How to avoid dog park dangers

If you're lucky enough to enjoy the perks of having a dog park nearby, you have an opportunity to allow your pooch to socialize with other canines and get some much-needed exercise. With that said, a dog park does present its own unique challenges that could pose a risk to your furry friend's health and well-being. From the potential parasites and diseases that can be contracted from other dogs and their waste to the potential risks that an unsocialized dog can pose, there are many things to be mindful of when heading outdoors with your pooch.

One of the best ways to improve your local dog park is to lead by example to improve the animal wellness of every four-legged friend that uses the area. Start off by bringing some biodegradable dog waste bags - canine fecal matter is a huge problem at many dog parks, as dog owners don't do their part to clean up after their companions. As a result, these dropping can carry diseases and other parasites, so it's vital that you remove your dog's waste and keep a close eye on what he's sticking his nose in. A biodegradable bag can help to reduce your carbon footprint and make the dog park a bit greener.

There's no way to tell what another dog's temperament will be toward your companion, so be mindful of your canine's interactions with others. You may never know when horsing around will go a bit too far and result in an injury, so it's best to watch your pooch when he's getting acquainted with other dogs.Flea control is another consideration that should be at the forefront of your preparations when you head off to the local dog park. Some owners may not be using flea preventative measures, but you can keep your companion safeguarded with topical drops. Hartz UltraGuard Pro Flea and Tick Drops are placed at the skin level on the dog's back in between the shoulder blades to the base of his tail to kill fleas, ticks and mosquitoes on contact for up to 30 days. This could give you peace of mind when you head off to the dog park because you'll know that your pooch is protected from risks posed by other dogs and the environment itself.