What To Do in Case Your Dog Gets Injured at the Dog Park
Fur parents like you spend a lot of time researching and finding the best dog park for Fido so you can avoid dog park injuries and any accidents.
Doing your research is only one of the best ways to keep your dog safe. There are plenty more you can do.
We’ll list a few preventive measures and pet first-aid after talking about the kinds of dog park injuries you should know about.
Different dog park injuries and how to deal with them
1) Strains and sprains
According to the website Fetch by WebMD, these are two very different things.
Strains are injuries to your dog’s muscles and bones, and they often happen when your dog stretches too far and too often.
It can also happen if your dog slips or falls while he’s playing. Strains commonly occur in the hips and thighs.
On the other hand, sprains are injuries to the ligaments that connect the bones.
These often cause joint damage. For example, dogs can get a sprain if they jump hurdles or take a hard landing.
One of the first warning signs of strains or sprains is limping, or if all of a sudden, your dog is unable to use his legs.
If your dog suddenly starts limping at the playground, best to stop his games first and examine if he has any visible injuries on his paws.
You can also try to lift the injured paw and see if it’s too painful for him to move. Then, bring him to the veterinarian immediately if the limp doesn’t improve after two days.
2) Dog bites and cuts
Say your dog was playing rough at the dog park, and he got minor scratches and bruises from a fence or anything sharp. What should you do?
Clean the cuts immediately with clean, running water. If you brought soap with you, you could also use that on the affected area before wrapping it in sterile gauze.
Don’t let your dog lick his wound. Don’t forget to clean the cuts regularly.
If your dog’s cuts are deep and bleeding heavily, apply direct pressure on the wound using a clean gauze pad or cloth.
Contact your dog’s veterinarian immediately because his wounds might need stitches.
3) Bee stings and other insect bites
Did you know that dogs can also be allergic to bee stings? So if your dog gets stung by a bee, check if the stinger is still on his skin, and then try to pull it out.
Apply ice on the affected area immediately. Bring Fido to the nearest animal hospital immediately if you notice swelling or if he’s showing signs of distress because of extreme pain.
Bring your dog to the veterinarian immediately if you’re not sure what kind of insect bit him.
4) Poisoning
Dogs tend to put things in their mouth, which can be problematic, especially if you are in wooded areas that may have poisonous plants.
If your dog swallows some toxic plant at the dog park, you must immediately call your veterinarian.
The most common signs of poisoning are vomiting, diarrhea, extreme salivation, or dry heaving.
You also need to check for internal bleeding, which manifests as pale gums or coughing up blood.
It’s also crucial that you take a sample of whatever your dog ate that might have caused the poisoning. The sample can help medical professionals to find the best treatment.
Be careful when handling anything poisonous, as you don’t want to end up sick.
Never self-medicate or use any homemade antidotes because this can make things worse.
5) Heatstroke
Dogs can’t cool themselves by sweating, unlike humans.
According to the VCA Animal Hospitals website, the signs of heatstroke in dogs include elevated breathing rates, dry or sticky gums, and abnormal gum color.
In worst cases, your dog can appear lethargic or disoriented, and he may even have seizures.
To prevent heatstrokes, make sure you bring plenty of water when you go to the park. Don’t let your dog play too long under the sun, too.
Read more about dehydration and how to prevent it here.
How to deal with dog park injuries
Apart from understanding common dog park injuries and knowing how to do first-aid, you also have to remember these:
Don’t panic!
Dog park injuries can be terrifying, but panicking will only worsen things. Stay as calm as you can so your dog doesn’t end up panicking, too.
Calm down so you can think better. If your mind is clear, you’ll have a better chance of saving your dog.
Get your dog away from danger
Get your dog as far away from the source of danger immediately.
The sooner you move as far away as possible from the danger, the sooner you’ll be able to assess your dog’s injuries.
Let dog park authorities know about what happened
Supervised dog parks often have offices where you can tell them about the accident.
Inform the authorities to put measures to prevent any dog park injuries from happening again.
How to prevent dog park injuries
Always come prepared
Bring a first-aid kit along with other dog park essentials every time you visit the dog park.
It’s good to bring a handheld air horn in case your dog gets into a fight.
Make sure you invest in a good-quality leash, too, in case you need to pull your dog away from danger.
It’s also best to bring a water bowl and plenty of drinking water. Leave your dog’s toys and treats at home as they may start fights at the park.
Always keep an eye on your dog
Don’t let your dog get inside nooks and crannies that might have poisonous plants.
If you’re hiking through the woods, make sure you stay close to him, so he doesn’t get stung by bees or bitten by snakes.
Don’t let him get on places too high to prevent strains and sprains.
Do your research and check out the dog park first
Don’t enter the dog park right away. Instead, take your dog around the property first, so you both have the chance to familiarize yourself with the place.
Check where all the exits are and assess any dangerous spots your dog might need to avoid.
Inspect agility courses, dog tunnels, and other dog park amenities for any nails sticking out or lose boards.
Remember…
There’s nothing wrong with being vigilant and careful, but don’t forget to let your dog and yourself have fun, too.
