With the warm weather calling your name this summer season, you and your pets will want to spend plenty of time outdoors. But, as you’re getting your yard prepped for the barbecues you’ll be hosting, you’ll want to be mindful of the products you’re using, types of flowers you’re planting and more to ensure your cats and dogs are safe and free to roam around the yard as they please as long as the beautiful weather lasts.
From ensuring your invisible fence is in good condition to maintaining a fresh water bowl outside at all times, there are several things you should be mindful of to keep your pet happy and safe while in the yard this summer.
Here are a few precautions you should take to make your yard a fun and safe place for all, pets included, of course!
Choose pet-safe plants
Be mindful of your pets when choosing flowers and plants for your yard, because certain types of plants can be toxic to your pets. According to the American Kennel Club, peonies, carnations, daisies and daffodil bulbs are all unsafe for a dog. They recommend going with something like petunias or marigolds if dogs are around.
Lilies are extremely toxic to cats and can cause renal failure. Pollen exposure alone can cause fatal cases of acute kidney illness, or AKI, in felines. So it’s best to keep lilies out of your yard (and indoor flower arrangements!) if you or your neighbors have an outdoor cat.
Select fertilizers & weed killers carefully
While maintaining a nice thick, green lawn is important to many homeowners, you wouldn’t want to do so at the expense of your pet.
0Certain fertilizers and weed killers can be harmful to dogs and cats, so be sure you’re following the instructions regarding spreading techniques, wait times and more so that your dog or cat isn’t on the lawn when it isn’t safe for them.
Keep animals away from yard tools & supplies
You wouldn’t want to have your dog or cat outside while the lawn mower is running, but it’s also important to be aware of how lawn mowers, gasoline and other equipment is stored when it’s not in use, too, according to PetMD. It’s best to keep sharp tools and chemicals out of the reach of pets. Storing them in an area of a shed or garage where the pets aren’t allowed could be a good option to ensure safety.
Make sure your fence is intact
After a long winter, the fencing around your yard could be in need of repair. One Green Planet recommends checking your fences to make sure there aren’t any holes or loose locks that would make it easy for a dog to escape from the yard.
Always have fresh water available
The ASPCA points out just how important it can be for your pet to have access to a fresh, clean water bowl at all times to avoid dehydration during the hot summer months. Be sure to check in regularly to make sure your dog or cat has fresh, cool water available all summer long.
Don’t leave pets unsupervised around a pool
The ASPCA also notes that not all dogs are strong swimmers and shouldn’t be left unsupervised near a pool or body of water this summer season to prevent drowning.
Be careful with food & drinks at barbecues
Hosting summer barbecues can be great fun, so make sure it’s fun for your pets, too. Make sure food and beverages are disposed of properly so your pet won’t have access to food and alcohol that could be harmful. It’s best to keep an eye where all the food is set up for serving, too. You don’t want your dog or cat sneaking a snack that it’s not supposed to have!
