Our pets are like family to us, and their unwavering love and loyalty are immeasurable. Of course, you want to give your beloved pets the best quality of life that you can afford to give. One way to ensure this would be to provide them with a chance to experience the great outdoors right in the comfort of their own backyard.
A pet-friendly yard is a pet lover’s dream where your best friend is free to run about and play. It’s also a great way to unwind at the end of the day. To provide a happy place for your furry friends to play in, you must ensure that your backyard is a safe place for them. You might not be aware of it, but there might be dangerous objects in your yard that can cause harm to your pets.
In an article written by Reader’s Digest, many pets and animal companions are either injured or have to be brought to the emergency vet to be treated because they have accidentally come into contact with toxic plants or hazardous chemicals lying around in your yard.
Avoid Toxic Plants
You might not be aware of it, but some plants or flowers growing in your garden may be toxic or poisonous to your pet. In fact, common household plants like amaryllis, aloe vera, and tomato plants are very toxic to dogs. If your pet accidentally ingests any of these toxic plants, it could result in vomiting, nausea, or the worst-case scenario, death.
To avoid this from happening, make sure to keep yourself updated with the list of plants and flowers toxic to pets as given by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Avoid bringing your pet to yards that you are unfamiliar with to avoid these things from happening.
Put Your Tools Away
Garden tools like hoes, rakes, and shovels should be kept out of the way when not used. These would impose harm not only to your pet but to your entire family as well. Tools that are lying around unattended are prone to accidents for small children, as well. Be sure to store your tools in their proper place when not in use.
Keep Your Garden Flea and Tick-free
One of the pesky threats that can be hiding in your yard is fleas and ticks who see your furry friend as a host. These pests are tucked away in the tall grass or brush in your yard, so it is always advised that you keep your lawn mowed and trimmed regularly.
Use Insecticides and Fertilizers Responsibly
The use of insecticides and fertilizers has many benefits for the upkeep and maintenance of your garden. However, as a responsible pet owner, you have to properly store these insecticides where your pet won’t accidentally get to them.
Make sure that your pets won’t get to the fertilizer you have spread on your yard. Make sure to follow the directions regarding the waiting time on how long the fertilizer needs to sit on the lawn. Make sure you keep your pet indoors before you let them outside. If they accidentally ingest the fertilizer, it can cause an upset stomach or even a gastrointestinal obstruction.
To make your yard pet friendly and safe, you have to make sure that you clear these impediments and introduce some elements that will keep your pet and you happy and entertained while in the backyard.
Make Sure that There Is Ample Shade and Shelter Available
The elements can be devastating for your pet, so make sure that your yard has ample shade for them to take cover in. Tall trees can protect your pets from sunstroke and sunburn, but you can also make use of shade cloths or overhead tarps to protect them from the heat.
Keep a Place Designated for Play
There should be a place in your yard that you and your pet can focus on serious playtime or puppy training. This area has to be wide enough for your pet to run and chase. Make sure that the area has ample space to keep them entertained.
Your pets are your family, and you should want what is best for them. It would be best to take the necessary measures for their security. Giving them a yard that is not only safe for them to play with but also gives them many happy hours of being with you will mean all the world to them. After all, in their hearts, you are their world.