In theory, dog parks are a great place where your dog can run free and rid themselves of pent-up energy. Unfortunately, a national study of 288 dog parks, including 10 in the Metro-Detroit area, found that 85% of dog parks tested positive for intestinal parasites and 50% tested positive for hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms (Stafford, et al., 2020).
Parasites are a health hazard not only to pets, but their human family members as well. Roundworms and hookworms are zoonotic, which means they can spread from animals to people. To view incidence maps for various parasites, visit Companion Animal Parasite Council. Intestinal parasites can cause a variety of symptoms, but these are some of the most common:
- Diarrhea or Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Abdominal distension
- Visible worms
- Scooting or rubbing
Not all dogs with parasites will exhibit symptoms, which is why regular fecal testing is important. The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) recommends fecal testing 4 times per year for dogs under the age of one, and twice a year for adult pets.
All Testing is NOT Created Equal
Fox Run Animal Hospital uses the latest technology when running our fecal tests to ensure the most accurate results. Rather than relying on visual identification of eggs and/or parasites in a sample, fecal antigen tests look for proteins created by the parasites. That means that even if the parasites are not visual, we can diagnose accurately, allowing faster treatment that results in less discomfort for your pet, as well as decreased chance of contagion and lower cost.
Leave Them on the Leash
On-leash walking helps create and maintain the bond between you and your dog and offers you the opportunity to train and modify behavior. On-leash walking tires your dog just as much, if not more than, off-leash play. Dog parks often amp up your dog’s worst behaviors. On the other hand, an on-leash walk requires that your dog use their mind, body, and self-control.
Trails and Tails
Lucky for us, we live in an area with plenty of green space and hiking trails. Before starting an exercise regimen, check with your doctor and your veterinarian to make sure all health systems point to “go.” Make sure you start out any new exercise program slowly and build both distance and difficulty over time. It’s not a race after all, just a nice hike!
When preparing for a hike with your furry friend, start with a sturdy, 6’ leash and a collar with ID tags, and pack the following:
- Waste bags
- Fresh water with [collapsible] bowl
- Pet first aid kit
- Dog treats
For more information on what to include in your first aid kit, visit Zoetis Petcare.
If you are looking for a new place to roam, check out these great parks and trail systems:
- Addison Oaks – 1,140 acres in Leonard, MI. In addition to a 20+ mile trail system, it offers camping, disc golf, and a special 2.5 mile Solar System Trail.
- Polly Ann Trail – 36.7 mile rail-to-trail path that starts in Orion Township and runs to North Branch Township. Parking/access is also available in Leonard and Oxford.
- Holly State Recreation Area – Over 8,000 acres with marked trails from 0.25 miles to 7 miles.
- Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area – 723 acres surrounding Lake Minnawanna, with over 6 miles of trails.
For the most successful walk, make sure your pet understands basic commands like come, sit, stay, and leave it. Ensuring that your dog reacts to verbal commands keeps them safe if the leash is dropped or broken. In addition, a strong “leave it” command will protect them from any nasty items they may try to eat on the trail.
Finally, make sure your pet is up to date on their heartworm, flea, and tick prevention to keep them protected against any creepy crawlies on the trail.
If you plan to embark on an exercise regimen or begin hiking the trails, call, text, or email us to schedule an exam. We will examine them from nose to tail to make sure they are healthy enough to join you. At Fox Run, YOUR PET’S HEALTH IS OUR TOP PRIORITY.
Reference:
Stafford, K., Kollasch, T.M., Duncan, K.T. et al. Detection of gastrointestinal parasitism at recreational canine sites in the USA: the DOGPARCS study. Parasites Vectors 13, 275 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-020-04147-6