Keeping pets safe from the dangers of the outside world is a top priority for pet owners. After all, nobody wants to see their furry friend come to harm because of carelessness or negligence. However, with so many potential dangers lurking in unexpected places, keeping tabs on everything that can hurt your pet is hard. This is especially true when you factor in your furry’s natural curiosity and eagerness to always explore its surroundings. As an outdoor animal with a strong desire to roam and hunt, your pet cat or dog will almost certainly find any unlocked door or unsecured fence gate as an opportunity for adventure. Even though they may not venture far from home, they can still get into trouble. Therefore, you need to make sure that your pet has the safest possible environment at home. It’s a tragedy that could easily be avoided if you take some simple steps to keep your pet safe in the backyard.
1- Make Sure Your Yard is Fenced In
Before letting pets outside, you need to make sure that your yard is fully fenced in. Otherwise, you’re putting their lives in danger by letting them outside. Of course, there are many different types of fences that you can install around your property. Some are better than others at keeping your pets confined. For example, chain-link fences are notoriously easy for cats and curious dogs to get through. And while wooden fences are sturdy and long-lasting, they can also be dangerous to pets that like to chew on things. Vinyl fencing, on the other hand, is a good choice for families with dogs and cats. It’s durable and won’t break or splinter like wood. It’s also easy to install and inexpensive.
2- Provide a Shaded Area and Water Bowl
Make sure your furry has a shaded area to relax in the summer heat. This is especially important for an outdoor breed. Many outdoor breeds, such as Labradors and Huskies, can’t tolerate the heat well. Accordingly, provide them with plenty of water, shade, and a cool place to nap. Additionally, ensure there is a water source nearby that they can easily access. Be careful, though; pets may drink from puddles if they are nearby. This can cause your pet to become sick if the water is contaminated.
3- Ensure Proper Drainage
If your yard’s drainage is poor, consider adding gravel or sand. Drainage is essential for all yards, but it’s especially vital for pet owners. When water drains properly, it’s less likely to accumulate in the yard, causing puddles. Accordingly, you won’t have to worry about your furry drinking contaminated water or slipping and falling. Moreover, if water isn’t running out of the yard properly, it can create a muddy, unappealing mess.
4- Have It Sprayed for Fleas
These pesky insects can get into your furry’s fur without them even knowing, and from there, they can spread to anyone or anything else in your home. Keeping them under control requires vigilance, as well as spraying or treating the yard regularly. Doing this prior to entering the warmer months can help prevent these pests from getting into your home. Moreover, you’ll kill the eggs before they can hatch, stopping the cycle.
5- Install a Coated Wire on the Bottom of the Fence
If you’re installing a new fence, make sure to install a coated wire on the bottom. This will help prevent your pet from getting shocked or coming into contact with dangerous currents of electricity. You can also purchase a special coating if you have an existing fence. However, you’ll probably have to hire an electrician to install it. Even if you have a high enough fence for your pet, you can still consider installing an additional wire on the bottom. This will prevent young children from climbing the fence and entering your yard.
6- Install a Motion Detector
These devices are great for alerting you when pets or people are in your backyard. You can install them anywhere along the perimeter. They work by sending out beams of light or detecting movement when something passes in front of them. They then emit a sound or send a signal to your home to let you know that there’s a visitor in the yard. They’re especially helpful for keeping track of small pets like cats. Cats can easily slip under a fence without you knowing it.
7- Use Pet-Friendly Plants
If you have plants in your backyard, make sure they are pet-friendly. While many plants are safe for pets, some are toxic and can cause severe illness or even death. Make sure to do enough research before planting them. Also, be sure to keep your plants away from curious pets as much as possible. This includes not placing plants near the ground where pets can easily knock them over and eat them.
Whether you own a cat or a dog, making your backyard a safer space for them is essential. When your backyard is safe, you’ll be able to let them roam freely without worrying they’ll get injured or escape.
