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A dog park can provide a lot of the benefits of doggy day care (see previous article) without the cost. But many more variables are at play at a dog park because many more humans are involved. Dog Parks can be much more dangerous than dog day care. Also, pet owners often do not have 8 hours to spend at a dog park, but only one or two hours at a time. Also,many humans have no idea of proper etiquette for a dog park, or even that a dog should not be yelled at for being a dog while at the dog park. But an informed pet owner can still use a dog park for a positive experience for the dog and for themselves.

Lets discuss some of the pros and cons of a dog park.

Pros of Dog Parks

Many of the pros for day care listed above are also pros for dog parks. Positive points of a dog enjoying a dog park include:
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Benefits of Doggie Daycare

Daycare for dogs is becoming more and more popular across the nation. The daycare facilities range from very small 1,200 sq ft facilities to expansive warehouse facilities, to indoor/outdoor facilities, some of which have multiple acres for the dogs to run. Fees range according to the size of the facility, the services offered, and geography. Orange County, California has an average per day fee of $35.00, while Orange County, FL has an average of $18.00 per day. Many facilities also offer pick up and drop off services for those pet owners who must be at work before or after the facility opens or closes.

Dog daycare is an excellent way to exercise dogs, especially large dogs. Many dogs whose owners work full time are cooped up most of the day. Some of these dogs are in a crate all day. Then when the owner arrives home, exercise can be as little as a brief walk outside to eliminate. Lack of exercise can lead to obesity, lack of overall fitness, mental boredom, and behavior issues. Read more…

Many of us would like to adopt a pet, but shy away from the proposition because of the costs involved - especially in the current economy. However, there are options for you to provide quality care for your beloved pets at affordable prices. Follow these money saving tips for pet care, and you might be able to visit the pound today!

Helpful Tips To Keep Your Pet Care Costs Low:

1. Use low cost clinics for routine shots i.e. rabies. www.LuvMyPet.com is the nation’s largest provider of affordable pet vaccination clinics, at Petco stores, located in 23 states. If you do not have a Luv My Pet clinic near you, then call your local human society for information, and/or ask your vet if he/she holds any such clinics and how often.

2. You may want to consider getting a cat, as medical costs can be twice as high when you own a dog. If you have your heart set on a dog, consider a mixed breed. Purebreds are known for having more hereditary medical problems than “mutts”.

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Summer is a time for both you and your pet to enjoy the sunshine and outdoors, but along with the fun, the season also offers up situations that can endanger your pet. By taking precautions, you can decrease the chance that disaster will happen. The HSUS offers these tips for pet owners to keep their furry friends safe this summer:

* In nice weather you may be tempted to take your pet with you in the car while you travel or do errands. But during warm weather, the inside of your car can reach 120° in a matter of minutes, even if you’re parked in the shade. This can mean real trouble for your companion animals left in the car. Dogs and cats can’t perspire and can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. Pets who are left in hot cars even briefly can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, and can even die. Don’t think that just because you’ll be gone “just a minute” that your pet will be safe while you’re gone; even an air conditioned car with the motor off isn’t healthy for your pet. To avoid any chance that your pet will succumb to the heat of a car this summer, be sure to play it safe by leaving your pet cool and refreshed at home while you’re on the road. And if you do happen to see a pet in a car alone during the hot summer months, alert the management of the store where the car is parked. If the owner does not return promptly, call local animal control or the police department immediately.

* It is very dangerous, and in some states illegal, to drive with a dog in the back of a pick-up truck. Not only can flying debris cause serious injury, but a dog may be unintentionally thrown into traffic if the driver suddenly hits the brakes, swerves, or is hit by another car. Dogs should ride either in the cab (in a crate or wearing a seat belt harness designed for dogs) or in a secured crate in the bed of the truck.
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Pet Tip for Today: Puppy House Training.

Even young puppies can be expected to “hold it” for at least a short period of time.
As a general rule, that can translate to one hour for each month of age, give or take an hour.