- MENU
- HOME
- SEARCH
- WORLD
- MAIN
- AFRICA
- ASIA
- BALKANS
- EUROPE
- LATIN AMERICA
- MIDDLE EAST
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Benelux
- Brazil
- Canada
- China
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- India
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Korea
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Poland
- Russia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Taiwan
- Turkey
- USA
- BUSINESS
- WEALTH
- STOCKS
- TECH
- HEALTH
- LIFESTYLE
- ENTERTAINMENT
- SPORTS
- RSS
- iHaveNet.com: Pets
by Jennifer Viegas
The weather is warm, and the backyard beckons. Your dog is probably just as eager as you are to enjoy time outside.
But although your pal may be ready for a romp through the yard and a roll in the grass, it's up to you to make sure your yard is just as ready. It's time to think like the parent of a very active toddler and create a dog-friendly backyard.
A Backyard Safety Checklist
Before you let your dog loose in your fenced-in yard, it's important to consider any potential hazards. Check for these common threats:
Fences
Most of us rely on some type of metal or wooden wall to keep our dogs from roaming, but make sure the material you've chosen to construct your fence includes no sharp edges or splinters. Also, put your dog in a breakaway collar so that, if she gets tangled up, she can free herself with a tug or two. This is also extra insurance for those of you with jumpers who aim to hurdle over fences. (Some agile dogs can leap to the top, but are unable to clear the tall posts when their collars get stuck.) You'll finally want to survey the fence for loose boards and other types of damage that might have occurred during the winter months.
Chemicals
Many commercial fertilizers and weed killers are now safe for animals, provided the manufacturer's instructions are followed -- but others can cause illness. Beware of rodent and insect repellants. Read the label on each package before using a chemical product in your yard, and consider organic methods when possible. Keep your veterinarian's number readily available in case of poisoning or call the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
Plants
Some of gardeners' most beloved flowers and bushes, including tulip and daffodil bulbs, are harmful when ingested by dogs. Research before planting.
Pools / hot tubs
Dogs love to take a plunge, but sometimes the high walls of these swimming holes are too high for them to climb out safely. Always make sure to cover or fence in your water spots.
Lack of shade
Your dog will need plenty of shade and water to keep from overheating on warm days.
People food and beverages
Take time to think about your dog when you host backyard cookouts and parties. It can be more difficult to police drinks and food when guests leave cups and plates underneath lawn chairs and the like. Make sure your dog doesn't have access to alcoholic beverages and harmful foods such as chocolate, raisins and grapes, advises the ASPCA.
Consider These Alternatives
If you are concerned about your dog spending unsupervised time in your yard, consider using a dog run where he can safely romp. A toddler's plastic play area might work for smaller dogs and has the advantage of portability.
If you feel that your dog is safe in your yard and you are worried about your flowers, consider chicken wire. Fencing your flowers with chicken wire offers a nearly invisible force field that will deter the most determined doe or Dachshund.
Ticked off the checklist? Then it's time to relax and enjoy some yard time with your best friend.
Photo: @iStockphoto.com/jeffdalt
Available at Amazon.com:
Living with Kids and Dogs ... Without Losing Your Mind
Miss Fido Manners Complete Book Of Dog Etiquette
The Healthy Way to Stretch Your Dog: A Physical Therapy Approach (Dogwise Manual)
Doggin' America: 100 Ideas For Great Outdoor Vacations To Take With Your Dog
AUTOS | HOBBIES | EDUCATION | FAMILY | FASHION | FOOD & RECIPES | HOME DECOR | RELATIONSHIPS | PARENTING | PETS | TRAVEL | WOMEN
PET STORIES and PET ARTICLES ...
- Is Your Dog Cut out for Field Trials?
- Should You Crate-train Your Puppy?
- How to Play Soccer With Your Dog
- The Best Way for Your Dog to Ride in the Car with You
- Good Dog Park Etiquette
- What Is Freestyle Dancing With Dogs?
- Canicross: An Easier Way to Run With Your Dog
- Reading Your Dog's Body Language
- Kitten Kindergarten
- Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe While Flying
- Keep Your Dog Warm in the Winter
- Scottish Deerhound: The Ideal Exercise Buddy
- Teach Your Dog to Fetch
- Is Your Dog Bored?
- 7 Ways to Pamper Your Cat
- The Best Games to Play With Your High-Energy Dog
- Dog Feeding Mishaps Corrected
- How to Succeed at Off-Leash Dog Play
- ID Your Relationship With Your Cat
- Photographing Your Elusive Feline
- How to Keep Your Pet Safe During the Holidays
- When Good Dogs Turn Bad
- From Finicky Fido to Chowhound Charlie
- Insure Your Kitty's Health
- Unconditional Love: My Cat Forgives Me Every Day
- From Feline to Family Member
- Is Water From a Christmas Tree Stand Harmful to Cats?
- A Day in the Life of a Sheepherding Dog
- Go on a Desert Retreat With Your Dog
- Dog Food Goes Natural and Holistic
- Determining a Food Allergy
- Exercise Gone to the Dogs
- Find the Right Sport for Your Dog
- Make Your Dog a Part of Your Wedding
- Hydrotherapy Helps Dogs Get in Shape
- How Your Cat Says 'I Love You'
- Lost Cats Found
- De-stress Veterinary Visits for Your Cat
- Keeping Cat Food Fresh
- Second-Hand Cat, First-Rate Pet
Copyright ©
Pets | Dogs: Create a Dog-friendly Backyard