Flea and Tick Season Is Heating Up!

The weather is getting warmer, and soon dog parks are going to start seeing an uptick in paw traffic! While it is important for your pet to have fun, it is also important for them to stay safe at the dog park as well.

Before even thinking about visiting a dog park, make sure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations. Never bring a dog that is under 4 months old or who is behind on vaccinations. For all dogs at the park to remain healthy, vaccinations are crucial to preventing diseases and infections. Additionally, make sure your dog is trained to “come” when called. While they may get distracted, it is important that you can call your dog away from potential trouble and that they listen to that command.

Remember when walking to the dog park, or at a regular non-specific park, to keep your dog leashed. In Orleans Parish, it’s illegal to have your pet not on a leash in a public space.

While you and your pup are having fun, make sure to pick up after yourselves as well. We’ve all had a pesky neighbor who didn’t pick up after their dog and know it’s not fun to have to do it for them.

Learning to read your dog’s body language is also important. Do not force them to play if they like to roam around the edges or stay near you. If they seem at all uncomfortable, take them for a walk instead of forcing them to participate in something they may not enjoy. Dogs have the temperament of toddlers, so they will get tired and cranky after about 20 minutes of intense play. Keep an eye out for when they tucker out so that you can bring them home for a nap.

Stay proactive and observant any time you bring your dog to the park. Do not get lost in conversation or on your phone. Watching your dog ensures that play does not get too rough, and when they make a mess, you can clean it up.

Dog play is ritualized aggression and sometimes it may look and sound a lot harsher that it is. Do not be a hover-parent but do interrupt overly rough play if your dog is constantly pinning other dogs or chasing them but not allowing himself to be pinned or chased. Role reversal is key to happy play. It is important not to let your dog bully or annoy other dogs. If your dog is stalking and bothering another dog, give him a time-out or take him out of the park.

There are several dog parks to choose from depending on where you live. Be sure to familiarize yourself with each park’s rules before you go.

Prepare your Pet for the Springtime!

• Flee the Flea: If your dog is not on year-round flea and tick preventatives, the warmer weather is your signal to begin administering them. Whether you use popular flea and tick treatments or combat fleas without chemicals, be sure your pets are protected. You can pick up some flea and tick prevention at your regular veterinarian.
• Say No to Heartworms: Heartworm disease for dogs is a potentially fatal disease caused by foot-long worms that live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of the affected. Dogs can get heartworms from infected mosquitos that bite them, so it is crucial that dogs stay on heartworm prevention medication. Schedule a vet exam to ensure your dog’s heartworm-free, a necessary step before a prescription can be written for preventatives.
• Safety First: Create a dog first aid kit or purchase a kit, so you have it handy for outdoor excursions.
• Planting Prep: Spring’s beautiful flowers and blooming gardens can also be hazardous to your pets. Learn which plants and flowers are toxic to pets.