A Guide from The Vet on Richmond Hill:
Richmond Park is a stunning and popular location for dog owners in Richmond, offering miles of open space and breathtaking natural beauty. However, there are a few important precautions to keep in mind to ensure your dog’s safety and well-being while enjoying the park. As trusted vets in Richmond, The Vet on Richmond Hill is here to provide essential guidance on keeping your dog safe from deer, ticks, and other potential hazards.
Understanding the Risks of Deer in Richmond Park
Richmond Park is home to over 600 free-roaming red and fallow deer, which makes it an incredible place to witness wildlife. However, this also means that dog owners need to be extra cautious, particularly during key seasons:
- Deer Birthing Season (May–July): During this time, female deer (hinds) are highly protective of their newborns and can become aggressive if approached. From 1st May to 31st July, dogs must be kept on a lead throughout the park to prevent accidental encounters. Fawns are often hidden in long grass, making them difficult to spot, and a hind may perceive even a well-meaning dog as a threat to her young.
- Rutting Season (September–October): During these months, male deer (stags) become highly territorial and aggressive as they compete for mates. Stags may charge or display threatening behaviour if they feel challenged. It’s best to keep your dog on a lead or avoid areas where deer are active to prevent dangerous encounters.
- General Safety Advice: Always keep your dog at least 50 meters away from deer. If a deer charges, let your dog off the lead immediately so they can escape and avoid injury. Never allow your dog to chase or disturb the deer, as this can cause stress to the animals and put both the deer and your pet in danger. If you’re unsure where deer are likely to be, stick to well-trodden paths and avoid walking through dense vegetation.
Ticks and Lyme Disease Prevention
Richmond Park has a significant tick population due to its deer and natural woodland environment. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, which, while uncommon, is becoming more prevalent in the UK. Here’s how to protect your dog:
- Tick Prevention Treatments: Use vet-recommended tick preventatives such as Bravecto, NexGard, Simparica, or Seresto collars.
- Regular Tick Checks: After every walk, thoroughly check your dog, especially around the ears, neck, and underbelly.
- Proper Tick Removal: Use a tick removal tool and avoid squeezing the tick, as this can increase the risk of infection.
- Lyme Disease Vaccination: While a vaccine is available, Lyme disease remains very rare in Richmond, and we do not routinely vaccinate for it. Prevention through tick control is the most effective method of protection.
Other Risks in Richmond Park
Aside from deer and ticks, there are a few other potential hazards dog owners should be aware of:
- Leptospirosis: The bacteria causing this disease can be found in stagnant water contaminated by wildlife urine. Ensure your dog is vaccinated and avoid letting them drink from puddles or ponds.
- Adders: Richmond Park is home to the UK’s only venomous snake, the adder. These are most active in spring and early summer, often hiding in long grass and bracken.
- Oak Processionary Moth Caterpillars: Present from May to July, these caterpillars have tiny toxic hairs that can cause severe allergic reactions in dogs.
- Blue-Green Algae: In warm weather, toxic blue-green algae can form in some of Richmond Park’s ponds. If ingested, this can be fatal to dogs. Symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, and difficulty breathing. Always prevent your dog from drinking or swimming in stagnant or algae-covered water and seek immediate veterinary attention if you suspect poisoning.
The Vet on Richmond Hill’s VIP Healthcare Plan
Many of these risks can be mitigated with regular preventative care. Our VIP Healthcare Plan includes routine parasite control, vaccinations, and health checks, ensuring your dog is fully protected throughout the year.
If you have any concerns about your dog’s health or need advice on walking safely in Richmond Park, don’t hesitate to visit The Vet on Richmond Hill. Our expert team of vets in Richmond is here to help keep your beloved pet happy and healthy!
For more information or to book an appointment, call The Vet on Richmond Hill today!
020 7730 9102