Taking Your Dog to the Park

March 30^th Is Take A Walk In A Park Day! We’re pretty sure that our canine patients would be very enthusiastic about this special holiday. Going to a park is both fun and beneficial for Fido! After all, he gets to play with other pups, sniff new grass, and just enjoy being a dog. There are some things to keep in mind here, however. In this article from Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cy-Fair animal hospital, a local vet discusses taking your furry buddy to the park.

Be Prepared

Don’t take Fido to the park unless he has been microchipped, is wearing proper ID tags, and is current on his parasite control products and vaccinations. We also strongly recommend that dogs be spayed or neutered. You may want to keep copies of your dog’s paperwork with you. You can store digital copies on your phone, or keep paper ones in your glove box.

Choose Fido’s Playmate

It’s always great for Fido to get a chance to run and play with his pals. However, you will need to pay attention to the other pups at the park. If you notice any dogs bullying other pooches, take your furry friend for a walk instead, and try again later.

Bring Water Along

Our canine pals can overheat very quickly in that scorching Texas heat. Although many parks have fountains, it’s best to bring some water along, just in case. Consider getting Fido a doggy water bottle with an attached dispenser.

Training

Dog parks can be a great place to work on Fido’s training. It’s important to make sure that your furry pal will obey you even when there are distractions. For dogs, being surrounded by other pups is about as distracting as it can get, aside from perhaps being in a room filled with bacon.

Treats

Speaking of bacon, you’ll want to be discreet with food and treats. If Fido’s buddies notice that you’ve got the goods, you may soon find yourself surrounded by hungry pooches!

Leave Only Pawprints

Always pick up after your furry friend! Some parks provide waste baggies, but it’s a good idea to keep some in your car, just in case.   

Please reach out to us here at Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cy-Fair animal hospital, with any questions or concerns about your pet’s health or care. We are always happy to help!