventative Care
Keep up with your pup’s parasite control and vaccinations. We can’t overstate how important this is! Dog parks are often hot spots for heartworms, which are carried from dog to dog via mosquitos. Fido could also pick up fleas, ticks, or other parasites. Ask your vet for more information.
Identification
Make sure your furry buddy has been microchipped, and is wearing proper ID tags. You can never be too careful!
Discretion
Dogs can get quite jealous and competitive with each other. You may want to try working on your furry friend’s training at the park, but be careful. If Fido’s buddies notice those dog biscuits you brought to use as rewards, you may find yourself at the center of a ruckus.
Playmates
Socializing is very important for Man’s Best Friend, both mentally and physically. Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that every pup at the park will be gentle and well-behaved. Keep an eye out for aggressive pups, and/or female dogs in heat. That situation can create a lot of tension and bickering, especially among dogs that haven’t been fixed.
Time It Right
We’re moving into fall now, and the hottest weather of the year is behind us. However, you’ll still need to pay attention to temperatures. When it’s really 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!