Does your dog get super excited when he hears the word ‘park?’ It’s probably safe to say that the dog park is 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 four-legged friend safe. A local vet offers some tips on this below.
Identification
Make sure your canine pal 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 you and Fido to use, and some even have fountains for their furry guests to play in. However, you should always bring water along, just in case. Get into the habit of keeping a gallon or two in your car. That way, if there is no water available, your pup will still get the hydration he needs.
Training
Before taking Fido to the park, make sure he obeys simple commands, like Sit, Stay, Come, and Heel. This is important for both safety and doggy manners.
Preventative Care
Keep up with Fido’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. Your furry buddy could also pick up fleas, ticks, or other parasites. Ask your vet for more information.
Discretion
Dogs can get quite jealous and competitive with each other, particularly when there are resources, such as food and toys, involved. You may want to try working on Fido’s training at the park, but be careful. If your pet’s friends notice those dog biscuits you brought, you may find yourself at the center of a doggy ruckus!
Playmates
Socializing is extremely important for Man’s Best Friend, both mentally and physically. Unfortunately, there’s no way for you to guarantee that every pooch at the park will be gentle and well-behaved. Pay attention to the other dogs, and watch 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 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.
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