A Few Simple Tips for Ensuring a Fun and Safe Trip to the Dog Park
Guidelines
Dog Park Safety and Etiquette Guidelines
Bring only neutered or spayed dogs and only if they are older than four months of age.
Make sure your dog is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations (we recommend Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, Bordetella, and Influenza) and has a valid license.
Make sure your dog recently had a negative fecal test. Because of zoonotic risk, GWLAH, CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) recommend testing fecal twice yearly.
Bring water and a portable bowl to drink from - but not food.
Keep a collar on your dog. Even though your dog will be off leash in the park, it is important that your pet has a collar on at all times. A quick release clasp collar is the safest option for inside a dog park. Leashed dogs may feel defensive. Keep leash in hand to escort your dog in and out of park.
On very warm days reconsider bringing your dog to the park, or avoid the dog park during peak temperature hours, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The first visit to the park should be during a quiet time to see how your dog acclimates to the setting.
Obey all posted rules and regulations.
Check out the moods of the other dogs playing in park before entering.
Pay attention to your dog at all times.
Scoop your dog’s poop. Intestinal parasites pass through fecal to other pets and can contaminate soil.
Look for signs of overheating, including profuse and rapid panting, a bright red tongue, thick drooling saliva, and lack of coordination. If any of these symptoms occur, take your dog to GWLAH immediately.
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