Pets should be vaccinated before going to park
Published in the April 16 – 29, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Dr. Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay
Dr. Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay
Dog parks may be the fastest growing segment of city parks in the country and are frequented by many dog owners. Although the dog park can be a good means of socialization and exercise for your pet, it can also be hazardous to canine health. Here are a few guidelines to help keep your pet safe and healthy at the dog park.
Vaccinations: Only fully vaccinated animals should go to the dog park, as animals in close or direct contact are much more likely to contract a communicable disease. The recommended vaccinations include distemper-parvo, rabies and kennel cough. Dogs who frequently visit the dog park are sometimes vaccinated more frequently for kennel cough.
Parasites: Dogs who frequent the dog park have a much higher likelihood of becoming infected with parasites through exposure to infected feces or eggs that may remain on the ground after the feces have been removed. All dogs visiting the dog park should be monitored for signs of parasitism (weight loss, diarrhea and vomiting) and be on a parasite control regimen. This can be discussed with your veterinarian and will likely include a combination of routine fecal examinations and anti-parasitic medications. Parasites can affect your pet’s health and some may also be transmissible to humans (especially small children).
Spay or neutering: If your pet is not spayed or neutered, he or she should not be permitted to attend the dog park off-leash. In addition to the risk of unwanted pregnancies, these animals are much more likely to engage in fights, whether as an instigator or recipient. Most animals we see that have engaged in fights with another dog are not neutered.
Common dog park-related issues:
• Sprains and other lameness issues
• Lacerations and bite wounds
• Kennel cough
• Insect bites and bee stings
• Parasites
• Parvovirus
• Hyperthermia (heat stroke)
Please use common sense when bringing your pet to the dog park.
• Do not bring sick or otherwise unhealthy animals to the dog park.
• Avoid times of the day when it is likely to be excessively hot.
• Know your dog and anticipate their reaction to other dogs.
• If your dog has never been to the dog park, walk around the outside perimeter on leash first to assess their response to the other dogs.
• Make sure your pet is up to date on all recommended vaccinations.
• Make sure your pet is receiving proper parasite control.
• Make sure your pet is spayed or neutered.
Dr. Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay received her undergraduate degrees in biology, biochemistry and Spanish from the College of Notre Dame, Belmont. She graduated from U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three young children, running, cycling and plans to return to her equestrian pastime in the near future.
