Currently, over 43 million households in the U.S. own a dog. Whether it’s a big lab or a tiny chihuahua, people everywhere are welcoming canines into their lives and families.
If you own a home and have a dog, chances are, you want to be able to let your dog go outside. Not only is it pleasurable for them, but it also gives them a chance to burn off energy, and take care of business. For this reason, it’s important to properly prepare your yard for your dog. If you are looking for tips on how to do this, here are three things you should keep in mind.
1. Remove Things Your Dog Shouldn’t be Eating
It’s likely that you may have choking hazards in your yard without being aware of it. For a larger dog, even a tennis ball can be a choking hazard — especially if it ends up getting ripped into shreds — and these things shouldn’t be left with a dog who isn’t being supervised. Similarly, there are many toys that children might leave outside that present a choking hazard. Remember when you’re dog-proofing your yard to look at it from their angle — anything close to the ground is fair game.
2. Using Proper Residential Fences and Gates
If your dog is going outside, then you will almost certainly need residential fencing. But what sort of backyard fences are appropriate? For most dogs, you’re going to want a solid fence, such as vinyl or wood fences, with no space for the dog to see through. Being able to see passerby while being restrained by the fence can actually cause anxiety and stress for many dogs. You should also look for a fence that your dog cannot slide under or slip through. Larger dogs will be able to jump over smaller fences, which is something to keep in mind. Remove easy launching platforms like sheds and tables away from your fence. Look for gates that are not easy for dogs to knock open.
3. Look for Potentially Poisonous Plants
There are several plants that are fairly popular that can cause sickness or even death for your dog. These include several varieties of lilies, daffodils, english ivy, sago palms, azaleas, autumn crocus, chrysanthemum, and wild mushrooms. For a more extensive list, the ASPCA keeps a running page of the top poisonous plants that might be present in your yard.
What residential fences do you use with your dog? Find out more about this topic here.
