Scratchings-and-Sniffings

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Are Dog Parks Safe? Posted: 09 Jun 2010 10:20 AM PDT I was doing some research for a couple of summer health tip posts and I came across something about dog parks that I hadn't thought about before. Dog parks can be hazardous to you dog's health unless you take the right precautions. We love the dog park. It's a great place to socialize your dog and meet people that share your love of critters.   For single dudes with dogs it's a great place to show how sensitive you are and meet a nice woman. We take Miles at least once a week and he can tell when we are getting close. He loves the place.   What I didn't know was that many of my Veterinary colleagues are anti dog park. They have their reasons, many of which are quite logical. Your dog can pick up a dangerous virus like Parvo or Distemper and parasite eggs love the warm moist soil conditions found at many dog parks that try to keep the grass in place. Fleas and mange mites can transfer too, in the tussle for a tennis ball or frisbee.   Even for dogs with up to date vaccinations and good flea and parasite preventatives there are dangers too. The most common problem is related to behavior, according to one article I read. Some people bring poorly socialized dogs to parks and fights are not uncommon. I've never seen one at our park, but I've heard about some and I've seen some bared teeth and raised hackles. Offenders are usually shamed into not coming back.   It's always a good idea to be able to read dog sign language in anticipation of brawls and stop them before they get out of hand. I'm always on the lookout for aggressive posture displays with dogs that Miles doesn't know well.   Like one of the Vets quoted in the article, I'm still pro dog park. I think the benefits outweigh the risks if you've take the proper preventive health care steps to protect your pet. Miles would be seriously bummed if he was banned from the park. Guess that's why he holds still for his vaccinations and takes his parasite preventive like a man.    One thing I would not do is take a puppy to a dog park. They need time to develop immunity even with vaccines. Wait until a couple of weeks after they've had their final vaccine in the puppy series so their immune systems are on guard. You don't want a nine week old puppy mouthing a slimy tennis ball.

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