Helpful Information

&

Resources

What to do if you notice…

  • a maintenance issue

  • the water is not working

  • a gate is broken

  • the poop bag dispensers are empty

  • anything needing additional cleaning beyond the regular park cleanings

email us!

FondParks@gmail.com

What if my dog gets in a scuffle?

The sad truth of dog parks is the inherent risk of dogs getting into a scuffle. We have outlined below the recommended steps to take in this unfortunate event.

Friends of NoMa Dogs (FOND) has no authority to investigate or adjudicate nor enforce any decisions made by DC City Officials or its representatives or delegates. Swampoodle Dog Park is a DC City Park.

  1. Safely separate the dogs.

  2. Talk to the other owner(s)

  3. Photograph any injuries to both dog and human

  4. Contact the Humane Rescue Alliance* (202) 723-5730 

  5. Contact DC Parks and Recreation (202) 673-7647

*The Animal Care and Control Facility is operated by the Humane Rescue Alliance under a contract with the District of Columbia

Female dogs in heat

Dogs in heat are not allowed in any DC dog park. An unfixed (unspayed) female dog is in “heat” when they have entered the fertile part of their reproductive cycle, on average lasting three weeks.

Signs your dog is going into heat

  • lower energy levels

  • more aggressive behavior

  • differences in leg-raising while urinating

  • urinating more often than usual

  • even running away from home

Signs your dog is in heat

  • A large, red, swollen vulva

  • Bleeding from the vulva (or a yellow/red/brown discharge)

  • Licking the back end more than usual

  • Urinating more than usual.

  • Behaviour changes such as: being over friendly to other dogs. roaming to find male dogs. mounting and humping.

When any dog, but especially a male dog, senses a nearby female is in heat, they’ll do just about anything to get to the potential girlfriend. This is where a usually mild-mannered dog starts behaving erratically making them hard to control. Dogs could jump over or dig under fences or cross a busy highway just to get to the in-heat female dog. Dogs can smell an intact female dog in heat up to three miles away.