March 30th is Take A Walk In the Park Day! We’re pretty sure that many of our canine patients would be more than happy to help us observe this unofficial doggy holiday. As it turns out, going to the park is both fun and beneficial for Fido. However, you will want to take a few precautions to keep yourself and your pup safe. An Eau Claire, WI vet discusses taking Fido to the park below.
Preventative Care
First and foremost, don’t take Fido to the park unless he is current on his vaccinations and parasite control products. Otherwise, your pooch could both contract and transmit dangerous parasites and viruses. Your furry pal should also be microchipped and wearing proper ID tags.
Gear
Retractable leashes can be great, but be careful here. You don’t want your pup getting tangled up with another dog!
Water
Dogs can get thirsty pretty quickly while running and playing with their friends. Most parks have some sort of spigot or fountain. However, it’s best to bring water with you, just in case. Consider getting your canine pal a collapsible dish or a water bottle with an attached dispenser.
Fido’s Buddies
Dogs really benefit from spending time with their own kind. However, not all pups are going to play nice. Before letting your furry buddy go off-leash, make sure none of the dogs are acting aggressive or bullying other pooches. If possible, choose parks that have separate areas for small and big dogs. A Great Dane may not be the best playmate for a Chihuahua!
Training
The dog park can also be useful for training. You want to make sure that Fido will always obey you, even when his buddies are around. Take a few minutes to run through some basics, like Sit, Stay, and Come.
Food/Treats
Be very discreet when offering Fido treats at the park. This could easily attract the attention of other dogs, which could start a bit of a ruckus. This is also something to keep in mind if you bring your dinner along to eat while Fido plays with his pals. Avoid things that give off strong scents.
Cleanliness
Always pick up after Fido! You may want to store extra waste baggies in your car.
Please reach out to us, your Eau Claire, WI vet clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!
