How-To: Prevent Puppy Getting Sick at Dog Parks

Dog parks are important tools people can use to ensure their dogs develop crucial social skills. Like humans, dogs are social animals and require social interaction to ensure proper mental and behavioral development. However, also much like humans, social contact can lead to harrowing life risks if dogs aren’t properly prepared for outside influences.

How to Prevent Your Puppy from Getting Sick at the Dog Park

Parvovirus, rabies, canine influenza and canine distemper are just a few of the life threatening health risks your dog could be exposed to at the dog park, which is why he/she needs to be prepared. Dogs also run the risk of catching fleas and ticks, contracting airborne respiratory diseases, experiencing dehydration and a long list of other issues that could result in serious complications when your puppy is back home.

Luckily for you, we have a few of tips to keep your canine companion and safe while socializing.

1. Make sure your dog is properly vaccinated. Puppies that haven’t been fully vaccinated should avoid dog parks at all costs. Many contagious diseases can be commonly found in the soil, water and air, and some dogs carry them without showing symptoms – not to mention neglectful owners who don’t even realize something’s wrong. Making sure your dog keeps up with his/her shots and is fully vaccinated will largely prevent him/her from contracting some of the most life threatening health risks dog parks have to offer.

2. Apply flea and tick protection before visiting. Fleas and ticks are practically guaranteed to reside at your local dog park regardless of how well maintained it is or how well-treated the common canine customers are, especially during warm weather. There are plenty of flea and tick protection products that will keep your dog free of parasitic pests. It is highly suggested you make use of them.

3. Bring your own water and water dish. Communal water dishes are breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and viruses. Your dog is going to need water, but there’s no reason he/she can’t hydrate safely. All you have to do is pack a couple bottles of water and dish for your dog to drink out of to ensure his/her stays as healthy and hydrated as possible.

Following these few tips will minimize the possibility of your dog coming down with something nasty from the dog park. A healthy dog is a happy dog, and doesn’t your dog deserve to be as happy as possible?