Dog parks are known to be a fun outing for you and your pooch.  Are you and your dog safe at the park?

While we love spending time with our pets in the park, always ensure that you are not the only one there - unless of course fluffy is in charge of your safety.  While Fluffy is taking care of your safety, he knows that you too have his best interest at heart.  Dogs get injured at dog parks far quicker than they do at home.  The energy levels go up, and the excitement grows as they get to see their friends who are there to play with them too.

  The most common injuries at dog parks are bites, sprains, and head injuries.  Let's take a look at the health risks related to dog parks:

• Sprains and Soft Tissue Injuries
• Bite Wounds
• Cuts and Lacerations
• Kennel Cough / Upper Respiratory Infection
• Insect Bites, Ticks & Fleas
• Head Trauma
• Hyperthermia or Heat Stroke
• Viral infections such as Parvo, Rabies or Distemper.

Each of these pet injuries or health problems has made it a costly affair for visiting parents of dog parks.

To avoid these common problems associated with visiting dog parks, pet owners need to spend more time paying closer attention to their pets while playing and being around other pets.

The key is fun and safety. 

To avoid expensive accidents when you next visit your local dog park, keep in mind the following tips:

• Aggressive, fearful and unpredictable dogs should wear a yellow ribbon or bib.
• Know the rules and regulations.
• Keep your focus on your dog at all times.
• Keep your focus on other dogs at all times.
• Make sure your pet is easy identifiable if they go astray.
• During the rainy seasons, pets are prone to slipping on wet surfaces while they run or play.
• Find a park that provides ample shade in summer times.
• If the ground is too hot for you to walk bare feet on, then its too hot for your pet to walk/play on.
• If your dog is panting like crazy, it needs to be cooled down immediately.  Gently pour water all over its head and body, avoid getting it into their eyes and ears.  Keep your pet in the shade and consider taking it to a vet immediately.
• Muzzle your dog if you think they could pose a problem to other dogs, instead of depriving them of a fun walk in the park.
• Avoid puppies younger than 4 months.  They could carry illnesses.
• Puppies younger than 4 months should not be exposed to public areas. Ever.
• It’s safer to go during off-peak hours.
• Avoid taking your dogs favourite toy/s as this can cause a fight.
• Check that your pets' vaccinations are up to date.
• Confirm with your local vet the best way to prevent them from picking up ticks and fleas from other dogs.

With all these possible risks you could be exposed to in a doggie park, consider taking out Pet Insurance for any unexpected medical emergencies. 

These injuries and health risks are very real and with Pet Insurance you can be sure to know that your pet will be able to receive the best medical care without the financial stress.