Can you say that your backyard is safe for your dogs? I’m sure many of you would say so, however, there are plenty of surprising dangers that can shock you. If you’re unsure about the dangerous things that dogs could eat in a backyard, then this post is for you. So, without wasting any time, let’s find them.
8 Dangerous Things in a Backyard for Dogs
It may seem like a good idea to allow your puppy to move and play freely in your backyard, but by doing this you may be putting your puppy in danger. Some dangerous things in a backyard that dogs could get into are:
1. Toxic Plants
Plants look good in a backyard, but most people don’t realize that they can be dangerous for pets. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t grow plants, but you need to identify the ones that are toxic to dogs. Some examples of poisonous plants for dogs are foxglove, sago, oleander, and valley. There are almost over 400 plants which are poisonous for dogs. Do you know which ones are in your backyard?
2. Fruits and Vegetables
Anything that is safe for humans isn’t necessarily meant to be safe for dogs. Some fruits and vegetables are also dangerous for pets. Some examples of toxic fruits and vegetables are tomato plants, garlic, onions, and rhubarb. Ripe fruits are safe for dogs, but you need to watch for their greenery because this greenery can lead to an upset stomach.
3. Mushrooms
Another dangerous thing for dogs in a backyard is mushrooms. As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to clean your backyard every week, especially after heavy rains. If you want to limit the growth of mushrooms, then ensure that your backyard has a proper drainage system or that you are checking for and removing mushrooms before your pet finds them.
4. Pool
You might be wondering how pools are dangerous for pets. Pool water contains chlorine that can cause stomach and skin irritation if ingested. Another risk is drowning because all dogs don’t know how to swim. So, if you allow your dogs to enter the pool and are confident in their ability to swim then great! If not, you need to supervise them.
5. Fertilizers
Fertilizers help your plants to grow, but meanwhile, they pose some threats to dogs. Fertilizers contain nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus that can result in gastrointestinal infections in dogs.
6. Herbicides
Most homeowners use chemicals to control pests and weeds in the yard. But these herbicides can be hazardous for dogs. When dogs digest these chemicals, they increase the risk of bladder cancer. Ensure that if your plants are treated, proper amount of time is allowed for the treatment to dry and set before allowing your pet to be near it.
7. Pesticides and Insecticides
Unless you hire a professional company for pest control, you may be using products and chemicals that are unsafe for pets. If exposed, your dog may start to show symptoms like diarrhea and fever. Digesting these chemicals can lead to respiratory failure as well.
8. Worms
It’s not easy to keep your dogs parasite-free, especially when dogs spend most of their time outdoors. So, when you take your dogs for a checkup, ask your vet to test your dogs for infestations and parasites. Moreover, dogs encounter different types of worms in the backyard, so ensure that your dogs are properly vaccinated to fight against these threats.
Final Words
All the dangers mentioned above exist in almost every home, and most pet owners don’t even pay attention to them. Please be attentive to what you pet has access to when they are alone at home. If you think your dog may have ingested something harmful, call a vet immediately.
Here at Backyard Dog Care and Boarding we pride ourselves in the constant supervision we provide 24/7 for your pets. For the price of a good fancy drink, your dog could have a fun day at doggie day care! Come visit us!