Paws Park

     NOTE: This is NOT Kennel Cough. Canine flu is more severe than Kennel Cough,
     but less prevalent. Please read the following information and take your dog to the
     vet if your dog develops a cough.

     CANINE INFLUENZA VIRUS (Canine Flu) Outbreaks of canine influenza virus, which causes
     an acute respiratory infection, have been identified in dogs in shelters, humane societies,
     boarding facilities and veterinary clinics in Florida, predominantly in Broward, Dade, Palm
     Beach and DUVAL counties.

     This highly contagious virus causes symptoms that mimic "KENNEL COUGH". This virus is
     spread by aerosolized respiratory secretions, contaminatedinanimate objects and even by
     people moving back and forth between infected and uninfecteddogs.

     CLINICAL SIGNS: All dogs, regardless of breed or age, are susceptible to infection and have
     no naturally acquired or vaccine-induced immunity. There are two general clinical syndromes-
     the milder syndrome and a more severe pneumonia syndrome. The milder disease syndrome
     occurs in most dogs.

     Milder cases: The most common clinical sign is a cough that persists for 10-21 days despite
     therapy with antibiotics and cough suppressants. Most dogs have a soft, moist cough, while
     others have a dry cough similar to kennel cough. Many dogs have nasal discharge and a low-
     grade fever.

     More severe cases: Some dogs develop a more severe disease with clinical signs of
     pneumonia, such as a high fever (104 degrees F to 106 degrees F) and increased respiratory
     rate and effort.

     FATALITY RATE: Fatal cases of pneumonia have been documented, but the fatality rate so far
     is low, at 1 percent to 5 percent.

     INCUBATION / CONTAGIOUS PERIOD: The incubation period is 2-5 days after exposure
     before clinical signs appear. Infected dogs may be contagious for 7-10 days from the initial
      day of clinical signs.

     PREVENTION: There is no vaccine for canine influenza virus at this time.

To protect the health of other dogs at Paws Park
PLEASE CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY IF YOUR DOG IS
DIAGNOSED WITH CANINE FLU OR KENNEL COUGH
AT (904)513 - 9240

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PARVOVIRUS

HEALTH WARNING

     PARVOVIRUS is HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS and can be FATAL if not treated immediately!

     Puppies and dogs that are not fully vaccinated are at risk of contracting PAROVIRUS
     at a dog park. DO NOT bring your puppy or dog into the dog park if they are not
     fully vaccinated!

     For your dog's health, follow the PAWS PARK RULES:
   RULE #9: NO dogs under four (4) months of age permitted in the park.
     Note: If your puppy is over 4 months, but not fully vaccinated, DO NOT bring your puppy to
     the park. It is recommended that puppies not be allowed to socialize with other dogs or
     frequent areas where other dogs have been until 2 WEEKS AFTER they had their LAST
     vaccination.

RULE #14: All dogs must be legally licensed, vaccinated and wear tags.

SYMPTOMS OF PARVOVIRUS

Symptoms begin with HIGH FEVER, LETHARGY, LOSS OF APPETITE.
Secondary symptoms appear as VOMITING and DIARRHEA. In many cases
DEHYDRATION, SHOCK and DEATH follow. IF YOUR DOG DEVELOPS ANY OF
THESE SYMPTOMS, CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY!

Call the Paws Park Hotline at (904)513-9240 to report cases of PAROVIRUS.

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     KENNEL COUGH
     KENNEL COUGH is highly contagious! Please be responsible. If your dog is diagnosed
     with KENNEL COUGH or you suspect your dog has KENNEL COUGH, do not bring your
     dog to the park until there is no coughing for 7-10 days.

     WHAT IS KENNEL COUGH?
          • It is a HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS virus that is spread through the air.
          • It is analogous to a chest cold in humans (i.e. bronchitis).
          • Typically will run its course in 7-10 days, but can be treated with antibiotics.
          • Bordetella vaccination will protect against many strains of KENNEL COUGH.

     • KENNEL COUGH SYMPTOMS:
          • A dry, non-productive cough.
          • The cough may sound like something is caught in the dog's throat.
          • Onset of symptoms is usually 7-10 days after exposure.

If you believe your dog has KENNEL COUGH, please contact your vet and report it to the
PAWS PARK VOLUNTEER GROUP:

phone: (904)513-9240
email: info@pawsparkjaxbeach.com

     If you bring your dog to Paws Park, PLEASE have your dog immunized
     against KENNEL COUGH.
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     SMALL DOG SAFETY AT PAWS PARK
     At Paws Park, there are a lot of people who take their small dogs to the large dog area for
     different reasons: either you feel your dog likes to play with big dogs; there are no small dogs
     in the small dog area; or you have both a small and a large dog and can't take the large dog
     to the small dog area.

     Whatever the reason, it must be emphasized that you are taking a big risk in allowing your
     small dog to play in the large dog area. Over the years, there have beeni ncidents at other
      dog parks throughout the U.S. where small dogs have been seriously injured or died from
     an injury inflicted by a large dog.

     In many of these cases, the large dogs were playing with the small dog and there did not
     appear to be any aggression involved in the small dog injury or fatality. Think about it: would
      you feel safe playing with another person 2-10 times your size? In all the cases, the small
     dog injury or fatality could have been prevented if the small dog owner had taken their small
     dog to the small dog area where the small dog can play safely with another dog their own size.

     Furthermore, many large dog owners cannot truly enjoy their visit to the large dog area
     because they are concerned about their large dog playing with a small dog and accidentally
     hurting the small dog. Because dog owners are liable for injuries caused by their dog, small
     dog owners should realize that they should assume some of that liability if their small dog is
     injured by a large dog. Please be aware that these large dog owners have a valid concern
     and you should consider using the small dog area for the safety of your small dog and the
     enjoyment of everyone!

