How To Pet-Proof Your Backyard
You want your pet to be able to run free in your backyard. It’s the perfect way for them to get rid of all that excess energy. It also means they get outside in the fresh air instead of being cooped up indoors.
However, you need to make sure that your pet is safe when they are playing in your backyard. There are potential dangers that you may not have thought about. So how can you go about creating a pet-friendly yard?
Making sure that your pet stays in your yard
If you have a cat then they are probably going to wander around other people’s backyards as well as your own, unless they are a house cat. However, it’s a different matter when it comes to dogs and other pets. You want to make sure that they remain in your yard, in order to keep them safe.
There are many DIY ideas that you can look at in order to help you do this including building a secure fence around the yard or building a secure pen within the yard.
Protecting your pet from the sun
Just like humans, the sun can be dangerous for dogs and other animals. In fact, the heat from the sun can be a real issue for dogs if they are out in the yard for any length of time.
Your pet could get sunburn and heat stroke if they left outdoors with no protection from the sun. Trees are ideal for providing shade. If you do not have any trees in your yard consider putting up a tarpaulin where your pets can get the shade they need. It’s also important to provide your pet with fresh water on a regular basis when they are out in the sun.
Recognizing the poisons in your backyard
If you have a pet that’s going to be running around in your backyard then you should try to stick to organic gardening. Non-organic fertilizers and pesticides can be poisonous to pets. Going organic is also better for the environment and your own health.
Perhaps surprisingly, it’s not just chemicals that you need to be wary of in your backyard. There are also some plants which can be poisonous to pets. You need to make sure that you do not use these plants, or that they are securely fenced off from your pets.
Do not forget the entertainment
When you are creating a safe yard for your pet do not forget that they need to be entertained. Provide some toys so that they do not get bored. While this is not essential for protecting their physical health it can help with their mental well-being. It also keeps them occupied so they are less likely to cause damage to planted areas or your lawn.
It’s worth taking the time to make sure that your yard is pet-friendly. Doing so means that you do not have to be with your pet while they are in the yard. You can have complete peace of mind because you know your pet will be safe while playing outside.
