Heather Ainsley
news@greenepublishing.com
Many dog owners love spending time with their dog. This may include a good, lazy lounge on the couch or a rambunctious romp in the yard. It may also include a fun outing away from home. Taking your dog out for a fun-filled adventure can be highly enriching for both you and your dog, but it can also be a bit of a challenge, as not all public places welcome dogs.
In an effort to take their dogs somewhere fun and interesting, many dog owners consider dog parks as a worthy outlet. But there is a lot of important information about dog parks that every dog owner should know, and the health and safety of your dog could depend on it.
Dog parks are highly stimulating places for your dog. There are a lot of smells, loud sounds and new faces to meet, which can be a lot for your dog to take in. It is important to have a clear understanding of what amount of excitement is comfortable for your dog, and what might be too much. An over-stimulated dog can often act out or behave in ways unlike their usual behavior, which can lead to some big problems, like dog fights, toy possession and unruly etiquette when interacting with other dogs and people.
It is no secret that dog parks see a lot of dogs come and go. With this is the presence of dog germs, and dog parks can be a breeding ground for sicknesses. Among the most common are:
– Giardia, a single-celled parasite that sometimes lives in the intestines of many mammals, including people. An infection of Giardia can lead to watery diarrhea, gas, nausea and vomiting and a decrease in appetite and energy. It is spread easily through contact with water, food or soil that has been contaminated with feces. It can even be transmitted when dogs sniff other dogs' rear-ends and then lick their noses. Similar to this is the risk of spreading hookworms, roundworms and tapeworms.
– Canine parvovirus, also referred to as parvo. This virus can be spread through contact with an infected dog, or even through sharing toys or bowls. Parvo is highly contagious and potentially deadly, especially for puppies between six weeks and six months of age. Up to date vaccinations can help protect your dog from this disease.
– Kennel cough, an infection of the trachea, or windpipe. While it is called kennel cough, it can be contracted anywhere large quantities of dogs gather, including dog parks, groomers and doggie daycares. Kennel cough can be passed by casual contact with an infected dog, including sniffing, sharing water dishes or toys or playing together. The most easily recognizable symptom of kennel cough is the presence of a tell-tale, hacking cough.
All of this sounds pretty risky, and many concerned dog owners opt to skip the dog park. But it can also be difficult to find a place where your dog can socialize and interact with other dogs, and other dog owners choose to weigh the risks with the benefits for their dog.
If you do decide to visit a dog park, there are ways you can try to keep your canine safe. First, consider your dog, and be honest about who they are as a canine. Does your dog like being around other dogs? Are they friendly, or are they nervous and aggressive around strangers, including people? Are they highly possessive of toys, or protective of you when others are around? Will time at the park actually be enjoyable for your pet? How does your dog behave when frightened or excited? What are the realistic chances of your dog getting into a fight or biting someone?
Not every dog will get along with other dogs they meet. Dogs are individuals, and often they pick and choose which dogs they enjoy being around, and which dogs they don’t. Even if your dog is well behaved with other dogs, there's no guarantee that every dog that comes to the dog park will be as well-mannered. Be prepared with a strong recall with your dog if a stranger dog starts to instigate a fight or scuffle, and pay attention to any signs of discomfort or stress your dog might be feeling. Be ready to intervene if needed. A dog will only give so many warnings before it fixes a problem itself. To avoid any potential injuries, be vigilant when visiting a dog park.
Be prepared to pick up after your dog. As a responsible pet owner, it is your job to pick up after your dog so that its mess isn't being stepped in, sat on or rolled over by other pets. The same goes for if your dog throws up or shreds a toy into tiny bits. If your dog makes a mess, clean up after them.
Consider bringing your own water dish to prevent your dog from drinking from standing puddles or community dog bowls. Keep your canine up-to-date on all necessary vaccines and dewormers to ensure they don't bring transmissible diseases and parasites into a public area where other dogs could contract them. A young, healthy dog may be able to overcome a virus like kennel cough in a week or two, but an elderly dog or a puppy may be less able to recover, and even a minor virus could be lethal. Do not bring a dog or puppy to a community dog park until they are at least six months old and have received all of their vaccinations from a licensed veterinarian.
When used properly, dog parks are a place of intense fun and play. While enjoying your time watching your pet fetch, run and meet new dogs, be sure to keep a close eye on them to ensure that they aren't overdoing it. Dogs often can have so much fun playing and running around after their new friends that they don't realize when it is time to find some shade or drink some water. They rely on us to remind them when it is time to take a quick break.
Socialization is a major component to raising a dog, and dog parks can be a great place for your dog to make friends, learn proper manners, burn off excess energy and have fun. To ensure that your dog is getting the most out of their visit to the dog park, set them up for success by paying close attention to their comfort and keeping their health needs in mind. Remember, if you aren't sure if your dog can handle being at the dog park, it's always best to wait. Work with your dog until you are confident that a dog park will be a fun and entertaining time for them. In the meantime, there's nothing wrong with a nice, relaxing walk on a leash.