Dog-Proofing the Backyard

Most pet owners understand the basics of dog-proofing their homes, but fail to take appropriate precautions when dealing with their backyard. Here are a few tips to help you protect you pet from the usual backyard dangers.

1. Choose safe flowers – There is no denying that seasonal flowerbeds enhance the beauty of your garden, but a lot of the common flowers, including daffodils, tulips, amaryllis and azaleas are poisonous to canines. Consult with the vet to know which plants are poisonous before you get down to planting them in your garden.
2. Secure the garage supplies and trash cans – Recycling bins and trash cans must be secured with the appropriate lids. Liquids like fuel, antifreeze (lethal to pets) and cleaning supplies must be stored away from the reach of your pet. Rat or bug bait and herbicides must be used cautiously and stored carefully, as they can be fatal to your dog if ingested.
3. Fence around the swimming pools – Even if your pup enjoys swimming around in the pool and is strong,you should never leave him unattended if your yard has a pool. Make sure to fence the pool area, and train your dog to enter and exit safely from the pool from the time he is six months old.
4. Check the fence for any weak areas – Even if you have fenced your yard, your pup can wiggle through the tiny holes or gaps that you do not notice. Check the fencing in your yard regularly to ensure that it is secure before you let your dog out to play.
5. Landscape the lawn regularly – Ticks tend to lay in wait in branches and tall grasses so that they can hitch on to the skin of your dog when he passes by. To avoid a tick infestation, trim away all the tall, high grasses and remove any debris.
6. Clean the sheds, decks and backyard structures routinely – Fleas live in humid and dark areas like an outdoor kennels, decks and other outdoor structures like sheds. Sweep off the patios and clean under the deck regularly. Also, make sure you remove any debris from the outdoor structures to stop fleas from gathering around in the yard.
7. Keep pets away from treated lawns – Insecticides are tremendously helpful when it comes to controlling bug infestation, but if you apply it heavily, it will be toxic to your pet. Avoid using insecticides whenever its possible and consult with the vet on the best way to spray such chemicals. If your lawn has been treated with pesticides, insecticides or fertilizers recently, keep your dog away from the area.
8. Provide shade and water – Dogs love to play outdoors irrespective of the time of the year, but heat sickness and dehydration can pose a real threat in sunny, warm weather. Give your dogs enough breaks in a well-shaded area, supply him with plenty of fresh water and provide an access way so that he can get back inside if he feels like it.