     Please read the below message that was sent out to Costa Mesa, CA Bark Park users
     following the death of a chihuahua in their large dog area last year. This story is truly sad
     because this park has a small dog area and this fatality might have been prevented if the
     owner took their chihuahua to the small dog area!

     We don't want this kind of thing to happen at Paws Park because we want the park to
     be safe and enjoyed by everyone. For these reasons, we have a small dog area and we
     encourage you to use it if your dog is less than 25 pounds!

     Message posted to CostaMesa Bark Park Users:
     On Monday, April 18th, a tragic incidenttook place at CMBP that resulted in the loss of one
     of our faithful canine visitors. The CMBPFoundation extends its deepest sympathy to all
     involved parties. While the official investigationand report from Animal Control will not be
     released for another week to ten days, the known circumstances of the incident are: a
     Chihuahua and companion were playing in the "big dog" area of the park when a normally
     well-behaved husky approached the Chihuahua, picked it up and shook it, then set it down
     and went about his business. This act resulted in the death of the Chihuahua.

     We feel it is important to communicate this event to park visitors to increase awareness
     about the importance of keeping a watchful eye on your dog to ensure his/her safety at
     all times. We must remember that our dogs have natural instincts that cannot always be
     predicted or prevented. It is for this reason we have two sections at the park. The "big dog"
     area is for large breeds and active "tweeners," while the "small dog" area is for small breeds
      and the elderly or disabled. While your dog may be comfortable in a situation, it is important
     to realize that the other dogs present may not be. Some owners may feel their small dogs
     enjoy playing with the larger dogs and can hold their own in the "big dog" area, but the large
     dogs present may not be use to interacting with smaller ones and this could make for a fatal
     situation. All park users are advised to evaluate which is the appropriate area to use each time
     they visit CMBP.

     It is never easy to hear about the loss of one of our park family members and it is especially
     heartbreaking to hear of this tragic loss. Fatalities at dog parks are quite rare and this is the
     first that has occurred at CMBP since the park opened in 1994.

      Please be safe and keep your dog safe too!
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SUMMER SAFETY FOR YOUR DOG

     HEAT STRESS
     To avoid heat stress, exercise your dog in the mornings or evenings when the
     temperatures are cooler.

     Watch for these signs of HEAT STRESS:
          • Heavy panting
          • Glazed eyes
          • A rapid pulse
          • Unsteadiness
          • Staggering
          • Vomiting
          • Deep red or purple tongue

     If your dog experiences heat stress, lower their temperature
     IMMEDIATELY by:
          • Move the animal to the shade
          • Apply cool (NOT COLD) water all over its body
          • Apply ice packs or cold towels to the head, neck and chest area
          • Take the pet IMMEDIATELY to your veterinarian or emergency animal clinic

     OTHER HOT WEATHER TIPS
          • Older dogs and dogs with thick coats need special attention. Limit their
               exposure to the heat by exercising them in the morning or evening
               hours,when temperatures are cooler.
          • Asphalt can become very hot and burn paws of dogs accustomed to cool
               indoor surfaces. The hot asphalt can also cause dogs to overheat.
               Do not walk your dog on hot asphalt for extended periods. Remember,
               you are wearing shoes to protect your feet, but they don't have any
               protection from the heat for their feet.
          • Do not leave dogs in parked cars for any period of time during the summer.
               Even with the car or truck windows slightly opened, the temperature in a
               car can reach 120°F in a matter of minutes. Dogs cannot sweat. They can
               only dissipate heat by panting and through the pads of their feet.
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     DOGS MUST BE LEASHED OUTSIDE PAWS PARK
     Please remember that you are required by law to have your dog on leash outside the dog
     park area. There are numerous reasons why you must keep your dog on leash outside the
     dog park area:

          1. It is the law:
               Jacksonville Beach laws require all dogs to be on leash in all areas except the dog park:

               Sec.5-28.Leash required for dogs in public places.
                      (a) No dog shall be allowed in public places such as hotels, theaters, streets or
                      upon property other than that of its owner, unless the dog shall be fastened to a
                      suitable leash of dependable strength not to exceed eight (8) feet in length, within
                      the city.
                      (b) Within the physical boundaries of the dog park in Wingate Park, dogs may be
                      allowed off leash by their owner or handler so long as the owner or handler remains
                      at all times within the physical boundaries of the dog park and maintains control of
                      the dog(s) at all times.

                      You can be fined for not having your dog on a leash outside the dog park area.
         2. It is a DOG PARK RULE:
               Rule #2: Dogs must be leashed when entering and leaving the dog park.

         3. Safety for children and people outside the dog park:
               The dog park is next to a children's ball field so it is very important that dogs be on leash
               when you leave the dog park area to ensure that children are not scared, knocked down,
               or injuredby a dog that is off leash. Also, please respect the fact that some people are
               fearful of dogs or do not like dogs. You must be a responsible dog owner outside the dog
               park and make sure that your dog is leashed to prevent any undesired encounters.

         4. Safety for your dog:
               A car driving through the parking lot or pulling out of a parking space may not see your
               dog. If you keep your dog on leash, you can be sure that they do not run into the path of
               moving cars.

         5. Safety for other dogs:
               Small dog owners that are not comfortable with large dogs around their small dogs do
               not want uncontrolled encounters with unleashed large dogs outside the dog park.
               Please respect the fact that large dogs can unintentionally hurt a small dog and keep
               your dog on leash when outside the park to prevent any undesired encounters.
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