How to Protect Your Dog from Backyard Dangers
With summer on the way, you and your pup will soon be spending a lot more time outside in the sun. The last thing you want is to worry about them getting hurt or sick. That’s why it’s important to protect your dog from backyard dangers so you all can have a fun and safe summer.
Check out the plants and grasses around
Do an audit of all the vegetables, flowers, and plants you already have in your yard and garden. Many popular veggies like onions, garlic, tomatoes, and chives are poisonous to dogs and should be fenced off in a way that prevents your furry friend from getting into them. The same goes for some plants like ivy.
Grasses are harder to manage as those that dogs may be allergic to, like Bermuda and bottlebrush, are commonly found in backyards. To minimize the irritation these grasses may cause, give your pup regular baths with a hypoallergenic shampoo and wipe their paws off when they come inside.
Watch out for allergy symptoms
Even though your plants may not be poisonous to dogs, they may still cause allergic reactions. Pay attention to your pup to make sure they aren’t exhibiting any signs of irritation. These may be as obvious as itching and sneezing, or more subtle like paw chewing or excessive licking. There may also be vomiting and diarrhea, but these are more often linked to something your dog consumed, including food allergens. Learn more about common plants that cause dog allergies here.
Use pet-safe fertilizers and pest control
Certain plant and lawn care fertilizers and chemicals can be harmful to dogs, like cocoa mulch. Before purchasing, check the packaging information or speak to someone in customer service to make sure that these products are pet-friendly. In addition, take a look at the products you already own to ensure they aren’t harmful.
Beware of insect irritants
Keep your dog flea-free with veterinarian prescribed flea prevention treatments such as topical medications (e.g. K9 Advantix), oral medications (e.g. Bravecto), or flea shampoos (which should contain Pyrethrins or Permethrins to be effective). Also, be diligent about checking for ticks. Ticks hide in dark places and are harder to see on dogs with long coats. Regularly grooming your dog can be helpful in finding and removing any ticks that may appear. Be sure not to squish them if you find them at home as this can be harmful to your dog. Carefully remove ticks with tweezers or visit a vet to have them removed. Click here for more advice on ticks.
Keep an eye out for animal dangers
Depending on where you live, you may have more to worry about than insects. If your area is populated with animals like skunks, poisonous snakes, etc. make sure you take the appropriate precautions to keep them out of your yard. This can be as simple as leaving a porch light on at night to deter unwanted guests.
Know the appropriate climate conditions for your dog
During the hotter months, some breeds of dogs will be more susceptible to heat stroke than others. Know the warning signs that indicate they’re overheating and take steps to prevent it. Make sure there’s a shady place for them to rest and keep cool water readily available. Remember to empty out the water bucket after so you aren’t leaving a place where mosquitos or harmful algae can grow. Check out these helpful tips to keep your dog cool this summer.
Lawn upkeep makes for a happy pup
A clean backyard makes for a happy you and a safe environment for your dog. Stray items like garbage, twigs, ash and debris from fire pits can all become choking hazards for your pup. Also, leaves and acorns left on the ground that become wet and rotten can make your dog sick if they ingest them. Keeping your yard clear of all these things will create a safe space for your furry friend to spend their time.
Build and maintain fences to help keep dogs in the yard
If you already have a fence, check the perimeter regularly to make sure it’s secure and there aren’t weak spots or holes that your dog can slip through. If you don’t have a fence, consider getting one installed to help keep your pup safe in your yard. If you don’t have way to safely contain your dog in your backyard while you’re not home, consider daycare at Dogtopia where they can play and run around all day in safe, controlled environment.
