A garden can be a haven for a dog. It can snuffle, explore and play until its heart's content. But it can also be fraught with danger. They can unwittingly eat toxic substances, escape into neighbours' gardens and end up with a thorn in their paws. To avoid the most common dangers that gardens pose to dogs, here are some tips for keeping your garden safe.
Don't use slug pellets or rat poison
If pellets are being used to attract rats and slugs, they may also attract your pooch. Their high level of toxicity mixed in with their edibility makes them a great danger to dogs. If you use slug pellets and rat poison anywhere in your household, make sure that they are locked away and inaccessible to your dog. Consider not using them at all if your dog has a curious palette and look for alternatives such as homemade, natural repellants like coffee grounds.
Avoid thorny plants
A thorn in the paw is one of the most common injuries vets see from dogs. If you love rose bushes, brambles and any other thorny flora, make sure that you keep them trimmed and swept away from your dog's favourite haunts.
Some dog breeds are more sensitive to the heat than others. If they are out in the garden on a sunny day, make sure that they have plentiful shade to stop them from overheating. If they are outside for long periods time, consider investing in a dog house, so they have a dedicated space in the garden to literally chill.
Clean up poo
Dogs, especially puppies, have a tendency to put anything in their mouths, including their own poo. Use a poo bag to clean up after your dog as soon as they have gone to the toilet. Dog poo can contain E. coli that can harm you and your dog. It will also make your garden more pleasant and safer for children to play in.
Mow your lawn regularly
Tall grass can harbour fleas, ticks and pests that can burrow into your dogs fur and make them itch. Worse, it can give them diseases. If you are in an area with ticks, make sure your dog is vaccinated against common diseases such as Lyme Disease.
Keep your fence in good condition
Some dogs are more adventurous than others, with some breeds actively finding ways of escaping from a garden, digging at borders and exploring new grounds. If your dog has a tendency to wander, make sure that holes in fences are patched up. Fences also protect your dog from other creatures coming in such as foxes and badgers that can carry disease.
Natural repellents
Some habits can be dangerous in your garden such as digging at borders or flower beds. If your dog has a tendency to go into areas they shouldn't, you can use natural deterrents such as coffee grounds, lemon or apple cider vinegar to repel them.