Tampa Bay is a pretty great place to be a dog. We have all sorts of dog cafes, daycares, and groomers, as well as many restararunts and breweries where people are welcome to bring their pups along. Man’s Best Friend is also quite fond of our beaches! Of course, one of Fido’s favorite things about this area are its several beautiful and dog-friendly parks. A local Seminole, FL vet discusses some local dog parks in this article.
St Pete/Pinellas
Madeira, St Pete Beach, and Reddington Beach all have dog parks your pooch may enjoy exploring. Del Bello Park and Constitution Park are also nearby doggy hangouts. Boca Ciega Millennium Park offers separate areas for large and small dogs, as does the Walter Fuller Park in St. Pete. The one at Indian Rocks offers a doggy shower. Walsingham Park is another favorite.
Tampa
Headed across the Bay? There are also lots of places for Fido to explore on the Tampa side. Al Lopez Park offers 132 acres of trails for you and your canine buddy to explore and investigate. A bit further north is Hillsborough River State Park, which has seven miles of trails. You may also want to take your pup to the USF Botanical Gardens, Tampa’s Riverwalk, or the Curtis Hixon Park. You can find a full list of places to explore with your furry best friend at the city’s Barks And Recreation page here.) (Did we mention how much we love the name?)
Tips
No matter which park you take your furry pal to, it’s important to take some precautions to keep him safe. First and foremost, always bring water along for your pooch. You may want to put a portable cooler in your car, and keep a few gallons in it. And while every park may have slightly different regulations, there are some general guidelines to follow. Keep Fido leashed except in fenced areas, and always pick up after him. It’s also important to realize that parks aren’t right for every dog. If your pup is fearful or aggressive, he may not be a good match. Puppies that haven’t had all their vaccinations also shouldn’t go to parks. Last but not least, make sure your canine companion is current on his vaccinations and parasite control.
Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your Seminole, FL animal hospital, today!