THE EUKANUBA ADULT
DOG GUIDE.

Just because he's no longer a puppy does not mean his
owner cannot learn a few new tricks

Doggie-Proofing Your Yard

You're headed to the grocery store for an hour or so to pick up tonight's dinner.
It's a gorgeous day, so you open the back door and let Lucy, your Basset Hound, out
for a sniff of fresh air while you're gone. But are you certain she's safe? Sure,
you've got a fence out back, but the very barrier that gives you a sense of security
might be problematic. So too could the lawn fertilizers you use to keep the grass lush.
Even the flowers in your garden could be hazardous. We don't mean to send you into a
panic — we simply want you to be aware of the possible dangers of your yard.
Here are a few things to look for and advice on how to doggie-proof your space.

Commonly Overlooked Hazards

  • Fences: Most of us rely on some type of metal or wooden wall to keep our
    dogs from roaming, but make sure the material you've chosen to construct your fence
    includes no sharp edges or splinters. Also, put your dog in a break-away collar so
    that if she gets tangled up, she can free herself with a tug or two. This is also
    extra insurance for those of you with jumpers who aim to hurdle over fences. Some
    agile dogs can leap to the top but are unable to clear the tall posts when their
    collars get stuck. (We know you'd rather spend an evening searching for your lost
    dog than at the vet's making life-and-death decisions.)

  • Chemicals: Many commercial fertilizers and weed killers are now safe for animals
    provided the manufacturer's instructions are followed, but others can cause illness.
    One salt called diethylamine — an ingredient in the defoliant dubbed Agent Orange
    during the Vietnam War — is still on the market as a fertilizer and is harmful to
    pets. Also, beware of rodent and insect repellants. You definitely want to read the label
    on each package before applying them to your yard. We suggest deferring to organic methods
    or old-fashioned peanut butter if possible. (Then again, it might be your dog — not
    the rats — who lands in the trap!)

  • Plants: Some of the gardener's most beloved flowers and bushes are harmful when
    ingested by dogs. These include the tulip and daffodil bulbs, yews and rhododendrons.
    Swap out such foliage for other favorites, or plant the lovelies in flower boxes high
    above your dog.

  • Equipment: Dogs are curious creatures and some will investigate even the lawn
    gear that looks ominous. Mowers, weed trimmers, chain saws and the like should never
    be left within a pet's reach.

  • Pools/hot tubs: Dogs love to take the plunge, but sometimes the high walls of
    these swimming holes are too high for them to climb out safely. Always make sure to
    cover or fence your water spots.
     

Playing Lifeguard

The above advice does not mean that you can't have a glorious yard and a dog simultaneously.
(Admit it: You were actually gunning to win the Neighborhood Yard of the Month award. We
promise not to tell your college drinking buddies.) Consider these options:

 

  • Put up a dog run within your yard so that he has a safe place to go outdoors when unsupervised.
    Even a toddler's plastic play area might work for small dogs, plus it can be moved.
  • Fence your flowers with chicken wire, a nearly invisible force field that will deter doe and Dachshund.
  • Change the rules entirely and always supervise your dog when he's in the yard.
    This way, you can be sure (well, pretty sure) he doesn't get into mischief.

Owning a dog is like parenting a two-year-old child. (Except, of course, he never grows up...)
It is your duty and privilege to protect him. The good news, however, is that it takes only a
little bit of thought and some effort to secure your yard. In fact, you can probably take care
of the job while dinner's in the oven.