14 Safety Tips for the Dog Park -

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With the weather warming up everyone is ready to hit the great outdoors, more so with the C19 situation.

While the Dog Park can be an enjoyable and safe place for our pets, we need to make sure that we take the right steps to protect our dogs while there.

Stay up to date on vaccines. Your dog can encounter viruses and parasites at the park. Confirm he’s current on vaccines like rabies and distemper/parvo. Your vet might also recommend vaccinating against kennel cough, canine influenza, and leptospirosis
If you have a puppy and it is under 12 weeks old DO NOT bring them to a dog park. If the puppy is not fully immunized, and their young immune systems will struggle to fight common infections
If you dog has poor recall skills you will want to keep them on a leash. You can purchase longer leashes that are 10’ 15 and 20’ feet long. These leashes are great for allowing your dog to run but still able to control the distance they go.
If you dog has seizures make sure there are no bodies of water around that they may wander into and accidently drown should they have a seizure in the water.
You will also want to keep an eye on your dog, should your dog start to have a seizure other dogs may attack your dog during the seizure
Be aware of the other dogs that are around. Not all the dogs are friendly.
If you dog does not share well with other dogs you might want to try and find a quite place in the dog park to play with your dog and not have another come running to try and join in the fun.
Some folks will let their dogs run around while not having great control over their dog. Some dogs will even jump on you while the owners may think that it is funny.
Pick up after your dog even when you are at the dog park. No one wants to step in dog poop let alone having it all over your dogs paws.
Make sure the dogs don’t drink water from ponds or standing water holes. Its best to bring your own water and provide plenty of water for them. (Parasites can be spread through feces and shared water bowls.)
Having a small first aid kit with you or in your car is a good idea in case your dog accidently hurts themselves
At the first sign of a problem, like growling, mounting, or other aggressive behaviour that could turn into a scuffle, call your dog over for a break. If the behavior continues, leave the park.
You want to try and stop the situation before it begins
Should you find your pet in the middle of a dog fight DO NOT use your hands to try and separate them. If you have some water throw water on them or use a stick to try and break them up. If you use your hand or foot you may get bitten.