Does your canine companion 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 dogs. Socializing is very important for Man’s Best Friend, and the exercise and fresh air will benefit him both mentally and physically. However, you will need to take some precautions to keep your furry friend safe. A local vet offers some tips on this below.
Identification
Make sure Fido has been microchipped, and is wearing proper ID tags. You can never be too careful!
Training
First things first! Before taking Fido to the park, make sure he obeys simple commands, like Sit, Stay, Come, and Heel.
Preventative Care
Keep up with your furry friend’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 pup could also pick up fleas, ticks, or other parasites. Ask your vet for more information.
Water
Many dog parks have faucets or spigots on site. Others even have pet 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 the water isn’t working, your pup will still get the hydration he needs.
Discretion
Our four-legged pals can get very jealous and competitive with each other.You might want to try working on Fido’s petucation at the park, but be careful. If your dog’s buddies notice those dog biscuits you brought, you may find yourself in the center of a ruckus.
Playmates
Unfortunately, there are no guarantees that every pup at the park will be gentle and well-behaved. Keep a close eye out for aggressive dogs 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 almost behind us. However, you’ll still need to pay attention to the 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 outside.
Please reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your local animal clinic in Waterdown, ON, we are here to help!
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