7 Dog-Friendly Parks and Trails Near Lowell, MA

The list

1. First Street Playground Dog Park, Lowell. Fenced off-leash area right in the city with waste stations and benches. The closest true off-leash option for most of our clients.
2. Chelmsford Dog Park, North Chelmsford. Nearly two acres with a separate section for small dogs. Popular in the early evening once the heat drops.
3. Billerica Dog Park, North Billerica. Has a small dog section and a shade pavilion, which matters a lot in August.
4. Vandenberg Esplanade, Lowell. Open riverside green space along the Merrimack. Leashed walking, wide paths and good breeze on hot days.
5. Merrimack River Walking Path, Lowell. Flat, paved and shaded in stretches. A good choice for senior dogs and short nosed breeds that overheat quickly.
6. Lowell Heritage State Park, Lowell. Leashed walks along the canals and the canalway paths, with plenty of shade and history. Quiet on weekday mornings.
7. Great Brook Farm State Park, Carlisle. About twenty minutes out, with miles of leashed trails and fields. The best option when you want a real hike.

Rules and hours change. Confirm current leash rules, permits and resident stickers with each town before you go, since some dog parks require a town issued tag.

The 10 minute cleanup that saves you a vet visit

Trails around the Merrimack Valley mean grass, brush and water, and all three leave something in the coat. This is the routine we recommend to clients after a park day in August.

1. Check for ticks in the four hot spots: ears, collar line, armpits and groin, and between the toes.
2. Rinse or wipe the paws and belly to remove pollen and grass seed.
3. Dry the coat properly if the dog went in the water. Damp fur plus warm skin equals hot spots.
4. Brush out burrs before they become mats. Ten minutes now saves a de-matting session later.
5. Look at the paw pads for cracks, cuts or asphalt burn.

If you find mats you cannot brush out, do not cut them with scissors. Skin pulls up into the mat and the cut goes deeper than you expect. Bring the dog in and we will handle it safely. See our guides on ticks in Massachusetts and removing mats.

Park day timing in August

Go before 9am or after 6pm. Asphalt and packed dirt hold heat well into the evening, and short nosed breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs and Boxers can be in trouble at temperatures that feel fine to you. Bring water for the dog even on a short outing.

Keep reading

• Should you shave your dog in summer?
• Dog daycare vs. pet sitting
• Choosing a dog groomer in Lowell, MA

Frequently asked questions