Does your canine buddy 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 pups. Socializing is very important for Man’s Best Friend, 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.

Training

First things first! Before taking Fido to the park, make sure he obeys simple commands, like Sit, Stay, Come, and Heel.

Identification

Make sure your pooch has been microchipped, and is wearing proper ID tags. You can never be too careful!

Preventative Care

Keep up with your pet’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. Fido could also pick up fleas, ticks, or other parasites. Ticks, in particular, can transmit Lyme disease, a serious concern for dogs. For more information on this topic, check out our article on Preventing Lyme Disease in Dogs. Ask your vet for more information.

Water

Many dog parks have faucets or spigots. Others even have 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 there is no water available, your cute pet will still get the hydration he needs.

Discretion

Dogs can get quite jealous and competitive with each other.You may want to try working on Fido’s training at the park, but 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

Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that every pooch at the park will be gentle and well-behaved. Keep an eye out 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 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.

Please reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your local animal clinic in Hobe Sound, FL, we are here to help! For more information on keeping your dog healthy and protected, including vaccinations and wellness check-ups, visit our Veterinary Wellness & Pet Vaccinations page. Regular preventative care is crucial for your pet’s health, especially if they frequently visit dog parks or other public areas.