Our furry friends enjoy a nice afternoon basking in the sun or frolicking in the yard just as much as we do. And while you may think to yourself “I have a fence, that’s all I need to keep Fluffy safe,” there are additional steps you can take to ensure your cuddly companion’s safety, while still keeping him entertained while enjoying the great outdoors. Oh, and maintaining a well-groomed yard in the process is just an added bonus!
Make your fence escape proof. Just because you have a fence doesn’t mean sweet little Fluffy can’t pull a Houdini act and escape. To prevent jailbreaks, make sure your dog can’t climb or jump over, push its way through, or slip under the fence. If Fluffy likes to dig, bury chicken wire under the fence, or line the base with heavy rocks or cinder blocks to keep it secure and breach-proof.
Tend to your garden and your lawn. Ingesting certain flowers, such as daffodils or crocuses, can make Fluffy sick. Before adding plants to your yard, check the ASPCA’s list of plants that are toxic to pets. As well, avoid using toxic fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides and much containing cocoa beans in areas where your pet plays or eats. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates 90 million pounds of pesticides are applied to lawns every year. And if your pet rolls around playfully in the grass during one of his outdoor adventures and then licks his fur, he is ingesting dangerous chemicals that could potentially make him sick or even cause cancer. For the care of your yard and the safety of your pet, check your local lawn supply store for pet friendly, organic options.
Take a good look around. Look around your yard and your patio. Standing water could pose a hazard for Fluffy if he decides to take a drink or splash about and the water is contaminated with chemicals, animal feces, or bacteria.
Ensure there are no exposed wires from things like your outdoor lighting, tools left plugged in or your electrical panel. Curious Fluffy may see the wire as an invite to chew, and no good outcome can come of that situation.
Also, play it safe by keeping your gardening tools, hoses and watering tools in a secure area, free from your pet’s reach, as Fluffy might view such items as chew toys.
Make your yard safe for your feline friend, too. Have an indoor cat who would love the opportunity to visit the outdoors without you worrying about her jumping the fence and scampering off? Check out this ingenious cat fence that you can affordably build yourself!
Our pets are members of our family, and just like us, they enjoy time spent outdoors, breathing fresh air, soaking up the sun, exploring the sights and sounds. Take the necessary steps to keep them safe and they will repay the favor with many years of unconditional love and companionship.
