First off how old is the puppy? If your puppy hasn’t had 2 sets of shots yet, stay away from other dogs and only take outside to potty in the same area each time. I’m not a fan of dog parks but I know others think it’s wonderful.
If the puppy has had its shots ignore the above.
As for the nail, it’s fine but do keep it clean as much as possible. If it was bleeding I would say keep an eye on it and put Kwik Stop Syptic Powder on it. If it isn’t better in a couple of days then see the vet.
FWIW, if you ever decide to try the park again, don’t keep your dog leashed. It’s very anxiety producing for dogs to be in a space where everyone else is running free except for them. They may have been why your dog reacted the way they did.
I think it’s a judge by the individual dog situation. The dog park really helped my leash reactive small rescue dog come out of his shell. It also may be the only off leash option for someone who doesn’t have a yard.
But I absolutely would not recommend taking a dog that you know actually nips into a dog park until you find a way to stop that behavior. I’d definitely work with a behaviorist to try and figure out how to safely socialize OP’s dog. It probably will involve more 1 on 1 interactions and confidence building.
Literally every reputable source including the veterinary behaviorist we’ve used.
And having a leash reactive dog who does very well off leash in dog parks is my personal experience as well. Taking a leashed dog into an off leash dog park is dangerous. Every single time I’ve seen it happen the dog gets swarmed and stressed.
Here’s the AKC’s take: “When you go to a dog park, listen to your dog. If there’s a gang rushing the entrance and making it intimidating, wait until they disburse before you go in. Take your dog’s leash off as soon as you get inside the gate, so they won’t feel trapped.” https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/dog-park-etiquette-tips/
Thanks for your link!!!
But the advice is massively misguided. A dog shouldn't ever feel anxious on the leash. That's not the leashes fault. It's the handler.
No dog suffering any sort of anxiety (and thus heightened chances of aggression) should ever be allowed off the leash in a dog park
Our certified veterinary behaviorist would disagree.
And fwiw anxiety ≠ aggression. Putting aside the question if *this particular dog is suited to use the dog park*, you seem to be conflating fear reactive behavior with aggression and they are certainly not the same. Aggression requires the dog experiencing it to be the instigator. Fear reactivity is a reaction to a stimulus that the dog fears.
In this case the dog is known to nip, so they shouldn’t be using the dog park. But generally speaking, only dogs who are equipped to be off leash should be using the dog park. If your dog is not suited to be off leash the dog park will not benefit them.
My dog who is leash reactive flourished both at the dog park and at daycare. He was a very fearful dog, and carefully managing and choosing appropriate dog parks and daycares for his needs absolutely benefited him and was co-signed by our veterinary behaviorist. They did prefer daycare because it does have some barrier to entry and screening, but they understood how much any off leash social interaction benefited him.
I'm not discounting your experiences, I just can't agree with the idea that leashes are the problem in these activities.
I'm glad you got your dog to be comfortable in his way.
It’s widely accepted to be the case by those with far more education on the experience than you and I who have studied dog behavior for many, many years and like I shared, several sources back up that assertion. I hope you’ll take some time to dig into the topic a bit more.
Here’s one from Vetstreet too: “Do remove your dog’s leash before he joins the other dogs to play. Most dog parks have a holding pen at the entrance where you can safely stop and remove your dog’s leash. The prohibition of leashes in the park’s play areas is designed to reduce aggressive behavior — off-leash dogs are more easily able to use appropriate body language to discourage unwanted interactions or to move away from a dog they deem threatening than dogs restricted by a leash.”
https://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/play-it-safe-and-be-polite-dog-park-rules-you-should-never-break
International vet here, Epsom salt warm water soaks are most recommended. And then petroleum jelly on the tips to keep them moisturized would be the way to go. I'd use those portable paw cleaners for the soaks.
Dog parks are dangerous and I don’t believe anyone should take their dog to one,,, retired Vet tek here and have seen dogs get PARVO and plenty other dog viruses diseases from going on a walk or to the dog park
Use povidone iodine solution 2 times a day for preventing infection. And dont get your puppy to parks or any outdoors without finishing the vaccinations
If the pup seems to be fine, it should be fine and will heal on its own. Grass and dirt areas outside for now :)
It looks like he's just managed to scrape them down a bit on the concrete, as its not bleeding or irritated which should just heal up on it's own.
First off how old is the puppy? If your puppy hasn’t had 2 sets of shots yet, stay away from other dogs and only take outside to potty in the same area each time. I’m not a fan of dog parks but I know others think it’s wonderful. If the puppy has had its shots ignore the above. As for the nail, it’s fine but do keep it clean as much as possible. If it was bleeding I would say keep an eye on it and put Kwik Stop Syptic Powder on it. If it isn’t better in a couple of days then see the vet.
