Dog Park Related Conditions
As the weather improves, many people take there dogs to the dog park more often. DVM Magazine ran an article recently noting the most common maladies that occur associated with dog-park visits. Sprains and soft tissue injuries are the most common conditions. Not hard to imagine the dogs joyously running with reckless abandon and either running into something or straining themselves. Lacerations and bite wounds are second – also not hard to imagine that some people don’t realize their dog may not be appropriate for the dog park (and it ends up biting another dog). Hyperthermia, parasite infection, infectious disease are also on the list.
There are some general rules worth following to reduce illness and injury.
- Obey posted park rules
- Pay attention to your dog at all times. BE aware of other pets too.
- Make sure the dog is up to date on vaccines and has a valid license.
- Keep collar on dog
- On very warm days, avoid pard during peak temperature hours
- Look for sign of overheating (profuse panting, bright red tongue, thich drooling, lack of coordination).
They did a study of the top 10 cities for Dog Parks. I’m proud to say that Portland was rated #1 with 5.7 dog parks per 100,000 residents. San Francisco was a worthy 4th with 3.3 dog parks per 100,000 residents. Though they didn’t include communities the size of Springfield/ Eugene, I’d like to think we are doing quite well too!
