Dog parks are an excellent way for dogs to get some exercise and socialize. Dog parks can also do the same thing for the dog's human owners. But before heading out to the local dog park, make sure you know how to keep your pup safe from the common dangers of dog park visits. Here are a few things you can do at home and at the park to ensure the best experience for all.
1. Update Vaccinations
One of the biggest risk posed by dog parks is infectious diseases carried by other pets in the space. Dogs at the park may pass on kennel cough, parvovirus, and canine influenza, so be sure to keep your pet's vaccines updated on schedule.
In addition to these diseases, dogs can also share parasites like fleas and ticks. Talk with your vet about preventive measures to avoid coming home with these pests too.
2. Keep Your Pet Healthy
A healthy dog is a happy dog. When your pet
doesn't
feel well, they are more likely to exhibit bad behavior or act out in unexpected ways. Therefore, regular visits to the veterinarian are a must if you visit with other pets.
A general exam can reveal potentially irritating problems like mites, skin
allergies
or rashes, and joint problems that may make your dog uncomfortable outdoors in the dog park. If you have any specific concerns, address these preemptively with your dog's doctor so that conditions
aren't
exacerbated by being in the open environment.
3. Observe the Park
Before taking your dog to a particular dog park, visit it alone and observe what goes on. Look at the structure and maintenance of the park. Some public dog parks aren't well-maintained and may have poor fences, old and difficult gates, too much intermingling of large and small dogs, a lack of shade, or broken parts inside the fence where the dogs play. These present unnecessary dangers to your dog.
In addition to the structure of the place, watch how people interact and behave. Do dog owners supervise their pets, or
are they allowed
to continually misbehave? Do dogs generally respond to owners? Do owners pick up feces from the park and throw trash where dogs
can't
get to it?
Is fighting over resources, like toys, allowed
? Irresponsible owners - and their dogs -
should be avoided
.
4. Engage in Training
When your pup is in a space with strangers and pets you
aren't
familiar with, the situation can devolve quickly. Another dog may get aggressive or may want to play more roughly than your dog does. Something can startle the dogs. Kids may get closer than they should. Most of these potential risk points
can be easily neutralized
if your dog is trained to respond quickly and correctly to your direction.
5. Supervise Your Dog
When you go the dog park, keep in mind that this is primarily an outing for your four-legged friend. While
it's
nice to be social with other owners at the park, never let this distract you from paying attention to your pet. Two dogs being playful can turn into biting in an instant. A nervous dog can respond inappropriately to what looks like a casual interaction. And a swarm of dogs can unintentionally make your own feel trapped.
Do you have specific concerns about taking your furry friend to the dog park? Start by consulting with your veterinarian about how you can minimize the risks and maximize the fun. At
Pet Medical Center Of Vero Beach
, we can help you make sure your dog is healthy and safe. Call today to make an appoin
tment.
