An Eye on Pet Safety in the Backyard
People who live in apartments have understandable “yard envy” – especially if they share their place with a pet. To be sure, a fenced-in area brings a lot to the table, but that doesn’t mean yards are always risk-free. When pet safety is observed in and around the backyard, pet owners can truly have the best of both worlds.
The Power of the Outdoors
Dogs flourish when they have a yard to call their own. Not only does this help with regular bathroom needs, they can also use their considerable instincts when enjoying the great outdoors. Cats also love having a place to call their own, and once territory is established, they typically remain in charge of it.
The Fence
Perhaps the single most important thing you can do for pet safety in the backyard is installing or reinforcing a secure fence and gate. Depending on your pet’s species, breed, age, lifestyle, and temperament, there are many options from which to choose. Not only do you want to make sure your pet stays safely within your property, but keeping disease-carrying animals out is equally important.
Bugs!
Is your pet on a year-round parasite prevention schedule? Before you allow your pet to frolic in the yard, please be sure they’re protected from fleas, ticks, and heartworm-carrying mosquitos.
Check the Landscape
It’s not uncommon for pet owners to be surprised that potentially toxic plants are growing in their garden beds. Because your pet will spend a great deal of time exploring, sniffing, and possibly tasting the shrubbery, be 100% certain that it’s safe. In other words, no lilies, oleander, azalea, tulips, and more. Check out this comprehensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants to learn more.
Sheds and Storage
Pet safety hinges on keeping dangerous substances out of sight and out of reach. Garden sheds and garage spaces are chock full of toxins. From rat/mouse poison to antifreeze, pets have a way of honing in on the most hazardous chemicals. Please ensure that all chemicals and lawn/garden supplies, such as cocoa mulch, are secured behind closed doors at all times.
Know the signs of a pet poisoning and seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
Applying Products
Committing to pet safety while maintaining your property isn’t impossible. However, when applying certain products, such as pesticides or fertilizer, keep your pet inside until the product has dried or is absorbed.
Water Features
A pool, pond, or fountain adds a lot of interest to a backyard, but only if pet safety remains a priority. Always supervise your water-loving pet when outdoors or keep the water feature in a gated area. Install an alarm that goes off if anyone falls in.
Also, water feature chemicals require the same vigilance as ones used in the yard, garden, and garage.
Pet Safety is Always a Must
We encourage you and your pet to spend as much time outside together as possible. Just maintain a constant, proactive approach to pet safety. Did you know that we also offer Day Camp? If you have a home improvement project that needs to get done, please contact us to see if this is the right option for you. Please let us know if you have any questions. Enjoy!