🐾 Best Dog Parks in North Vancouver + Vet Safety Tips for Outdoor Fun

Whether you're heading to Kings Mill Off-Leash Area, Mosquito Creek Park, Waterfront Park or Heywood Park, North Vancouver is full of amazing places for your dog to run, play, and socialize. But while your pup is having the time of their life, it’s important to watch out for common injuries and illnesses we often see at Waterfront Park Veterinary Clinic.

Here are the top dog park dangers—and how to keep your pup safe while enjoying the outdoors.

1. 🐕‍🦺 Bite Wounds – More Serious Than They Look

   Play fights can sometimes turn into real scuffles, especially in a busy dog park. Bite wounds are one of the most common reasons we see dogs after park visits.

Even a small puncture can hide deep tissue damage, infection, or internal bleeding.

🚨 When to See a Vet:

• Minor wounds: See a vet within 1–3 days to prevent infection.

• Large lacerations or active bleeding: Contact your North Vancouver emergency vet immediately.

• Look out for swelling, pain, or behavior changes—signs of an abscess developing.

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2. Nail Avulsion – A Common Injury From Happy Play

🐾 Best Dog Parks in North Vancouver + Vet Safety Tips for Outdoor FunDogs love to run, jump, and wrestle—but all that activity can lead to nail avulsions, especially if their nails are long.

What is it? A nail gets caught on rough surfaces or fencing, causing it to tear away from the nail bed. Dew claws (those small side nails) are particularly vulnerable since they don’t touch the ground and aren’t worn down naturally.

✅ Vet Tips:

• Keep nails trimmed short—especially dew claws.

• Inspect paws after play for any limping, bleeding, or exposed nail beds.

• See a vet if the nail is hanging, bleeding, or your dog is in pain—we may need to remove it under sedation.
  

  

  Partially Broken Nail

  3. 🦠 Kennel Cough – The Social Butterfly’s Risk

Dog parks are perfect for making new furry friends—but they’re also hotspots for kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection.

😷 Prevention Tips:

• Vaccinate your dog annually (Bordetella vaccine).

• Avoid parks if your dog is coughing, gagging, or lethargic at least 14 days.

• Let your dog rest and recover if they’ve recently been sick.

4. 🦟 Other Common Dog Park Risks

Besides the big three, here are other preventable issues we treat at our North Vancouver vet clinic:

🚫 Parasites:

• Fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms thrive in shared environments.

• Use monthly preventives year-round—even in the cooler months.

🌿 Foxtails and Debris:

• Small seed heads or sharp objects can embed in paws, ears, or eyes.

• Check your dog’s fur and paws thoroughly after playtime.

💩 Gastrointestinal Upset:

• Dogs may eat other animals’ feces, grass, or trash, leading to vomiting or diarrhea.

• Carry your own water and discourage snacking on unknown items.

🛟 Safe Play = Happy Dog (and Owner)

Enjoying the best dog parks in North Vancouver is one of the great joys of living here. And with a little extra attention to safety, you and your pup can make the most of every adventure.

📍 Need Pet First Aid or a Post-Park Checkup?

At Waterfront Park Veterinary Clinic in North Vancouver, we'll be approachable from a minor injury to something more serious, our caring team is here to help your dog stay happy and healthy.