Growing a Dog-Friendly Yard

by guest blogger Sergeo

If your dog spends a lot of its time outside, it’s important that you turn your lawn into a safe environment where your dog can live and play without the risk of injury or sickness. Here are some things to keep in mind when growing and maintaining your own dog-friendly yard.

First, make certain your dog can’t break out of your yard. Outside, it may be in danger from passing cars, hostile animals, or humans. Build a fence high enough that your dog can’t jump over it, and remember to close and lock the gate. Brick fences are best, since they can be built partially underground to prevent your dog from burrowing underneath, but if you must use a metal fence remember to cover up with tape or foam any sharp edges that could injure the dog.

While tying your dog up may seem like a good idea for keeping it safe and secure, in many cases this actually creates its own dangers.

Bloodhound inspecting birdbath

Your dog might accidentally choke itself on the rope or chain. If an emergency arises and you aren’t around, your dog might be trapped and unable to flee to safety. Instead of tying your dog up, simply ensure that it is enclosed within a secure area. If your dog can’t swim, be especially careful to prevent its unsupervised access to a pool. Even if your dog can swim, any pool within reach of the dog should have a dog-friendly exit point.

Next, you will want to rid your yard of any plants or chemicals that could prove harmful to 

your dog. Common plants to avoid include wandering jew, foxglove, oleanders, cycads, brunfelsia, azaleas, daffodils, tulips, and yew. Instead, consider as alternatives daylilies, salvias, lilly pillies, buxus, bottle brushes, or wattles. Also keep your dog away from any herbs or vegetables you may be growing, for the sake of your dog’s and your own health. Keep any lawn-care chemicals, such as sprays, baits, pesticides, or fertilizer, out of the reach of your dog, and when possible try to buy only the varieties labeled as pet-safe.

To keep your lawn free of any potentially dangerous pests, such as snails, slugs, ticks, snakes, or cane toads, cut your grass to a short length and eliminate any attractive hiding places, like bushes or rocks. Snails and slugs can be especially tricky to get rid of, as many popular snail traps can be dangerous for your dog. Instead, try putting some sugar inside an open bottle or can, then burying the container so that only the top is exposed, trapping the snail inside when it heads toward the sugar. Feeding your dog indoors will prevent the food from attracting the unwanted pests.

If you follow these tips, you will have minimized the risk to your dog, but accidents can still happen and your dog may still become injured or sick. Always keep a dog first aid kit on hand at your home, and remember to contact your vet as soon as you notice anything wrong.

Sergeo writes for Edictive in his available time and is an avid animal lover.

Photo courtesy: http://www.sunnydayphotos.com