{"id":9713,"date":"2020-04-08T10:00:33","date_gmt":"2020-04-08T14:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=9713"},"modified":"2021-03-11T17:09:49","modified_gmt":"2021-03-11T22:09:49","slug":"how-to-keep-your-dog-healthy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-keep-your-dog-healthy\/","title":{"rendered":"How to keep your dog healthy\u2014and safe\u2014at the dog park"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether it\u2019s making new friends, or enjoying an exciting game of \u201cchase the tennis ball,\u201d dog parks are an enjoyable place for canines and their owners. Yet as fun as these parks can be, there can be hidden health risks for your pup, says Dr. Jonathan Kaufman, a veterinarian and owner of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.easternanimalhospital.com\/team\/jonathan-kaufman-dvm-practice-owner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eastern Animal Hospital<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Baltimore, Maryland.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to keep your dog healthy at the dog park<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exercise is an important part of keeping your dog happy and healthy. Your pooch relies on you to avoid the hazards that running around at a community play area can bring. Here are the top conditions to watch out for, and what to do if your pet encounters one of these problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Giardia\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cOne of the biggest concerns at city dog parks is giardia, an intestinal parasite,\u201d Dr. Kaufman says. \u201cDogs can get giardia from drinking water or eating grass that has been contaminated by feces.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Giardia can cause unpleasant symptoms including diarrhea, dehydration, and weight loss in dogs. If your dog is diagnosed with giardia, your veterinarian will prescribe fenbendazole and\/or<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/metronidazole\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metronidazole<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for three to 10 days.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThe best way to prevent your dog from contracting giardia is to ensure they drink clean water and to frequent parks that are well-maintained,\u201d Dr. Kaufman says. \u201cBring your own collapsible water bowl to the dog park, pick up your dog\u2019s waste, and encourage other dog owners to do the same.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Roundworms and hookworms\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your dog likes to eat dirt, your furry best friend is at risk of contracting a hookworm or roundworm infection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThese are intestinal parasitic worms,\u201d Dr. Kaufman says. \u201cFortunately, heartworm medications that are recommended for all dogs are very effective at preventing and treating hookworms and roundworms.\u201d<\/span><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your dog is already on heartworm prevention, there\u2019s a good chance you are already protecting them from hookworm and roundworm infections. If not, regular fecal testing at your veterinarian\u2019s office is important to catch intestinal parasites so that they can be treated.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canine flu<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flu season isn\u2019t just something for humans to worry about. Dogs can also contract canine flu, a highly contagious respiratory infection. \u201cCanine flu can pass from one dog to another through direct physical contact or virus particles in the air,\u201d Dr. Kaufman says. \u201cIt can also be transmitted through water bowls or toys used by infected dogs.\u201d<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best way to prevent the canine flu is to have your pet vaccinated every year. If your dog does contract canine flu, Dr. Kaufman says symptoms include a fever, runny nose, cough and loss of appetite. Your vet may treat dog flu with antibiotics to prevent a secondary bacterial infection such as pneumonia, or cough suppressants to calm the cough. In severe cases IV fluids and hospitalization may be required to support your dog through the disease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parvo<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The canine parvovirus is a highly contagious intestinal virus that is spread through direct contact between dogs or through contact with infected surfaces. Unvaccinated dogs and puppies are at the greatest risk of contracting parvo.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cParvo causes symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea,\u201d Dr. Kaufman says. \u201cIt\u2019s a very serious disease and dogs should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensuring that your dog is vaccinated against parvo is the best way to prevent the disease. If the cost of vaccinations is an issue, there are many low-cost vaccine options offered at local pet shelters and pet stores.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kennel cough<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kennel cough, also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is a common upper respiratory infection passed between dogs. Kennel cough can be used to describe a bacterial infection with <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bordetella bronchiseptica<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or it can be used to describe other strains of upper respiratory infections. Even if your dog has received a Bordetella vaccine to prevent kennel cough, Dr. Kaufman says there\u2019s still a chance they can contract this canine respiratory disease. Like most vaccines, the Bordetella vaccine is not 100% effective, but being vaccinated can not only reduce the chance of getting the disease, but it also greatly reduces the disease\u2019s severity if your dog does become infected. Kennel cough spreads from dog to dog through direct contact or contaminated water bowls or toys.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms of kennel cough include a \u201chonking cough,\u201d fever, or loss of appetite. If your veterinarian suspects kennel cough in your dog, antibiotics and cough suppressants may be prescribed. Your dog will also not be able to attend the dog park or other social events for many weeks until it is no longer contagious. The best way to prevent kennel cough is to keep your dog vaccinated and to bring your own water dish to the dog park. If your dog does develop a cough, do not take it to play with other dogs until it has been seen by a veterinarian.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leptospirosis<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your dog loves drinking from puddles, there\u2019s a chance of coming down with the bacterial disease, leptospirosis, says Dr. Carly Fox, a veterinarian at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. In 2018, a Fremont, California, dog park was temporarily closed due to concerns of canine leptospirosis and vaccines for the disease have become part of the standard protocol at many veterinary clinics across the country.