The weather is starting to get nice and more people are heading outside for some fresh air! Are you looking for outdoor things to do with your dog in Pinellas? Our county features a multitude of public parks and destinations designed for pets. Some things, like many dog parks, are free!
If you plan on visiting a dog park with your pet, we strongly recommend your pup be on a monthly preventive for heartworms and fleas. Parks can be hot spots for transmission due to the large number of pets mingling together. Many parks also have vaccination requirements so be sure your pup is up-to-date on their rabies, influenza and leptospirosis, among others. Here are just a few of the great Pinellas County parks where you can take your pup.
- Fort De Soto Park – Fort De Soto boasts a fabulous off-leash dog beach along with a fenced big dog/small dog play area, a dog-friendly campground and dog showers for those hot, sandy days.
- Anderson Park – While visiting Anderson’s dog park you can take in some beautiful wooded areas and scenic vistas overlooking Salmon Bay and Lake Tarpon.
- Boca Ciega Park – This is a great place to kayak and picnic among oak hammocks and salt marshes. It also has a big dog/small dog park complete with an obstacle course in the small dog area.
- John Chesnut Sr. Park – The small dog and big dog runs at Chesnut offer nice benches, watering stations and baby pools for your pup to cool off in.
- Eagle Lake Park – Eagle Lake Park offers three fenced dog runs – two for large dogs and one for small dogs. There is ample shade and plenty of benches to watch your dog frolic. When you are done, hook up the leash and take a stroll together through one of the many scenic boardwalk trails.
- Honeymoon Island State Park– the popular destination is the most visited public beach in Florida. There’s also a beach dedicated for dogs. Just make sure you have them on a six foot leash. When you are done, there’s a place to wash your pup and freshen them up before heading back home.
Enjoy the fresh air and stay safe by keeping up with your pet’s preventatives!
About The Author: Rizal Lopez, DVM, is Chief Veterinary Officer for SPCA Tampa Bay. He and his staff have completed over 8,000 procedures since opening the St. Pete Veterinary Center in late 2016. Dr. Lopez, since joining the organization in 2011, has performed over 20,000 spay/neuter procedures for the community. He held several positions with the organization before taking the lead veterinary role at the center.