By Dr, Anne Chauvet
Our two Australian Cattle Dogs are extremely active. They love to run, chase a Frisbee and just be dogs. As I experience our local dog parks, I find myself having a few thoughts about the lurking dangers that hide behind the concept of a bunch of happy people and their amazingly social dogs all playing ball together. So I started reading a bit on the Internet, the gospel of it all, to see what experts and regular people had to say about dog parks. I researched stories and news. And here are my conclusions.
Dog parks are awesome because:
- We get out and exercise with my dogs and my kids.
- Our dogs run and explore new areas, happy smiles on their faces. Happy dogs = happy people.
- We get to show off our dogs and chat with people. This is great for both personal and business networking
- Dogs get exercise and tired! We get more peace at night especially with a puppy.
- Kids spend time outdoors, and play more with the dogs. Anything to get them away from electronics is a plus.
- You can discover your town … park-by-park.
- By making the dog park outings a ritual – we have consistent family time.
On the Flip Side:
- We value our park, pick up our dog’s poop and use the waste bins. Other people? Not always.
- If there is a natural body of water, alligators may be lurking: be vigilant!
- Grass pods and seeds can get caught and be challenging to remove, be ready to brush when you can home.
- While we hope that other dog owners make sure that their dogs are up-to-date – we can’t be sure. Be mindful of who your pup is playing with and monitor that activity.
- Flea and tick prevention is a must – anywhere in Florida – you don’t use and you visit dog parks, you will be dealing with parasites.
- Parents sometimes let small children wander. Theycan approach dogs and unknowingly provoke a dog. It’s not fair but it happens. Watch little kids carefully around your dog.
- If your dogs are like mine, they love mud! Keep a towel in the car to clean them up before your vehicle gets filthy. Some parks have rinsing stations.
Those are the easy things that can just be annoying but as a Veterinarian – there are other issues lurking in the park.
- Rabies – I have no doubt you are the responsible owner and all your pets are updated on their shots. It may not be the case for others.
- Leptospirosis – transmitted in urine, this is a fatal disease that can lead to kidney and liver failure.
- Heartworm – mosquitoes transmit this one and, as you know, travel from victim to victim.
- Any tick borne disease, that is diseases passed on by ticks: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrichiosis, Lyme’s and more.
- Toxoplasmosis – this one is in cat feces and in dead animals- so watch what your dog eats at the park.
- Respiratory viruses – don’t need much exposure for these to get to your dog.
- Cuts and lacerations.
- Leashes are rarely used and the extension leashes do not count – that can be a problem if two dogs do not see eye to eye. Dog fights can happen so quickly.
- Heat strokes: No water source so if your dog overheats, there is no hose to help cool it down.
- Noted a few water moccasins and I know in the Fall, the rattlers are fierce due to breeding season.
Despite the long list of things to watch out for at the dog parks, I still love them and so do my dogs. But let us all be responsible owners and before heading to dog parks, make sure on the following.
- Vaccinate your dogs on time
- Use tick, flea and heartworm control from a reliable source: your veterinarian
- Have high value treats with you to help your dog focus on you when needed.
- Make sure dogs get to know each other slow before playing together. There is always one to be the boss and difficult (not at all thinking about my bitch Cattle Dog, nope, no, no way…okay, yes)
- Keep children away from dogs that are rough housing or it can end in an ER visit.
- Do not use dog parks to “socialize” your dog. Your dog should already be socialized in an appropriate training environment prior.
- Do let your dog eat stuff off the ground, nor drink the water there- bring water for your dog to drink there.
- Avoid the hot times of the day.
- If your dog is in heat, keep her at home
- If your dog is sick, keep it home – no sharing of bad jujus please.
- Know where your ER clinics are and their phone numbers if your veterinarian is closed. It can be the difference between life and death for your dog.
Well, I hope you still see that the Sarasota Paw Parks are still a fun place to be and by staying responsible and accountable, it can be for everyone else too.
This article is written by Dr. Anne Chauvet, Veterinarian and Specialist at CriticalVetCare, 4937 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231; 941-929-1818; www.criticalvetcare.com. CriticalVetCare is an emergency and specialty hospital for pets 24/7 with a Passion to Care and a Mission to Cure.