Let's Talk Dog Park Etiquette!

For those looking for a space to run or socialize their dogs, the dog park offers a certain appeal. It's a fenced-in area where dogs can run around without any restrictions, don’t need a leash, and can play with other dogs for exercise that’s essential to their health.

However, for a visit to the park to be enjoyable for everyone, there are certain rules that must be followed by both owners and animals. These rules are sometimes posted at the entrance to the park, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case. So here's our advice for dog parks:

• Make sure your dog is healthy. He or she must be free of internal parasites (roundworms and other intestinal parasites such as Giardia) and external parasites (such as fleas, ticks, and mites). Vaccinations, including Bordetella (Kennel Cough), must be up to date. If your dog is ill or recovering from an illness, wait until they have fully recovered before going to the park. This prevents your dog, who may have a weakened immune system, from worsening their condition or transmitting something to other dogs.
• Remember that dog parks aren’t for every dog. Dogs that show aggression towards other dogs should not visit dog parks, especially when other dogs are around. For these dogs, visiting very early in the morning before other animals arrive is ideal. Avoid weekends.
• If you’re new to the park, it's important to understand how your pet behaves around other dogs before placing them in this high-energy environment. If your companion isn't comfortable around other dogs, placing them there may seem like punishment.
• Always supervise your dog when they’re playing in the park. This isn’t the time to leave them unattended for 1-2 hours. Active supervision is essential.
• Also, if your dog poops, it’s your responsibility to pick it up immediately (basic etiquette) to avoid any issues. If a fight breaks out, you’ll need to quickly find a way to separate your dog and calm things down.
• Avoid bringing treats to the park... this could spark a fight. Also, leave favorite toys at home and only bring a toy with little value.
• Assess the situation before entering the park. If you only see big dogs and yours is a small one, it might not be the right time to enter. The wrong combination of dogs could lead to serious problems.
• During periods of intense heat, ensure you have enough water to keep your dog hydrated.
• Finally, we remind you to avoid the dog park if your dog is in heat.

As you can see, following these simple rules is just common sense. This way, your visit to the park will be more pleasant for both you and your dog.

Reference

Based in part on the Lachine Veterinary Clinic blog
www.cliniqueveterinairelachine.com