Vet Advice on Chicago Dog Parks

Dr. Scott M. Rovner, of Chicago’s Roscoe Village Animal Hospital, has been practicing as a small animal veterinarian for more than a decade.

Dr. Rovner received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Iowa State University in 1994 and moved directly to Chicago where he has worked ever since. He has been an animal lover and pet owner his whole life and currently has three dogs (Yodi, Trixie & Jack) and one cat (Spencer).

Q. What advice do you have for Chicago dog owners about bringing their pets to the city’s dog parks?

My first piece of advice is to know your dog well. How does he or she interact with other dogs and with sharing other dogs' toys? It is nice to talk with other dog owners, but it is important to pay attention to your dog's interactions, in order to prevent conflicts.

Also, be sure that your dog has plenty of water, since sometimes dogs play pretty hard when they are off-leash. Chicago also requires dogs entering dog-friendly areas to wear a Chicago Park District Dog Friendly Area tag, or their owners could face a $500 fine.

Other Chicago Dog Q & A with Dr. Rovner:

• What Are the Top Preventable Health Problems in Chicago Dogs?
  
  Related Reading: Top 12 Chicago Dog Parks | What You Need to Know Before You Go