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Dog's can get up to mischief when playing at
home so it is important to dog-proof not only
the inside of the house but also the yard.
The following are some things to keep in mind
for dog proofing your yard and making it safe
for your four-legged friend.
Fencing
You need to have a sturdy and secure fence
that your dog can not get over or under. If you
have a large dog or a dog that likes to jump you
must ensure that the fence is high enough to
keep them in and unable to be climbed. Be sure
to check the entire fence perimeter regularly,
looking for holes that may have been dug under
or near the fence and check that the fence is
tight and in good condition.
Shelter / Shade
Make sure your dog has adequate shade and
shelter available for all periods of the day,
regardless of where the sun is or where the
weather is coming from. Having a few options
for shade and shelter is always best.
Secure Trash
Dogs love to go through rubbish, often eating
things they shouldn't and things that can be
dangerous. Be sure to secure trash in a bin with
a lid that a dog can not get into or knock over.
Small Objects
Dogs can chew, swallow and even choke
on small objects like stones, nuts and seeds
from trees. Chewing these can break teeth or
cause injury to the mouth. These small objects
can also be swallowed and then later cause a
blockage in the stomach or intestines which can
be fatal if successful surgery is not performed.
Be sure to remove any small objects, pick up nuts
and seeds or remove trees/plants that drop them.
Broken Toys
Make sure broken or damaged toys are removed
as small pieces can break off and become a
choking hazard.
Ponds and Water Features
These can be dangerous, particularly to inquisitive
puppies or small dogs. Drownings can happen
if a dog falls in and can not get out.
Chemical / Poison Dangers
Many chemicals are potentially fatal or can cause
severe illness or injury if a dog inhales, ingests or
touches them. All chemicals and poisons should
be kept securely stored out of reach of dogs.
Some common household poisons to be aware
of are pool chemicals, car oil, rat baits, paint,
fertilisers and pesticides.
Poisonous Plants
There are a number of plants that are poisonous
to dogs if ingested or can cause allergic reactions
if touched. A list outlining some of the poisonous
plants for pets can be found in the vet-n-pet
Direct Help Centre.