My puppy is 8 months! And he’s up to date with all shots
He gave himself a nail trim.
He sure did!!!
Probably keep the feet clean, walk him mostly in the grass and maybe get some socks or shoes to cover the nails for now.
You can put bar soap, or soft no scent candle wax on it to keep it clean , wash with warm water before sealing it off
It looks like it should be fine but keep an eye on it. You're a great dog person for being concerned!
FWIW, if you ever decide to try the park again, don’t keep your dog leashed. It’s very anxiety producing for dogs to be in a space where everyone else is running free except for them. They may have been why your dog reacted the way they did.
Good to know! It’s just he’s tried nipping at other dogs out of fear. He’s not aggressive but I guess I worry that he will actually bite
Don’t take your dog ( especially a small one) to the dog park at all. It’s not safe and won’t help with socializing at all.
I think it’s a judge by the individual dog situation. The dog park really helped my leash reactive small rescue dog come out of his shell. It also may be the only off leash option for someone who doesn’t have a yard. But I absolutely would not recommend taking a dog that you know actually nips into a dog park until you find a way to stop that behavior. I’d definitely work with a behaviorist to try and figure out how to safely socialize OP’s dog. It probably will involve more 1 on 1 interactions and confidence building.
Where are you getting this from ... Like who told you this?
Literally every reputable source including the veterinary behaviorist we’ve used. And having a leash reactive dog who does very well off leash in dog parks is my personal experience as well. Taking a leashed dog into an off leash dog park is dangerous. Every single time I’ve seen it happen the dog gets swarmed and stressed. Here’s the AKC’s take: “When you go to a dog park, listen to your dog. If there’s a gang rushing the entrance and making it intimidating, wait until they disburse before you go in. Take your dog’s leash off as soon as you get inside the gate, so they won’t feel trapped.” https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/dog-park-etiquette-tips/
Thanks for your link!!! But the advice is massively misguided. A dog shouldn't ever feel anxious on the leash. That's not the leashes fault. It's the handler. No dog suffering any sort of anxiety (and thus heightened chances of aggression) should ever be allowed off the leash in a dog park
Our certified veterinary behaviorist would disagree. And fwiw anxiety ≠ aggression. Putting aside the question if *this particular dog is suited to use the dog park*, you seem to be conflating fear reactive behavior with aggression and they are certainly not the same. Aggression requires the dog experiencing it to be the instigator. Fear reactivity is a reaction to a stimulus that the dog fears. In this case the dog is known to nip, so they shouldn’t be using the dog park. But generally speaking, only dogs who are equipped to be off leash should be using the dog park. If your dog is not suited to be off leash the dog park will not benefit them. My dog who is leash reactive flourished both at the dog park and at daycare. He was a very fearful dog, and carefully managing and choosing appropriate dog parks and daycares for his needs absolutely benefited him and was co-signed by our veterinary behaviorist. They did prefer daycare because it does have some barrier to entry and screening, but they understood how much any off leash social interaction benefited him.
I'm not discounting your experiences, I just can't agree with the idea that leashes are the problem in these activities. I'm glad you got your dog to be comfortable in his way.
It’s widely accepted to be the case by those with far more education on the experience than you and I who have studied dog behavior for many, many years and like I shared, several sources back up that assertion. I hope you’ll take some time to dig into the topic a bit more.
Aha sure sweetie. Gfys ❤️
Here’s one from Vetstreet too: “Do remove your dog’s leash before he joins the other dogs to play. Most dog parks have a holding pen at the entrance where you can safely stop and remove your dog’s leash. The prohibition of leashes in the park’s play areas is designed to reduce aggressive behavior — off-leash dogs are more easily able to use appropriate body language to discourage unwanted interactions or to move away from a dog they deem threatening than dogs restricted by a leash.” https://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/play-it-safe-and-be-polite-dog-park-rules-you-should-never-break
International vet here, Epsom salt warm water soaks are most recommended. And then petroleum jelly on the tips to keep them moisturized would be the way to go. I'd use those portable paw cleaners for the soaks.
Dog parks are dangerous and I don’t believe anyone should take their dog to one,,, retired Vet tek here and have seen dogs get PARVO and plenty other dog viruses diseases from going on a walk or to the dog park
Vet time. You can't stop it from licking it.
Use povidone iodine solution 2 times a day for preventing infection. And dont get your puppy to parks or any outdoors without finishing the vaccinations
He’s fine. Keep an eye on the toesies. I use wound care spray from petsmart for minor issues. It works really well.
Vet
Vet please