Taking Fido to the Park

Did you know that March 30th is Take A Walk In A Park Day? We suspect that many of our canine patients would be more than happy to celebrate this unofficial doggy holiday. Fido loves going to the park! Dog parks are actually quite beneficial for pups. Your pet will get to enjoy some fresh air and exercise, sniff new grass, and play with his buddies. A Jacksonville, FL vet offers some tips on taking your pooch to the park in this article.

Preventative Care

First and foremost, make sure Fido is up to date with his vaccinations and parasite control. Heartworm prevention is especially important here. Heartworms are transmitted from dog to dog by mosquitos, which makes dog parks a prime spot for infections. Your furry friend should also be microchipped and wearing current ID tags. As the saying says, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Water

Although many parks have fountains or spigots, we still recommend bringing water along, just in case they aren’t working. In summer, you may want to keep a gallon in your car. Consider getting your pooch some collapsible plastic bowls or a doggy water bottle with an attached dispenser.

Fido’s Playmates

It’s always good for dogs to interact with other pooches. Unfortunately, not every dog is well-behaved. Before letting your canine buddy go, take a minute to watch the other pups. If you see any bullying or aggression, bring Fido for a walk instead.

Time It Right

Dogs can overheat very quickly when they’re running and playing with their friends. In summer, visit the park in the mornings or evenings, when it’s at least a little cooler out.

Gear

Retractable leashes can be great in some situations, but they aren’t the best option for dog parks. It would be very easy for your furry buddy to get entangled with another dog if the mechanism snaps!

Food

It may be tempting to grab something to eat while Fido is playing with his pals. However, be discreet with any food or treats you bring. Otherwise, your meal will attract attention, and you may find yourself at the center of a doggy ruckus!

Pick Up

Don’t forget to pick up after your pet! Keep spare waste baggies in your car.

Please contact us, your San Jose, Jacksonville, FL vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!