Since dogs are naturally playful, staying in the house for too long can get boring. They need to go outside where they can stimulate their senses and engage in physical exercise, both of which are crucial for their emotional stability. Having a yard where your dogs can freely roam around and play can be a great advantage for you as a pet owner.  

However, your backyard could endanger your furry friend if left alone, or they might destroy hours of work you put into gardening and landscaping. And you can’t even blame them. To avoid these issues, make your yard a fun and safe place for your pets.

Here’s how you can dog-proof your yard and reduce the risk of your dogs getting out, injured, or sick.

1. Install a fence around your yard

If you don’t have a fence in your yard, put one up so your dogs can’t get out. When installing a barrier, make sure you use sturdy materials to withstand heavy impacts from big dogs like German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Labrador Retrievers.

Also, regularly check and maintain your fence because some dogs can easily slip through tiny gaps or holes, jump over them, or dig their way out from underneath. Be a responsible pet owner and secure your fence before letting your dogs out in the yard.

2. Put a fence around swimming pools

If you have a pool in your yard, you should not leave your dogs unattended — even if most dogs are strong swimmers. Make sure to put a fence in your pool area to prevent your dogs from drowning or accidentally falling into your pool, especially if you have puppies or small dogs.

3. Choose dog-safe flowers for your garden

While plants and flowers can make your garden look beautiful, many of them are toxic to pets. The Animal Emergency Center (AEC) provides a list of plants you should remove from your garden or keep away from the reach of your dogs. Here are some common toxic plants you should avoid: 

•  Lilies
•  Tulips
•  Azaleas
•  Iris
•  Oleander
•  English Ivy
•  Chrysanthemum
•  Wandering Jew

Create a dog-friendly garden by planting non-toxic plants such as African Violets, Asters, Roses, Sunflowers, and Orchids.

4. Keep your yard clean

Trash and debris that are recklessly lying around your yard can be harmful to your dogs. Your dogs may accidentally hit or eat something they’re not supposed to that would result in injury or poisoning. Keep your yard clean by picking up trash and throwing away debris like scrap wood or any unused equipment that could shelter pests and insects.

Furthermore, regularly clean out sheds, dog houses, and other outdoor structures to keep fleas from gathering in your yard. 

5. Mow the lawn regularly

Tall and untrimmed grass can create a habitat for predators and harmful insects. Keep your grass low by mowing them regularly to prevent the harboring of fleas and ticks that can transmit several diseases to your dog. This also eliminates hiding spots for predators like snakes and cane toads, which are highly dangerous for your dogs.

6. Provide water and shade

As much as your dogs love to play outdoors, they also need to take breaks, especially when it gets too hot. So, make sure you provide them with shelter and access to water to prevent dehydration and heat sickness. You can build them a dog house and provide them with a non-spill bucket of water where they can go inside and drink water whenever they feel thirsty.

Conclusion

Keep your dogs happy and healthy by providing them with a safe environment where they can freely play and have fun. Making your yard dog-proof is one of your responsibilities as a fur parent, and you don’t even have to spend much. Applying the six tips in this article can make a big difference in protecting your fur babies from backyard dangers and reducing the risk of escape and harm to your pets.

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