As the temperatures warm up slightly and spring is in the air, we want to spend more time outdoors in our gardens again. And our furry friends want to join us too. Before you open the doors to let everyone out, make sure that your garden is safe and secure by following our tips and advice.
1. Perimeter
Regularly check the perimeter of your home to ensure that there are no places where your pet can get through and escape your yard. There shouldn’t be any holes in your fence or places where your dog or bunny can be pulled through by pet thieves. Also, make sure that there are no objects along the perimeter that can injure or hurt your pet when he explores the garden on his own.
2. Swimming pool
As the temperatures rise, we also tend to use the swimming pool more often. Make sure that the pool net is secured in place after your daily swim. Even if your dog is a good swimmer, accidents can happen, and he may drown. Also, don’t only think about your own dog but consider the neighbour’s cat, who perhaps might run away from your dog and fall into the swimming pool.
3. Fishpond
The fishpond is another potential hazard in your garden. All those beautiful koi or other fish might be an attraction for your pet – he may want to investigate those swimming creatures and may accidently fall into the pond. Even if the pond is small and shallow, keep in mind that the floor might be slippery and he might struggle to get out, becoming exhausted before he is able to do so.
4. Chemicals
Make sure that all chemicals are securely locked away and out of reach of pets and children. Some chemicals, like anti-freeze, are severely toxic to animals and can cause serious harm, or worse, may be fatal. Garden chemicals to lock away include weed killers, insecticides and pesticides.
5. Poo-free garden
Besides the unsightliness of poo in your garden, it attracts creepy crawlies, like tiny dung beetles. These little creatures are everywhere, and it is their role in nature to ‘clean up’ the garden. The problem is that they also aid in the spread of Spirocerca lupi, a red worm that forms a node in the oesophagus where the worm will reproduce. If not diagnosed in time, your dog can die from it.
- Dangerous mushrooms
The right weather conditions can cause mushrooms and toadstools to grow in your garden. Most of these types of fungi are toxic to dogs, so you need to get rid of them to prevent your dog from falling ill or being poisoned if he eats them.
7. External parasites
Be aware of any ticks, fleas, or other nasty parasites that might lurk in your garden. If you do find a tick on your pet, get rid of it as soon as possible. See page [xx] to find out how to remove a tick from your pet.
8. Garden tools
We don’t always realise the potential danger of garden tools. Besides impaling your dog, sharp tools can also fall on top of or seriously injure your dog or any other animal. Lock away all your garden tools – spades, forks, leaf blowers, lawn mowers, shears and electric hedge trimmers. Even hoses and sprinklers can cause serious harm to pets and children.
9. Plant enrichers
Maintaining a beautiful garden means that we often use fertilisers, mulch, and compost for our plants. Make sure that you keep these items out of your pet’s reach. Animals can be very curious and will explore anything left lying around. Rather be safe than sorry.
