Dogs
My new labradoodle is going to be a big, energetic dog in no time, I am sure. I want to be able to take him places and know he will be friendly with people and dogs. I want to have him visit a dog park to learn to play like a real dog should. When will he be old enough to go to the park safely? Should I start him out in the small dog park? Do you have any suggestions on keeping him healthy if we visit the park a lot? I do not want him to get sick, but I do want him to get plenty of playtime and exercise. Can you give me some advice on the health issues that might be a problem with regular dog park visits.
Sincerely,
K
Ideally he would not go to a dog park, pet store or grooming facility before having all of his puppy vaccinations. Obviously he will be exposed to more diseases at these locations because there are more animals. I do think that it is very important for him to get plenty of exercise, so a dog park is a great place to go.
I would choose to go to a dog park in the 'off hours.' Find a time when it is not so crowded, like maybe between 9-5 on a weekday, and avoid the weekends initially. See how he does.
It is a must to be on heartworm preventive and flea preventive once a month in Florida. By giving these, it will greatly reduce the chances of getting heartworm disease and becoming infested with fleas. If you notice fleas in his stool, be sure to take a sample to your veterinarian for a stool check.
I hope that gives you a good place to start!
Dr. Jacki
Dr. Jacki, D.V.M.
ASK THE VET on All Things Dog Blog
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Thanks to reader C.F. for allowing me to photograph Ziggy, our spokes model for today!
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Dogs
ASK THE VET: Dog Parks and Puppies
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ASK THE TRAINER at All Things Dog Blog
(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko
When Can I Go to the Dog Park?
Dear Dr. Jacki:My new labradoodle is going to be a big, energetic dog in no time, I am sure. I want to be able to take him places and know he will be friendly with people and dogs. I want to have him visit a dog park to learn to play like a real dog should. When will he be old enough to go to the park safely? Should I start him out in the small dog park? Do you have any suggestions on keeping him healthy if we visit the park a lot? I do not want him to get sick, but I do want him to get plenty of playtime and exercise. Can you give me some advice on the health issues that might be a problem with regular dog park visits.
Sincerely,
K
----------------------------------------------------
Dear K:Ideally he would not go to a dog park, pet store or grooming facility before having all of his puppy vaccinations. Obviously he will be exposed to more diseases at these locations because there are more animals. I do think that it is very important for him to get plenty of exercise, so a dog park is a great place to go.
I would choose to go to a dog park in the 'off hours.' Find a time when it is not so crowded, like maybe between 9-5 on a weekday, and avoid the weekends initially. See how he does.
It is a must to be on heartworm preventive and flea preventive once a month in Florida. By giving these, it will greatly reduce the chances of getting heartworm disease and becoming infested with fleas. If you notice fleas in his stool, be sure to take a sample to your veterinarian for a stool check.
I hope that gives you a good place to start!
Dr. Jacki
ASK THE VET on All Things Dog Blog
>
For more information on Dr. Jacki and her practice, you may find her at 4 Paws House Calls. A personal appointment will likely provide more specific information on your dog and your specific questions.
You can find more of Dr. Jacki's articles at her archives page
You can find more of Dr. Jacki's articles at her archives page
Dr. Jacki's opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian.
Related Reading:
Guidelines for First Time Dog Park Visitors
Biking with Your Dog: Fun and Fitness for Both of You
Backpacks are Not Just for Students Any Longer
The Importance of Exercising Your Dog--Mentally and Physically
Thanks to reader C.F. for allowing me to photograph Ziggy, our spokes model for today!
Follow All Things Dog at Twitter Find me at Facebook
- Ask The Vet: Tuberculosis And Dogs
Find me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET ASK THE TRAINER at All Things Dog Blog (c) photo copyright Carrie BoykoAll Healthy Here! HI Doc, Can humans get tuberculosis from their pets (like...
- Ask The Vet: Solutions For Dogs That Eat Pet Droppings
Image copyright Punk World Views.com Dear Ask the Vet: My dog likes to eat poop. Not just dog poop, but any poop. She eats her own, the other dogs' poop, and even cat poop from our cat's litter box. I have to keep her out of there or...
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Find me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET Scooting is a Sign of Trouble: Time to See Your Veterinarian Hello Dr. Jacki, This is a weird question, but why does my dog scoot on her bottom across the carpet...
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Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET Find me on FacebookFollow me on Twitter Piwacket Misses Roger Dear Dr. Jacki: My father just passed away after a long battle with Alzheimers. He enjoyed his Siamese cat, Piwacket, very much. The kitty has been sleeping...
- Ask The Vet: Dog Illnesses And Their Owners
Follow us on Twitter Find us on Facebook Dear Dr. Jacki: What human illnesses are contagious to our dogs? And how can we prevent this? As far as zoonotic diseases, I will include a link to the Centers for Disease Control at the end of the...