Dogs are part of the family, and the last thing you want is for them to get sick. Dogs can’t just tell you how they are feeling, but they can show it in various ways. One of the ways dogs commonly catch something is by interacting with other dogs, whether it is at daycare, at a dog park or even just neighbors who have dogs that interact with your dog. Dogs need to socialize, so keeping them away from other dogs isn’t the answer or healthy for your dog if he likes to play with other pups. There are some precautions you can take to reduce the chances of your pup catching a sickness.
Make Sure Your Dog Is Up-to-date
It’s important to keep your dog up-to-date on their yearly vet visits and vaccines. These vaccines are in place to help keep your dog healthy and ward off unwanted sicknesses. This also gives you the opportunity to chat with your vet on your dog’s behavior and any possible problems they may see. Being proactive with your pet’s health is just as important as mending them back to health when sick.
Know Who Your Dog Is Playing With
Just like parents wanting to know who their kids are playing with, it’s important to know who you are letting your dog play with. If you are boarding or looking for a dog daycare, make sure to choose one that only lets dogs in if they are up-to-date with all of their vet records and vaccines. Also look for a boarding or daycare place that will not allow you to drop off your dog if they are sick, just as daycares do for children. There are several good dog daycares available that send home notes on your dog’s behavior. If they see something out of the ordinary, a good daycare will alert you immediately as this is a sign your pup may not be feeling well.
Reconsider Dog Parks
Dog parks are a great way to let your dog mingle with other pups but can also be a breeding ground of sicknesses. While all dog parks have different rules, most parks do not check to make sure dogs are up-to-date when their owners say they are current. There are quite a few people who break the rules and do not clean up after their dog, which could be manifesting diseases at it sits there. Not all dog parks are necessarily bad but choose wisely when opting to bring your dog to run at a dog park. There a lot of vet clinics that offer dog parks for clients only, ensuring that the dogs at the park are up-to-date on their vaccines.
While we can’t always be around the protect our furry friends from getting sick, even if it’s not from another dog, we can take precautions to avoid it. If your dog is showing symptoms of not feeling well, or acting out of the ordinary, contact your vet immediately.
Book a Tour of Lucky Dog Pet Lodge
We encourage you to visit our daycare page to learn more about our daycare options. Schedule a tour to see the facility and meet some of the staff. Check out our reviews on Facebook and see why dog parents trust us.