Backyard dangers for your dog

Could your dog be entering enemy territory every time he steps out the back door? By taking a few simple but important precautions you can ensure that your backyard is a safe haven.

Escape routes

The first line of defense is an escape-proof fence. It should be high and sturdy. If he can see out, he is more likely to want to escape. For serious diggers, or to close gaps under the fence, bury chicken wire or hardware cloth underground along the fence line and staple it to the wood fence. He won’t like clawing at wire. Big rocks or even a concrete curb along the base of the fence also help frustrate escape artists. If you are desperate, a pet hot wire or underground electric fence will discourage diggers and jumpers. 

Poisonous plants

Many garden plants and trees can be harmful to pets if ingested. Some of these include holly, oleander, rhododendron, lily-of-the-valley, yew, clematis, ivy, columbine and hemlock. Find out if a tree or flower is safe for your pet before you plant it. Keep flower bulbs out of reach of curious dogs. What he thinks is a chew toy could be poisonous.

Chemicals

Insecticides and rat poison should be kept in a locked shed or garage; this goes for paint, oil, gasoline, other dangerous chemicals and sharp tools as well. Dogs are really attracted to the ingredients in snail bait, so don’t use it in your yard. To prevent your pet from eating something he shouldn't, make sure your garbage cans are secured with tamper-proof lids.

If you have just applied weed killer, insecticide or fertilizer to the lawn or plants in your garden, let the chemicals dry completely before letting your dog out. Your pet could be exposed to these potentially harmful substances simply by walking through an area where these products have been applied and then licking his paws. Read the labels to be sure you select non-toxic chemicals.

Antifreeze, while essential to a car's cooling system, is dangerous and attractive to your pets. If your dog drinks it, he could suffer from kidney damage or even die. Be sure to clean up any spills immediately, and consider switching to a propylene glycol-based antifreeze, which provides an added margin of safety for pets and wildlife. But remember – no antifreeze is absolutely safe. As with any household chemical, safe use and disposal of antifreeze is essential.

Pests and wild animals

Have you ever watched your dog try to snap at a bug while it buzzes around his face? Bees and wasps can sting him! Pay attention if your canine is suddenly interested in a certain spot over in the corner. A sick rat or mouse that has eaten poison may be hiding under a bush. If your dog eats the animal, he could get sick too.

In the country, skunks and coyotes might be passing through, and birds of prey hover overhead. Don’t let small dogs out alone if you have hawks or owls living in your trees or coyotes hunting nearby. Rattlesnakes get into yards through tiny holes in fences. 

Just being out in the yard with your dog can scare away wild animals. You can’t prevent every hazard, but by being aware they exist, you can reduce the risk of injury.