The Ultimate Guide to Dog-Proofing Your Garden

Having a garden is a great way to enjoy nature and the outdoors, but if you’re a pet owner, it’s important to dog-proof your garden to keep your furry friend safe. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to make sure your garden is a safe space for your dog. In this blog post, we will provide an ultimate guide to dog-proofing your garden so that both you and your pet can enjoy it for years to come.

Fencing

When you have a dog, fencing your garden is essential in order to keep them safe and secure. It is also useful to keep out any unwanted visitors, like other animals or intruders. There are a few best practices when it comes to fencing for pet owners that you should consider.

First, you should look for fences that are high enough to keep your dog from jumping over or digging underneath. A height of at least six feet is usually recommended. It’s also important to ensure the fence is well-maintained, as any loose boards or gaps can be potential escape routes for your pet. You should also look into the type of material used for the fence, as some materials may be hazardous to your dog if they try to chew or dig on them.

It’s also important to remember that a fence isn’t enough to keep your pet in the yard. You should also invest in a good-quality collar with an identification tag and/or microchip. This will help if your pet ever gets lost. And if you’re going away, make sure you have someone come by to check on your pet and make sure the fence is secure. With the right fencing and proper precautions, you can keep your pet safe and sound in your yard.

Hazardous Plants and Trees

When you have a pet dog, it is important to make sure that your garden is free of any hazardous plants and trees. While many types of plants and trees can be enjoyed by both you and your canine companion, some can be toxic to your pet. 

The most common plants that are hazardous to dogs are lilies, daffodils, ivy, hydrangeas, azaleas, rhododendrons, sago palms, tulips, foxgloves, castor beans, and oleanders. The toxic effects of these plants vary from mild skin irritation to severe gastrointestinal distress and organ failure. 

It is also important to consider the trees in your garden. Old or sick trees can present a risk for your pup and your family. Sometimes, tree removal is the best approach to keep your garden safe. 

In addition to removing hazardous plants and trees from your garden, it is also important to regularly check for any new growth that may have been accidentally ingested by your pup. 

Playground Zone

Creating a designated playground zone for your pup is essential in keeping them safe and secure in your garden. It will also help to keep them from digging up flower beds and chewing on plants.

To start, select a portion of the garden that’s suitable for playtime. Consider setting up an obstacle course with toys or tunnels for your pup to explore and enjoy. 

Don’t forget to include some toys and other items such as balls, bones, and chew sticks. You may also want to consider adding some edible treats like dog cookies so that your pup has something special to look forward to when playing in the yard.

Hopefully, now you’re equipped to dog-proof your garden!