10 Ways to Protect Pets from Lawn Dangers
10 Ways to Protect Pets from Lawn Dangers
The furry friends in our lives provide companionship, love, and security for many of us, and it is important for us to take good care of them. One thing that you can do as a pet owner is to be proactive about checking your lawn for things that may be hazardous to your pet. If you’ve been wondering what dangers you should look out for when you have your pet in your yard, then we have a list of ideas which you will find below. Of course, nothing beats your own companionship when it comes to keeping a watchful eye on your furry friend.
1. Know the type of plants that you have around your lawn. Some plants are poisonous to animals, and it is important for you to keep these plants out of the vicinity of your family pet.
2. Be aware of small toys or objects that could be hazardous. Some children’s toys may be attractive to pets; however, if they decide to chew on toys that are lying around, they may choke on them or they may get sick if they ingest certain materials.
3. Protect your pet from water sources that aren’t safe. Some standing water such as in a birdbath or in a backyard pond can have algae growing in it, which can make an animal very sick.
4. Pay attention to your pet when they are near mulch in the landscaping beds. Some mulch is manufactured with a scent, which can be attractive to pets, but can also be toxic if ingested.
5. Keep insect baits out of reach from your pet. If you have baits for ants, snails, or other pests, then ensure they are out of the way of your dog or cat. The baits can make your pet very sick as well.
6. Trim dangerous tree limbs and clean debris from your yard. Keep an eye out for broken branches or tree limbs that may fall from heavy winds or storms. Any flying debris could hit your pet or trap them in a precarious way.
7. Keep pets safe from edging in the yard. Edging around your flowerbeds or around trees can pose a great risk to the paws of your pet. Ensure that edging is out of the way of your pet, or that it is level with the ground around it.
8. Put away lawn equipment. Lawn equipment can be very dangerous for curious pets, and it is best to keep the pets and the equipment far apart from one another.
9. Utilize pesticides that are safe for pets. Many pesticides are harmful to pets and should be avoided if possible. If you do happen to use pesticide that is not recommended for pets, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and keep your pet away from the treated area according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This will also protect children that are in the area as well.
10. In a fenced yard, ensure that your gate is always closed. Although this may seem very obvious, sometimes the gate to a yard can be inadvertently left open. Perhaps a neighbor came by to visit, or a workman was doing something on your property, or a child left the gate open by accident. No matter how a gate was left open, there can be great dangers if your pet gets out of the gate, and is left to wander around aimlessly. You may even consider putting a lock on your gate at some point.
Pets provide us with so much love and joy, the least we can do is ensure they have a safe place to enjoy the outdoors. Whether they are full-time outdoor pets or only spend a little bit of time outdoors each day, it is important to scan the area regularly for the above mentioned hazards.