Dog Park ready! Top 20
Thinking of traveling for your dog? Yes, you heard correctly. Going on vacation for your dog! Literally planning a vacation to a dog park, because hey, dogs need vacations too! Check out this week’s topics: SUPER COOL dog parks, etiquette and shots (because in order to truly enjoy your visit to an unknown far dog park, dogs should be well prepared).
Etiquette in public places: our advice, keep your pup on a leash. Most states it’s the law to keep them on a leash. More importantly, you may know your dog is OK without one, but the person nearby does not—especially if they are a child or elder person. We also recommend to keep your dog close to you when other dogs walk by, this way it will create comfort and calmness for both dogs. Always ask the owners permission!
Etiquette in a dog park: to avoid the extra excitement of your pet, try to make the dog park part of his daily activities but not just the ONLY one.
Shots:
Vaccination Schedule for Dogs: Core and Non-core Vaccines
|
Dog Vaccine |
Initial Puppy Vaccination (at or under 16 weeks) |
Initial Adult Dog Vaccination (over 16 weeks) |
Booster Recommendation |
Comments |
|
Rabies 1-year |
Can be administered in one dose, as early as 3 months of age. States regulate the age at which it is first administered. |
Single dose |
Annual boosters are required. |
Core dog vaccine. Rabies is 100% fatal to dogs, with no treatment available. Prevention is key. |
|
Rabies 3-year |
Can be administered as one dose, as early as 3 months of age. States regulate the age at which it is first administered. |
Single dose |
A second vaccination is recommended after 1 year, then boosters every 3 years. |
Core dog vaccine. |
|
Distemper |
At least 3 doses, given between 6 and 16 weeks of age |
2 doses, given 3-4 weeks apart |
Puppies need a booster 1 year after completing their initial series, then all dogs need a booster every 3 years or more often. |
Core dog vaccine. Caused by an airborne virus, distemper is a severe disease that, among other problems, may cause permanent brain damage. |
|
Parvovirus |
At least 3 doses, given between 6 and 16 weeks of age |
2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart |
Puppies need a booster 1 year after completing the initial series, then all dogs need a booster every 3 years or more often. |
Core dog vaccine. Canine "parvo" is contagious, and can cause severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Parvo is usually fatal if untreated. |
|
Adenovirus, type 1 (CAV-1, canine hepatitis) |
Depends on vaccine. For instance, the intranasal one just has to be boostered once a year |
depnds on vaccine |
Puppies need a booster 1 year after completing the initial series, then all dogs need a booster every 3 years or more often. |
Core dog vaccine. Spread via infected saliva, urine and feces; canine hepatitis can lead to severe liver damage, and death. |
|
Adenovirus, type 2 (CAV-2, kennel cough) |
At least 3 doses, between 6 and 16 weeks of age |
2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart |
Puppies need a booster 1 year after completing the initial series, then all dogs need a booster every 3 years or more often. |
Core dog vaccine. Spread via coughs and sneezes. |
|
Parainfluenza |
Administered at 6-8 weeks of age, then every 3-4 weeks until 12-14 weeks old |
1 dose |
A booster may be necessary after 1 year, depending on manufacturer recommendations; revaccination every 3 years is considered protective. |
Non-core dog vaccine. Parainfluenza infection (not the same as canine influenza) results in cough, fever. It may be associated with Bordetella infection. |
|
Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough) |
Depends on the vaccine type; one dose is usually needed for protection |
1 dose of the intranasal or oral product, or 2 doses of the injected product
|
Annual or 6-month boosters may be recommended for dogs in high-risk environments. |
Non-core dog vaccine. Not usually a serious condition, although it can be dangerous in young puppies. It is usually seen after activities like boarding or showing. |
|
Lyme disease |
1 dose, administered as early as 9 weeks, with a second dose 2-4 weeks later |
2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart |
May be needed annually, prior to the start of tick season |
Non-core dog vaccine. Generally recommended only for dogs with a high risk for exposure to Lyme disease-carrying ticks. |
|
Leptospirosis |
First dose as early as 8 weeks, with a second dose 2-4 weeks later |
2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart |
At least once yearly for dogs in high-risk areas |
Non-core dog vaccine. Vaccination is generally restricted to established risk areas. Exposure to rodents and standing water can lead to a leptospirosis infection. |
|
Canine influenza |
First dose as early as 6-8 weeks; second dose 2-4 weeks later |
2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart |
Yearly |
Non-core dog vaccine. |
Cool Dog Parks:
Beau's Dream Dog Park at Buchanan Park
Lancaster, Pa.
Hugh Rogers Wag Dog Park
Whitefish, Mont.
Bear Creek Dog Park
Colorado Springs
Fort Woof Dog Park at Gateway Park
Fort Worth, Texas
Elm Creek Reserve Dog Park
Maple Grove, Minn.
Fort DeSoto Paw Playground and Beach
Tierra Verde, Fla.
Freedom Barks Dog Park
Medford, N.J.
Point Isabel Regional Shoreline
Richmond, Calif.
Bentonville Bark Park
Arkansas
Magnuson Dog Park
Seattle
Dog Mountain
St. Johnsbury, VT
Dog Wood Park
Jacksonville, FL
Bea Arthur Dog Park
Norfolk, VA
Newtown Dream Dog Park
Johns Creek, GA
Pilgrim Dog Park
Provincetown, MA
Shaggy Pines Dog Park
Ada, MI
Hugh Rogers WAG Park
Whitefish, MT
Willow Creek Dog Park
Prescott, AZ
Our recommendations for traveling include cool AF parks to visit, etiquette and shots. All goes to ensure a safe and healthy traveling memory that will last a lifetime. Thanks to Dog WebMd, USA TODAY and Fido for the suggestions!