Not everyone out there is a responsible owner. Dogs can easily get fleas, kennel cough, etc. from an uncared for dog. Not to mention the people that bring aggresive dogs too.
i realize that many people arent responsible...but i didnt know such things could occur
i think that there should b a law that states that u must have all shots and vacinations done before attending a dog park, because that's just frightening!
A recent problem is a new dog virus called dog flu. There isnt a vaccine for it yet, and its like the parvo virus was in the early 80's. As long as people pick up after their dogs, it lowers the risk. But a risk is still there. With other diseases, there are preventatives that most owners give. ( at least I hope so..)Worms preventative is in most heartworm medications. Up to date on vaccines prevents the other problems that are retained in the soil, like parvo. And of course- there is always the potential for fighting. The park is not held liable, as there is usually a disclaimer, so its can be a problem. Before owning 18 acres, I use to visit a local highschool. Always with a clean up bag just in case, at least they had a fenced place to run. I have also found tennis courts- unused, is good too, but you have to make sure there isnt any glass, and keep an eye on how much running they do on the asphalt.
Peole that use these parks should try to promote the cleaning and disinfecting the park and its water and a few flyers to the patrons wouldn't hurt. Piddle
I would say that the main worries would be parvovirus and parasites and that new dog flu. We don't have a dog park though, but think that's probably a good thing since people around here don't vaccinate their dogs or get them fixed.
sugarbird, Do they just not give a rip or care or is it a financial thing?? If I remember you are in one of the Rocky Mt. states correct?? Is it more of a rural area? The reason I am wondering is that around here, unless it is a dire financial strain, most folks get the basic vacinations for thier dogs. And get them fixed. But there are exceptions of course. Even growing up on the farm, before many people knew of the afflictions that are known today, most folks got their dogs vacinated and fixed... You know way back in the 60's and 70's...LOL!!! Maybe it was because we knew that a good loyal and trustworthy dog was worth the expence...
But anyway I do like the idea of spraying the park area.. But like where our park is we would need to bring in a portable sprayer, since the hose end type sprayers would not work since there is not any water hyrdrant there to hook up to..
when I lived in town, they require the rabies as well as a current DHLPP. Then out here- same thing because wildlife can carry distemper. It must be a west coast thing to not have the shots, but not on the east coast.
borziomom it isnt a westcoast thing my mom still lives out west and it is required in towns to have rabies distemper parvo shots. the rural areas are diff. strongly sujestd but not required. You people are lucky I live in a small midwest town, most yards dont have a fence on them, the closest dog park that i know of is about a hour and a half away the last time i was there it wasnt that great just a big pond and a fence not even another dog was there.
I thought so- it blew me away they didnt. I know where I got my shepherds from or breeding too they did. And that was California and Washington state. I showed in Oklahoma last year, and they did. I gave up on dog parks.
At the dog park that I go to, they actually check for licenses when you enter. Of course, that only means they have to have a rabies vacination. I was willing to risk the possibility of fleas to make sure my dog was socialized. (she is an Akita and it was very important to us to have her dog-friendly). The park is in a very nice, suburban area. People really seem to take care of their pets, so I haven't been too worried about diseases.
oh wow! I wish they would check them here. My dogs are vacinated against all the other things, but I dont want to get bit by a dog without a rabies shot, and have them put the dog down, and me start shots. I just stay up on the mountain... lol..
'Advantage' is a good thing to apply to your dog if your about to go to a dog park. not only does it kill fleas and ticks, but it prevents them. and in the case that some humans (lol) do take their sick dogs to a park when their dogs have heart worm, just buy some heartguard plus and it should rid of anything your dog has. And i mean give it to your dog right when you get back
a dog park's really just a big parf where people bring there dog's 2 play. i went 2 1 b4. nothin bad happened
