Family Encyclopedia >> Animals & Insects

How to make your garden pet-friendly

It's warmer again, so we use our gardens more often. And, now that we're all at home, why not make your garden summer-ready for your pet? Here are our tips for making your garden a safe place for them.

Repair the fence

In winter, the fence has to deal with all kinds of weather conditions. This could mean that the wind has blown down fences or rain has rotted them, leaving holes in the fence. So be sure to check and repair the fence in your yard to keep pets safe inside.

Keep chemicals locked

It is best not to use chemicals, such as fertilizers and weed killers. However, if you do use them, make sure they are pet safe and your pet is not in the yard when you do use them. Make sure you store them somewhere that your pet can't reach, such as in a shed or closet.

Remove poisonous plants

Some plants can be poisonous to animals, so make sure your garden contains only cat- and dog-friendly plants and flowers. Common poisonous plants are:crocuses, azaleas, daffodils and hyacinth bulbs. While most plants are not attractive to pets, puppies and kittens are especially curious. So make sure to remove all poisonous plants from the garden to keep your pets safe.

Watch out for snails

Snails aren't just a nuisance for gardeners. If eaten by your dog, they can cause lungworm. Make sure to keep an eye on your four-legged friends when they are in the garden and if you plan to avoid snails, make sure to use slug pellets that are not toxic to pets.

Watch out for rusty metal

This can be anything from garden tools to old playground equipment. Consider cleaning up all your rusty metal, because if an animal cuts itself, it can easily become infected.

Provide shaded areas

Make sure your pet isn't at risk of overheating on sunny days by creating shady areas in your yard for them to relax.