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cLeptospirosis is spread in the urine of infected animals,\u201d Dr. Fox says. \u201cSymptoms of infection can include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of energy, and loss of appetite.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Infected dogs are treated with antibiotics such as<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/doxycycline\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">doxycycline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cIf left untreated, leptospirosis can lead to kidney failure in dogs,\u201d Dr. Fox says.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. Kaufman says it\u2019s important to ensure your dog is up-to-date on all of his or her vaccinations before you head to the dog park. \u201cPuppies shouldn\u2019t be taken to dog parks until they are at least 17 weeks old and have been fully vaccinated,\u201d he adds.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lacerations or bite wounds<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pet owners often take their pups to the dog park for socialization, but unfortunately, they don\u2019t always get along. \u201cWe see dogs who have been playing and then things suddenly get aggressive and turn into a skirmish where one of the dogs is injured,\u201d Dr. Fox says.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on the severity of the wound, your dog may require bandaging and antibiotics.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cDogs should know basic obedience commands such as \u201cSit, stay and come, in order to keep them under control at the dog park,\u201d Dr. Fox says. \u201cAlso, it\u2019s important to know your dog\u2019s behavior. If they don\u2019t like to share their ball, then don\u2019t bring it to the dog park.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heatstroke<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When the weather gets warm, heat stroke can be a big concern with dogs, says Dr. Kaufman.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cDogs can develop heat stroke in as little as 30 minutes,\u201d Dr. Kaufman says. \u201cIt\u2019s important to keep your pet hydrated and to limit your dog\u2019s time in direct sunlight to 15 minutes at a time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. Kaufman says certain dog breeds with flat faces called brachycephalic breeds may be more prone to heat stroke. Some examples of brachycephalic breeds are boxers, bulldogs, pugs, and pekingese. Because these breeds have less heat tolerance they can struggle with heat stroke in situations where other dogs are fine. It is important to know your dog\u2019s limits and encourage breaks to cool off if it has been playing too hard in hot temperatures.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI think dog parks are great places,\u201d Dr. Kaufman says. \u201cIn order to keep their dogs healthy, dog owners should stay vigilant and look for parks that require dogs to be licensed and vaccinated in order to ensure their safety.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether it\u2019s making new friends, or enjoying an exciting game of \u201cchase the tennis ball,\u201d dog parks are an enjoyable place for canines and their owners. Yet as fun as these parks can be, there can be hidden health risks for your pup, says Dr. Jonathan Kaufman, a veterinarian and owner of Eastern Animal Hospital [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":93,"featured_media":10142,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7956],"tags":[7969],"coauthors":[10834],"class_list":["post-9713","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pets","tag-dogs","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to keep your dog healthy at the dog park (and avoid hazards)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Dogs rely on you to avoid hazards that a community play area can bring. From kennel cough to canine flu\u2014here&#039;s how to keep your dog healthy at the dog park.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-keep-your-dog-healthy\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to keep your dog safe (and healthy) at the dog park\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"These tips can help you avoid the top dangers\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-keep-your-dog-healthy\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Checkup\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/singlecare\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-04-08T14:00:33+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2021-03-11T22:09:49+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Blog_040720_Keeping-Your-Dog-Safe-2.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Linda Childers\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"How to keep your dog safe (and healthy) at the dog park\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"These tips can help you avoid the top dangers\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@SingleCare\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@SingleCare\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Linda Childers\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-keep-your-dog-healthy\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-keep-your-dog-healthy\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Rohit Shingate\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/1161f46727b9ae4f5b311b260829d7a3\"},\"headline\":\"How to keep your dog healthy\u2014and safe\u2014at the dog park\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-04-08T14:00:33+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2021-03-11T22:09:49+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-keep-your-dog-healthy\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1267,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-keep-your-dog-healthy\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/03\\\/Blog_040720_Keeping-Your-Dog-Safe-2.png\",\"keywords\":[\"Dogs\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Pets\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-keep-your-dog-healthy\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-keep-your-dog-healthy\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-keep-your-dog-healthy\\\/\",\"name\":\"How to keep your dog healthy at the dog park (and avoid hazards)\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-keep-your-dog-healthy\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-keep-your-dog-healthy\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/03\\\/Blog_040720_Keeping-Your-Dog-Safe-2.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-04-08T14:00:33+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2021-03-11T22:09:49+00:00\",\"description\":\"Dogs rely on you to avoid hazards that a community play area can bring. 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