Does your dog enjoy going to parks? If so, mark your calendar: Take A Walk In The Park Day is on March 30th. Many pooches like going to parks. This makes complete sense. Fido is, after all, quite active by nature. He also enjoys sniffing around new places, hanging out with his friends, and traveling with his favorite humans! However, there are some factors to consider. Continue reading for tips on taking your dog to the park from a local veterinarian in Ellicott City, MD.
What Is “Take A Walk In The Park Day”?
The holiday began as a reminder of the positive effects of spending time outside. Exercise, fresh air, and sunshine are beneficial to all of us. Spending time outside can be extremely beneficial to our bodies, minds, and spirits. One study found that people who were able to see trees from their apartments were less aggressive than those who couldn’t. Although the holiday was originally intended for humans, Fido is more than welcome to join!
What Advantages Do Dog Parks Offer?
There’s a reason why dog parks have popped up all over the country in recent decades. These could be fantastic for our canine companions!
parks allow Fido to run and play freely. This is especially useful for people who live in apartments. Allowing your canine companion to roam freely in parking lots or along roadsides is simply not safe. A fenced park, on the other hand, provides an excellent opportunity for fido to get some exercise and play. That is critical for both your pet’s physical and mental wellness. Dogs, like humans, require physical activity to maintain good health.
Fido will benefit from the mental stimulation. Canine companions learn a lot about the world through odors, so simply pausing to sniff the grass (and the shrubs, trees, and flowers) can be quite educational for your furry best friend.
Socialization is another issue. Our canine companions are naturally sociable, and they frequently benefit from interacting with other canines. This is especially important for puppy owners, because socializing should take place when your dog is still young. Once your canine companion reaches roughly 12 weeks old, that window starts to close. Contact your veterinarian for further information.
You could also reap the rewards of visiting the park. Everyone benefits from spending time outside, and it may help deepen your bond with your beloved pet.
Are There Downsides To Taking Fido To A Park?
There are certain downsides to taking Your dog to the park. The largest one is the possibility of your pet being attacked by another dog. These instances are rare, but they do occur. (This is why selecting the ideal location is critical.)
There is also a risk that your pooch could contract parasites or illnesses from other dogs in the park. Keeping Fido’s preventative care up to date will help safeguard him. However, if you’ve just gotten your pet, you’ll need to wait until your vet gives the go-ahead. Some immunizations must be administered in a series, so your four-legged pet will not be protected until he has had all of his boosters.
Another potential threat is that of Fido running away. This is mostly a worry in parks that are not securely gated, of course.
Also, bear in mind that not every dog enjoys parks. If your pooch is fearful or uneasy around other dogs, going to the park may be frightening for him. That could lead to behavioral issues, which you do not want.
How Can I Keep My Dog Safe at the Park?
When it comes to animal care, an ounce of prevention is worth a few pounds of cure. That definitely applies here!
First and foremost, Consult your veterinarian. If you have a nice, healthy adult dog, Fido may benefit much from a trip to the park. However, pups, seniors, and dogs with medical difficulties may not be suitable for park visits. If your dog is reactive, afraid, or violent, he may not be an ideal fit for a trip to the park. Make sure that your dog is up to date on all immunizations and parasite control. Fido should also be microchipped and wearing current identification tags. (Tip: We recommend adding the word ‘Reward’ to your pup’s tags to encourage people to reach out.)
Choosing a good park is also important. Ultimately, some parks are simply better than others. Look for one with positive reviews. You can also review amenities like play fountains.
Your Ellicott City, MD veterinarian may also be aware of something you are not, like a new infection or outbreak.
Next, be sure to vet your puppy’s playmates. Check out the other dogs before letting your pet play. The most serious concern is aggressive dogs. If you see any animals being rowdy or bullying other dogs, be safe and take your cute pet for a stroll instead. Return to the park another time.
Many parks separate big dogs from tiny canines. Keeping Fido among dogs of a similar size can assist to level out the odds.
We would also advise bringing some water along. Although many parks provide fountains, it’s recommended to carry your own water. But, it’s best to avoid bringing lunch. It may sound enticing to eat while your pet is playing, but there are a few drawbacks. Fido’s friends will undoubtedly notice any tasty treats you provide, and they will likely pick up the tantalizing scent of your meal. As you may expect, this can lead to friction and even fighting. You may also find yourself surrounded by a pack of pups that are very interested in your food. Be discreet!
Many parks have seats or picnic tables where people can sit while their dogs run and play. This is an excellent time to listen to a podcast or speak with a buddy. However, if you do listen to music or make a phone call, avoid turning up the level too much. You must be able to hear sounds like barking or shouting.
Read the park rules before going in. Be sure to read all park signs and postings before entering the park. These may include important information. For example, if there are hazardous plants or a large number of ticks in the region, the park may issue a warning.
Explore Different Parks With Your Canine Companion
Consider installing a pet-friendly app, like Bring Fido. These can be quite useful for discovering previously unknown locations. You might be amazed by how many amazing places there are within an hour or two.
Make the most of your outdoor time with pals, not just your dog. This is also a terrific place to meet up with friends or family members who own dogs! You may also find the park can be a great place for both you and your pet to make new friends.
Book an Appointment at Your Ellicott City, MD Animal Hospital
Do you want to learn more about our dog park? Is it time for your dog to have a checkup, vaccinations, or parasite control? Contact us, your pet clinic in Ellicott City, MD, now! We are dedicated to offering top-notch care!
