A dog park is a great place for your dog to exercise, socialize with other dogs, and bond with you but is it really safe for them? In this listicle, we will learn what hidden dangers are lurking around when you walk your dogs to the park and what signs we should look out for. Being aware of these dangers, we can react accordingly and provide the treatment our dogs will need when they are hurt. Without any more delays, let’s jump right in.
10. Cuts and Scratches
Dogs run around a lot in wide-open spaces like the park and can walk on sharp objects, such as exposed nails, shards of glass, sharp rocks, or metal. When this happens, they can get cuts or scratches. As first aid, try to clean the wound with disinfectant to prevent infections.
9. Foreign Objects In Paw Pads And Broken Nails
As your dogs move around the park, they can step on small objects that end up lodged between their paw pads and toes. Things like small rocks or pieces of wood can cause discomfort to your pet. When this happens, check your dog’s feet once you get home and remove the object causing the pain, if there is any.
8. Burned Paws
A sunny day is always ideal when going for a walk with your dog, but you can’t feel the temperature of the street you’re walking on since you wear slippers or shoes. However, your dog doesn’t wear protection on his feet and might feel the heat coming from the pavement, which can cause burns on his paw pads. If this happens, contact your vet right away to get the proper medication to soothe those burns.
7. Dog Bites
When taking a walk with your dog in the park, it is common to be there with other dogs, and this encounter might look like another animal is threatening you or him. Thus, dog fights can occur. After all the ruckus, your dog might end up with painful bites around his body trying to protect you. Bring him to the vet, have him checked, and get the proper medication needed to disinfect and treat your dog’s wounds.
To prevent this from happening again, try socializing your dog with other dogs he is familiar with before going to the park so that he feels much safer around other animals present there.
6. Fractures and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries (ACL)
Your dog can get seriously injured when playing around the park. Fractures can occur from getting hit by a car or falling from a great height. To prevent this from happening, never leave your dog unattended, and keep him close to you.
ACL is another painful injury your dog might get from running around, falling, or twisting his legs. When this happens, go to the vet immediately to get checked and get surgical treatment as needed.
5. Head Injuries
Head injuries are dangerous because they can lead to brain damage or a broken neck. When your dog is playing around with other dogs he might be unaware of his surroundings and can bump into trees or metal objects like swings and slides.
If your dog suffers from a hard bump and shows signs of pain, it is wise to go to your vet for a scan or x-ray. Afterward, your vet will advise you on how to deal with the head trauma they got.
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4. Giardia
Giardia is a single-cell parasite that can affect your dog’s intestine. Once they get infected it can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. This is transmitted through dirty water puddles that your dog can drink from, eating in soil that’s contaminated, and sniffing other dog’s rear ends. The scary part is your dog might not show immediate signs of infection.
To prevent this, bring your own water, food, and clean bowls for your dog, and never share with other pets present in the park. If you suspect your dog has giardia go to your vet to get treated as needed.
3. Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects your dog’s windpipe. They can easily get this when a large number of dogs gather in one place like the park or doggie daycare. Your dog can get infected by this illness through casual contact with other dogs like playing, sniffing each other, or sharing food and water.
To reduce the risk of getting kennel cough your dog should be vaccinated every few months, and if he gets sick, go to your vet for the proper treatment.
2. Canine Parvovirus
Canine Parvovirus is another highly contagious disease that dogs can get when they come into contact with other dogs and sadly this can be deadly. It is spread by direct contact with dogs who are infected, ingesting contaminated feces or vomit, or by sharing toys and bowls. If your dogs display symptoms like vomiting, fever, lethargy, and diarrhea, they might have contracted this disease.
During their puppy stages, your dogs should get multiple vaccine shots from your vet to reduce the risk of getting this fatal disease. Dog parents should keep their pet’s shots updated every year and if you suspect your pet has this infection, go to your vet immediately to get tested and treated accordingly.
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1. Drugs
Marijuana in dog parks has been an increasing concern of pet guardians for quite some time now as this substance is highly toxic to dogs, in large amounts whether ingested or inhaled. Symptoms of marijuana poisoning can include whining, loss of balance, lethargy, vomiting, shivering, and many more. These signs can appear 5 minutes to 12 hours after exposure and can last for 30 minutes.
The dog’s size also plays a role in how intense these symptoms affect them, with smaller dogs at a greater risk because of their faster metabolism.
If you suspect your dog is under the influence of marijuana, rush him to the vet or contact Animal Poison Control immediately.
From The Club
As a reminder always be aware of your dog’s surroundings and his actions when you go to the park. This will lessen the risk of him getting injuries or eating dangerous things. In addition, update your dog’s vaccines to avoid getting diseases he might get from other dogs.
