Dog Safety at the Dog Park: Healthy and Happy

Taking our pooches to the dog park is a great way for them to unwind, exercise and have some good fun.  However, sometimes our canines can play too hard and can get injured.

Sprains, bites and trauma to the head are just a few of the possible injuries your pet pooch can get while out at the dog park.  As the temperature goes up, so do our visits to the dog park and Contra Costa Veterinary Hospital would like to take this opportunity to review pet safety tips with you!

Common dog park related injuries:

• Sprains and/or soft tissue injuries
• Upper respiratory condition/Kennel Cough
• Bites and cuts
• Trauma to the head
• Heat stroke
• Bites/stings from insects
  
• Difficulty breathing
  
• Broken/fractured bones
  

• Follow the rules of the dog park (often posted)
• Keep an eye on your pooch at all time
• Make sure your pooch is current on vaccinations, has a current county license and rabies vaccination
• Flea and tick medication will keep your pet from bringing home any unwanted friends
• If your pooch is under 4 months old, don't bring them!
• Does your dog have a collar? Make sure the identification on it is current
• 10am-4pm is most likely to be the hottest time of day, avoid the park during these hours
• Heat stroke symptoms to watch for are: excessive drooling or panting, 104-110 degree body temperature, twitching muscles, vomiting and/or bloody diarrhea, pale dry gums that are gray in color and tacky to the touch, staggering/stumbling when walking or inability to stand, wide-eyed look of distress or panic and difficulty breathing and increased heart rate.  If any of these symptoms occur, bring your pet to a veterinarian immediately
• Be aware of where the nearest emergency veterinary hospital is - just in case