Does your dog get super excited when he hears the word ‘park?’ The dog park is one of Fido’s favorite spots! Our canine pals 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.

Identification

Safety first! Make sure that Fido has been microchipped, and is wearing proper ID tags. You can never be too careful!

Training

Before taking Fido to the park, make sure he obeys simple commands, like Sit, Stay, Come, and Heel. It’s important for you to be able to call your canine buddy back to you if need be.

Preventative Care

Keep up with Fido’s parasite control and vaccinations. We can’t overstate how important this is! Dog parks are often hot spots for heartworms, which are spread via mosquitoes. Your pet could also pick up fleas, ticks, or other parasites. Ask your vet for more information.

Playmates

Socializing is very important for Man’s Best Friend, both mentally and physically. It’s particularly crucial for puppies. Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that every pooch at the park will be gentle and polite. Keep an eye out for aggressive pups, rowdy dogs, and/or female dogs in heat. If you see any bullying or bickering, take your pooch for a walk instead.

Water

Many dog parks have faucets or spigots available. Others even have fountains for their furry guests to play in. However, you should always bring water for Fido, just in case there are no working spigots. We recommend that people get into the habit of keeping a gallon or two in your car. That way, if there is no water available, your furry friend will still get the hydration he needs.

Discretion

Dogs can get quite jealous and competitive with each other. This can become an issue at the park, particularly with food and toys. You may want to try working on Fido’s training at the park, but be discreet. If your pup’s buddies notice those dog biscuits you brought, you may find yourself at the center of a ruckus.

Time It Right

We’re moving into fall now, and the hottest weather is behind us. However, you’ll still need to pay attention to temperatures. When it’s really hot out, don’t bring your pooch 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 in Pelham, ON, we are here to help!