It is springtime, and the weather is perfect for spending more time outdoors with your pups. The upcoming months are ideal for spending more time outside with your dog. Therefore, it is essential to pet-proof the yard against hidden dangers. Did you know that some plants and flowers can be toxic to your pet? Here I share some tips to make your garden as safer as possible for your dog.
🐾 Know your garden. Puppies chew on everything as they explore their surroundings. If your pup decides to chew on certain plants, they can cause real trouble. It is a good idea to know what plants you have in your backyard and whether they are toxic or not to your pet. There are hundreds of plants that are toxic when ingested by pets such as yew, holly, tulips, azaleas, daffodils, hydrangeas, sago palms, chrysanthemum, oleander, poinsettia, English ivy, and rhododendrons. If your dog does eat part of a poisonous plant, go straight to the veterinarian and take the plant with you if possible. Before planting, check out the list published by the ASPCA.
🐾 Choose your mulch correctly. Not all mulch is safe for your dog. For instance, cocoa mulch if ingested by your dog, it can cause tremors and seizures. Find other less toxic options such as cedar chips and straw.
🐾 Read the labels. Please read the labels of pesticides and herbicides before using them. Some chemicals can be harmful to your dog if ingested. Before buying the product, read the fine details and usage around pets.
🐾 Use a fence. Ensure your yard fence is tall enough to keep your dog inside. A six-foot fence is adequate for most medium-sized dogs. Examine and cover all gaps where your dog can squeeze through. Also, if your dog enjoys eating your flowers or likes to pull them out, put up a small fence to keep your pup away from your precious garden area.
🐾 Keep the gates closed. If there is a gate in your garden, remind everyone about the importance of closing it. Alternatively, you can set a self-closing gate with a gentle close to prevent any accidents.
🐾 Do not leave your dog alone. It is always prudent to watch your pets as they explore the yard. Also, make sure that your puppy does not have access to poisonous plants. If left alone, pups can quickly find ways to entertain themselves and get into trouble either by digging up your plants or eating them.
Would you like to share any other tips? I would love to hear them.
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