Summer is coming! As the weather warms up again, many of our canine patients are absolutely delighted to get back outdoors. Fido will also be happy to visit the dog park. It’s great for dogs to run and play with their buddies! However, you do need to put your furry friend’s safety first. Read on for some tips from a Fayetteville, NC vet on taking Fido to the park.

Bring Water

Your canine pal can get very hot and thirsty running and playing with his pals. Be sure to bring lots of water along for him. We recommend this even when going to parks that have faucets or fountains, just in case they aren’t working.

Supervise Playmates

Unfortunately, not all of the dogs you meet at the park are going to be well-behaved. Take a minute to watch the dogs at the park. You want to look for pups that are bullying other dogs. Female pets in heat can also be a cause of commotion.

Avoid Retractable Leashes

Retractable leashes are great in some situations, but they can be a liability at dog parks. Fido could easily get entangled with another pooch. That could be very dangerous!

Get The Vet’s All-Clear

Not all pups are good candidates for doggy play dates. If Fido is still a puppy, you will want to hold off until he’s finished his first round of vaccines and parasite control. Senior dogs, pregnant ones, and pooches with medical issues should also get doctors’ approval.

Keep Up With Preventative Care

Speaking of vaccines and parasite control, make sure that your canine buddy is up to date on his! Dog parks can be hotbeds for diseases and parasites, especially heartworms. Fido should also be microchipped and wearing ID tags.

Time It Right

Fido can overheat very quickly in summer! When it’s really hot out, try to go to the park in the mornings or evenings, when it’s a little cooler out.

Be Careful With Treats

It’s not a bad idea to work on Fido’s training at the park. After all, you want your four-legged friend to obey you no matter where you are. However, you will need to be very discreet with treats. If your furry buddy’s playmates realize that you’ve got goodies, they could get a bit rowdy!

As your Fayetteville, NC animal clinic, we’re dedicated to offering top-notch care. Call us anytime!