With summer heating up and good times ahead for you and your pets, it’s important to keep them safe in their outdoor home environment. Your yard can be a safe haven for them with a few simple tips and tricks to avoid hidden dangers. Stay on top of your yard and it will be a healthy and happy place for all your furry friends.
1- Fencing
Good fences make good neighbors and happier pets. A well-built and properly installed fence is your first line of defense against any harm coming to your beloved pet. Fences keep them safe from automobile hazards, other pets, and getting lost. Make sure your fence is in good repair and ready to guard against the outside environment.
2- Check the Gate
A good fence is nothing without a proper gate. A good gate should be as tall as your fence to prevent pets from jumping out and going on their own adventures. Making sure that the latch is secure and sturdy is crucial to keeping pets contained. Always make sure your gate is latched, and if there are any latch or hinge problems, attend to them immediately.
3- Keep It Clean
A clean home is a happy home, and the same goes for your yard. It’s easy to let debris build up over the fall and winter months, but maintaining a clear yard is step one for healthy and safe pets. If you have a woodpile, compost pile, or any other kind of potential hazard, make sure your pets can’t get to it. Raking up leaves and lawn clippings also helps to prevent ticks and fleas,
4- Pet-Safe Plants
Not all plants are pet-friendly! There are many plants that are toxic to pets and can even be fatal. Tulips and lilies are a well-known health hazard for four-footed friends, but there are many others that are not good garden choices for your pets. When it comes to picking flowers and greenery, make sure to find safe and non-toxic varieties that still give you that beautiful and lush look.
5- Erosion Control
Good landscaping is an important part of a safe yard, and erosion control is absolutely necessary in every situation where there is any kind of drainage at all. Poorly controlled erosion can cause mud pits, landslides, and many other undesirable hazards for man’s best friend. Make sure your yard has secure and stable footing with good erosion control.
6- Catio
Sometimes the best way to keep pets safe is simply to keep them indoors. Cats especially enjoy a much longer lifespan when kept inside. To give your furry friend the enrichment and enjoyment that the outdoors brings, an enclosed catio is a perfect solution. This outdoor/indoor space allows cats to breathe the fresh air and lounge in the sunlight, without setting them loose on the neighborhood.
7- Pet-Safe Pesticides
Not all yard products are created equal! When it comes to choosing lawn care products like pesticides, fertilizers, and weed killers, it’s important to make sure that they will not affect your pets. There are many companies that love animals and make safe alternatives to popular products, ensuring your yard stays beautiful and your pets stay safe.