Question 14: I am considering taking my dog to one of the local off leash parks I have heard of.  Any suggestions on things I should know?

Answer: In the last several years off leash dog parks have become very popular ways to exercise pets that are normally restricted to fenced backyards and leashed on sidewalks.  Off leash dog parks provide an excellent opportunity to exercise your dog, but you should keep several things in mind:

1. Make sure that your dog's vaccinations are up to date.  These include Distemper combination, Rabies, Bordatella (kennel cough), and Lyme disease.  See the Answer to Question 1 for more vaccine information.

2. Make sure that your pet is adequately protected against Heartworm Disease either with Heartgard Plus given monthly or ProHeart 6 given every six months.  See the Answer to Question 5 for more information on Heartworm Disease.

3. We strongly recommend using a topically applied flea and tick prevention product such as Frontline Plus or Advantix.

4. We strongly recommend checking your pet's feces for signs of intestinal parasites twice a year.

5. Make sure that your dog is trained to respond to basic commands, especially sit, stay, and COME!  You must be able to control your dog at all times.

6. Remember, you may be very diligent about keeping your dog up to date on all his or her preventative veterinary care, but that doesn't mean that every dog at the off leash park will be as well cared for.

7. Be very cautious about letting your dog play with other dogs that you don't personally know.  Many dogs can be very sweet towards people but very aggressive towards other dogs.  Don't assume that the owner of that sweet looking dog is as responsible as you are.

Listed below are the primary off leash dog areas and parks.  This list was originally compiled by Twin City Tails magazine.  Thanks!

White Bear Animal Hospital
1909 East County Road E
White Bear Lake, MN  55110
651-777-1393
 

Otter Lake Animal Care Center
6848 Otter Lake Road 
Hugo, MN 55038
651-426-8871