Back Yard Safety and DogFenceDIY

We are joining DogFenceDIY who has partnered with dogs and their families around the globe to give you stories and tips on how to keep dogs safe based on their own experiences. If you have some safety tips you can also join in - it can be about anything from getting lost, getting sick, surviving a natural disaster, going on vacation, traveling, hiking, going to the beach etc..... and they have a prize for the best one!!!!!

Today we are going to look at our very own backyard - something we often forget or overlook.

Safety Tip 1 - Check your fences
Now spring is here - it is good time to check your fences. All the harsh weather over winter can take a toll on fences, whether they are wood or metal. Check for warped or splintered boards and holes that we doggies could get our paws or noses stuck in. Loose planks are easy for us to push completely off giving us a chance to escape. Also remember to check for any nails that may be sticking out - if we get excited and jump at the fence these could cause real damage.



Safety Tip 2 - Know what is growing
There are many flowers, vegetables and trees that are dangerous to pets if they are ingested. We have a veggie garden in our back yard that is fenced off and Mom grows onion and garlic in there which are both toxic to dogs. For a complete list of plants and trees that can be harmful to pets ....visit the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic plant listing.

Equally something everyone should have in a prominent place in their home is the ASPCA 24 hour Poisons Hotline number  1-888-426-4435 to call if they think their pet has ingested something toxic or poisonous. Remember though - get your pet to vets as quickly as possible.

Azaleas are poisonous to doggies if ingested

Daffodil Bulbs are also poisonous in ingested

Safety Tip 3 - Chemicals
There are now many "pet safe" bug and weed sprays and fertilizers. Make sure you read ALL the facts carefully and understand the time it must be left before pets can walk on it. If you have a professional company take care of your garden double check that what they use is 'pet safe'  We prefer not to use any kind of chemicals in our backyard as even the eco friendly ones often contain garlic which can make us dogs sick.

Safety Tip 4 - Gates
We live in a neighborhood with quite a few children and when they are playing they often forget they are not meant to be in other people yards. For this reason it is important to think about putting locks on or child proofing your gates.

If you have propane or oil delivered or a gardening service make sure you put a sign on the inside of the gate reminding them that they must close the gates after them. The few simple things can prevent you from searching the neighborhood looking for your pet after a gate is left open.