Taking your dog for a walk is a good way to get out of the house and exercise. There are many places now that allow dogs. This could be hotels, restaurants, daycare, and some retail stores. It is important to know what your dog may come into contact with on these outings.
When choosing where to take your dog, you may want to consider what they may be exposed to. Taking your dog with you is a good way to get them exercise and open space to play. There are many dog parks that allow your dog to play freely with other dogs. These high dog traffic locations can lead to your pet being infested with parasites, as many of them are not regulated on what preventative care if needed.
Pets can become infected with parasites simply by playing in an area that has contaminated soil. It is very important to keep your pet on a monthly dewormer, flea/tick prevention, and heartworm prevention. This will help to keep your pet safe while being able to play freely.
There are also some parasites that can be transmitted to humans and others that cannot be treated by monthly heartworm prevention and deworming.
Monitor your pet closely, if you notice that they are acting more tired (lethargic), having any soft stool (diarrhea), or vomiting it would be a good idea to get them into a Vet and have them examined. Catching a parasitic infection early is best to prevent them from becoming dehydrated or having secondary problems. Some dogs may stop eating or drinking if they are not feeling well. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your family Vet or Animal Hospital.