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 canine pal will both enjoy and benefit from being able to interact and play with other pups. October is perfect dog park weather! And while you’re enjoying autumn activities with your furry friend, don’t forget to check out our Tips for Dogs at Halloween for more seasonal advice. However, you will need to take some precautions to keep your furry friend safe while he’s with his buddies. A local vet offers some tips on this below.

Preparations

First things first! Before bringing your pup to the park, make sure he obeys simple commands, like Sit, Stay, Come, and Heel. Fido should also be microchipped and wearing proper ID tags.

Preventative Care

Keep up with your canine buddy’s parasite control and vaccinations. We can’t overstate how important this is! Dog parks can be hot spots for fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Heartworms are a particular danger, as they are carried from dog to dog via mosquitos. To ensure your dog is fully protected, visit our Veterinary Wellness & Pet Vaccinations page for more information on our comprehensive preventative care services. Ask your vet for more information tailored to your pet’s specific needs.

Water

Many dog parks have faucets or spigots. Some of them even have fountains for their furry guests to play in. However, you should always bring water with you. Get into the habit of keeping a gallon or two in your car. That way, if there is no water available, Fido will still get the hydration he needs.

Discretion

Our canine companions can get quite jealous and competitive with each other. You may want to try working on Fido’s training at the park. Just 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 dogs, 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 pooches, 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

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.

Have Fun

Last but not least, don’t think of going to the park as a chore. It’s a great chance to hang out with your canine buddy!

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