Ways to Dog Proof a Yard

Dog-proofing a yard takes some time and consideration but is most beneficial to both the dog and the homeowner. In order to ensure your pet doesn’t wreak havoc on the backyard, and to prevent harm to the animal, it is important to make sure your yard is dog-proof. This means you have to take into consideration any possible hazards and eliminate them. If you have a dog that gets into everything, it is even more important to be ahead of the game.

Prior to bringing your pup home, it is a good idea to scour the yard and make several adjustments to ensure the dog will be safe. It’s important to consider the types of plants you have in your yard, as well as securing garbage cans. This is all very important if you plan on leaving your dog unattended for any length of time.

Poisonous Plants

What might be safe for human consumption, could be poisonous to dogs. Planning your seasonal flower pots, and flower gardens is essential for dog safety. Certain flowers like Azaleas, Tulips, and Daffodils are poisonous to dogs and should be avoided. Your dog can become deathly ill if you accidentally plant the wrong type of flowers in your yard. For a complete list of poisonous flowers, I contacted my vet.

It is also a good idea to section off vegetable gardens with a separate fence. This can prevent dogs from digging in the garden and destroying vegetables, but also prevent the dog from eating something poisonous. Certain vegetables are also dangerous to dogs. Onions and avocados are examples of vegetables that pose a threat to a dog’s health if eaten. Keeping the dog out of the garden will help keep them safe.

Fencing

Whenever you move to a new home, always check the fence line before allowing the dog to play unattended in the yard. Making routine checks along the fence helps make sure the dog can’t escape. Making small repairs to the fence can save you heartache in the future. You may also need to secure the latch on the gate. Some dogs can figure out how to unlatch the gate and escape. You may find that you need secure the latch with a lock in order to keep the dog from springing it.

If you have a pool in the backyard it is also a good idea to put a barrier around it so that your dog doesn’t accidentally fall in and drown. Some dogs are not afraid of water and will go for a swim by themselves. This is dangerous and shouldn’t be allowed, even if your dog is a strong swimmer. Accidents can happen while dogs are left unattended, and its better to be safe than sorry.

Secure Garbage Cans

Dogs are natural scavengers and don’t need an invitation to raid a garbage can, especially when left unattended. Garbage cans are enticing for almost any dog, so it’s important to secure all cans and make sure lids fit properly. By securing the garbage, you can potentially keep your dog from scattering garbage all over the lawn or eating something dangerous.

Chemicals

Any chemicals you have stored around the house should be kept out of the dogs reach. Lawnmower gas and oil are lethal to dogs if consumed and should always be kept out of the dog’s environment. Pesticides, rat bait and other poisons should never be stored where a dog can reach them. If you have a storage shed where these items are kept, make sure the dog cannot gain access to the building.

Keep Lawn Mowed

It is important to make sure to routinely mow the grass in your yard to provide a safe playground for your dog. Dogs are more susceptible to ticks when the grass is too tall. By mowing frequently, you can prevent ticks from becoming attached to your dog’s skin. Certain ticks can cause harmful diseases and keeping a trimmed yard is necessary to safeguard your dog.

In conclusion, taking the time to dog-proof your backyard is beneficial to both your yard and your dog’s health. By checking the fence, securing your garbage cans and fencing off your pool and garden, you can ensure your dogs safety while left unattended in the yard. Being proactive can mean the difference between life and death for your dog.