All About Dog Park Safety

If you like to take your dog to the park to interact with other canines, you should be cautious when doing so. While dog parks can be an excellent way to give your dog the exercise and social time that he or she needs, they can also be the scene for dangerous dog attacks or for pets to spread illness. Like children at school, there can be bullies at a dog park. You spot a dog that repeatedly pins another fog down and does not back off when the dog gives a yelp, then keep your pup away. Chances are that this is a dog park bully that may be on the attack. If your dog tucks his or her tail or licks its lips, these may be signs that your dog is uncomfortable with the other pets around.

Sometimes yawning, barking while backing away from another dog, or retreating when a dog approaches can be signs that your pooch is not enjoying the dog park and would do better at home. If you let your pet play with the other dogs at the park, make sure that you watch it carefully. If your pet turns hostile, put him or her back on the leash. Sometimes you may want to guard your pet from other pooches of different sizes. For example, if you have a Great Dane you should keep him or her from getting too close to a small dog like a Chihuahua or a Maltese.

If you have a small dog, then you may want to keep it away from large dogs that could harm it. Never take your dog to a dog park unless it has had all of its vaccinations. Dogs can often carry contagious disease, so you will want to make sure that your pet has been properly treated before bringing him or her around other pets. Talk to a local vet if you believe that your dog has contracted an illness from a dog park, or if your pet was attacked during a doggy play date. Use this directory to find a vet near you that you can rely on to care for your animal.