Nov
08
2009
Should I Limit My Golden Retriever’s Trips To The Dog Park?
Posted by: Alan in Dog Health Problem, tags: Golden, Limit, Park, Retriever's, Should, Trips
My golden retriever LOVES to play fetch and I take her to the dog park generally twice a week for about an hour, maybe a little more. Is that too much? Not enough? Does it really matter? She’s in great shape and only 4 years old. I just don’t want to create any health problems for her.
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November 8th, 2009 at 3:15 am
At 4 years old she could go to the park every day for an hour.
This is what she needs to keep her fit and healthy.
There is concern about people exercising puppies too much as this can contribute in causing hip and joint problems but at 4 years old all her growing is done and exercise now every day is the best thing you can do for her.
It is lovely to know you care about her so much to ask this question.
November 8th, 2009 at 4:43 am
As long as she has her shots, doesn’t have any existing health problems and doesn’t fight with other dogs, there shouldn’t be a problem with taking her to the park.
Depending on her energy level it might benefit her to go even more often.
November 8th, 2009 at 8:20 am
I think that is a good idea. Then your dog can have exercise and fresh air. Your Golden should have all the shots. You can ask your vet about what shots your dog needs. I hope I helped. Have fun with your dog in the park!
November 8th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
If she loves it, and enjoys the exercise, you should most definitely keep taking her there! I know some pretty FAT Goldens who don’t get ANY exercise. The trips to the park will help to keep her healthy and strong. Twice a week is not too much at all!
November 8th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
What you want to worry about is that she doesn’t become dehydrated. If she enjoys going to the park and playing then take her as often as you can. It’s so good for them to get out and exercise every day, also they need exposure to the sun for a few minutes a day for their health, just like us.
My border collie will chase a ball until she’s so tired and hot she can hardly keep going…but she will, so we have to stop it. But we take her as often as we can.
November 9th, 2009 at 12:31 am
I walk my Golden Once a day for about 30-45 minutes. Every other day i take her for 2 walks. These dogs need walks everyday.
November 9th, 2009 at 5:51 am
as long as she is in good health and had all her shots she should be ok.labs love to play and keep active so if she has no joint problems and is use to the park i would continue she seems to be thriving and it is good excersize and company for both of u.
November 9th, 2009 at 8:59 am
Make sure she has all vaccinations, such as rabies, distemper, and bordatella (kennel cough). As far as health problems, kennel cough would be the easiest for her to get from another dogs germs all over the park.
Make sure she doesn’t have sensitive paws, so that running around on the ground doesn’t hurt the pads of her feet.
That much time should be just fine. I know people who go daily (11:30 – 12:30 is my favorite time at my local dog park), and it’s much more reassuring when you know the other owners and their dogs.
November 9th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
If you’re taking your dog to dog parks you must really care about her. Twice a week is nothing! I know people that go to the dog park everyday…really! I know people that spead hours at the park!
The real question is: is this the ONLY exercise she gets? Dogs need to exercise everyday, just as people do.
Golden retreivers (and other larger dogs) are apt to get joint and hip problems. Running on hard ground is high impact and can show wear & tear quickly. Teaching them to swim and fetch in the water can keep them active for many years and it is good cardio too.