Dogs in a Dog Park - Potential Risks
One of the biggest risks is the spread of infectious diseases. To minimize your dog's risk of getting sick, make sure all its vaccinations are current. "Dogs that are very sick do not usually feel well enough to run and play at a dog park," says Dr. Sheila McCullough, formerly a veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital. "So serious infectious illnesses may not be a major concern. Common sense should tell a dog owner to keep a dog at home if it is coughing or vomiting or has diarrhea."
Another potential health hazard is injury from dog bites and fights. Serious injuries can be fatal. The best guard against this hazard is prevention. To prevent dangerous situations involving your dog, make sure your pet is well trained. If your dog does not come when called or has displayed inappropriate behavior around other dogs and people, then do not take your pet to a dog park.
Happy-go-lucky owners almost arrive to a dog park with a leashless dog. They come with the best of intentions, full of hope for a fun day and a promise of good times. Then, the dog sees a squirrel, a cat, or another dog... at best the good time is ruined by a chase; at worst a dog and/or person is hurt.
Dog Fights Another potential risk is dog fights. Your dog is attacked by another dog. You reach in, desperate to save your dog, and are bitten by another dog, who is clearly at fault for the vicious attack. It will be difficult to establish yourself as a victim and claim any medical expenses resulting from the incident, because your dog was off leash.
Health Risks Most dog parks depend on dog owners to keep dog parks clean. Without a regular clean-up crew, parks can be very unhealthy. Dogs can contract a variety of diseases, including worms, from untreated, infected animals. The assumption has always been that only loving, caring dog owners invest time and effort to take their (well-cared-for) dogs to the park. Not so. Weigh the health risks—your own and your dog's—before spending too much time in the dog park.
The dog park promises an hour of great fun, but the long-term ramifications of the dog park are often not what owners want. Dog parks teach dogs jump wildly on people, ignore the calls of their owners and, possibly, to fight. Dog trainers insist that the same kind of exercise and fun can be had by hiking/walking/jogging with your dog and going through the paces of dog obedience.
Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.
|