Does your canine buddy get super excited when he hears the word ‘park?’ The dog park may very well be one of Fido’s favorite spots! Your four-legged pal will 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.
Identification
Make sure your pooch has been microchipped, and is wearing proper ID tags. You can never be too careful!
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 via mosquitos. Fido could also pick up fleas, ticks, or other parasites. Ask your vet for more information.
Water
Many dog parks have faucets or spigots. Some even have fountains for their furry guests to play in. However, you should always bring water for Fido. Get into the habit of keeping a gallon or two in your car. That way, if there is no water available, your canine buddy will still get the hydration he needs.
Discretion
Dogs can get quite jealous and competitive with each other. You may want to try working on Fido’s training at the park, but be careful. If your canine friend’s buddies notice those dog biscuits you brought, 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 pooch 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 part of the year is behind us. However, you’ll still need to pay 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.
Please reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your local animal clinic, we are here to help!
