Specialty parks a great place to socialize your dog

Dogs can pretty much run free out on the farm. But in the city, it can be hard for dog owners to give Fido enough open space for proper exercise Fortunately, south Tempe and west Chandler are home to a couple of excellent publicly available dog parks.

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“I think they provide a great service, and it’s a great way for tax dollars to be utilized,” said Dr. Thomas Gus, veterinarian at University Animal Hospital.

“In the confines of the city, it’s hard for dogs to find a place to get out, stretch their legs and have a good time.”

A dog park can be a great socializing place for your dogs, Gus said, however there are a few precautions to take when enjoying some fun with your canine companion in the great outdoors.

Gus said the most important thing is to keep your dog vaccinated for common health issues.

“When you bring a lot of dogs together, the incidence of contagious diseases goes way up,” he said. “In dog parks, you don’t know the medical history or the vaccine status of all the other dogs in that fenced area.”

Common vaccinations that should be administered include parvo (parvovirus) and kennel cough.

“Kennel cough is the most common,” Gus said. “In fact, there is actually a vaccine you can get for kennel cough.” Kennel cough is inflammation of the respiratory system and one of the most contagious canine illnesses.

 “You would like to think all owners are responsible, but you never know what, if anything, their dog was vaccinated for,” Gus said. “Also, dogs can often mask illnesses well, so it can be hard to tell.”

All dogs are required to have a rabies vaccine, Gus said.

“If your animal was not given a rabies shot, sometimes, inadvertently, another owner will get bit,” he said. “Your dog will be quarantined and a fine will probably be imposed.”

As far as visits outdoors go, Gus said it’s important to be aware of your dog, where it is and what it’s doing, as well as other dogs in the area.

“I think it’s much like when you go to the park with your child. You want to make sure you are always aware of where they are and what they are doing,” he said. “I think the etiquette is being a good parent.”

For puppies, vaccinations are not usually complete until at least four months, Gus said. Other than keeping your dog protected against potential illnesses, their social behavior is a key component in deciding to take them where other dogs are also playing.

“You have to know, or believe, that your dog is social,” Gus said. “There are certainly a lot of animals that are not.”

“You want to socialize your puppy in others ways, by exposing them to other people and other animals,” he said. “For example, if your friend has a dog that is vaccinated, than it would be very good to have your dog socialize with that dog.”

Puppy classes are also available, which help to socialize pets.

“All of the animals in these classes usually require screening, so you know the medical history of the dogs your dog is going to be around.”

After your pet gets comfortable with other animals and people, you can bring it to one of the local dog parks and enjoy the company of other pet-loving residents in the area, while your pooch meets new friends.

Just remember, Arizona’s summers heat up fast, so be careful your dog does not overheat. Most local dog parks have a water source, but be prepared to bring a container for your dog drink from.

“They are stimulated to be active in a dog park, so the chances of getting them overheated is significant,” Gus said. “Have an adequate supply of water. Visit in early morning or evening.”

Dog park locations:

West Chandler Park, Kyrene Road south of Chandler Boulevard. Park hours: 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

P. Ben Arredondo Sports Complex (formerly Tempe Sports Complex), northeast side of Hardy Drive at Carver Road.

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