As summer arrives, the backyard turns into an outdoor living room. Grills come out, pools open, gardens fill in and evenings stretch longer. For pets, that means more time outside and more chances to run into trouble. A quick walk around your yard with a safety eye can head off most problems before they start.
Pools, ponds and water features
Not every dog swims well, and even good swimmers can panic if they fall in and cannot find a way out. Pool steps can be hard for dogs to see from the water.
- Fence pools when possible, and supervise pets whenever they are near the water.
- Teach your dog where the steps are by guiding it to them from the water.
- Consider a ramp designed to help pets climb out.
- Be careful with pool covers. Animals can slip under or become trapped on top of them.
- Store pool chemicals securely and out of reach, and rinse your dog after swimming in chlorinated water.
Grills and outdoor cooking
Hot grills, dripping grease and tempting smells attract dogs. Keep pets away from the grill while it is in use and while it cools down. Dispose of grease, foil, skewers and food scraps where pets cannot reach them. Corn cobs, cooked bones and kebab skewers can cause choking or intestinal blockages, and fatty scraps can trigger stomach upset or pancreatitis in some dogs. Lighter fluid, matches and charcoal should be stored out of reach.
Garden and lawn products
Many fertilizers, insecticides, slug and snail baits, rodent poisons and weed killers can be harmful to pets. Some, such as certain rodenticides and snail baits, can be life-threatening. Read product labels carefully, follow directions, keep pets off treated areas for as long as the label instructs, and store all products securely. Cocoa bean mulch, made from the shells of cacao beans, can contain the same compounds that make chocolate dangerous to dogs, so many owners choose a different mulch. If you use a lawn service, ask what products they apply and when it is safe for pets to return.
Plants, candles and other summer extras
Some common garden and patio plants are toxic to dogs or cats. Lilies are extremely dangerous to cats. Sago palms are highly toxic to dogs and cats. If you are adding plants, check a reputable poison control list or ask your veterinarian. Citronella candles and torches, bug sprays and insect repellents not made for pets can also cause problems if pets eat them or get them on their skin. Keep open flames where wagging tails cannot knock them over.
Shade, water and supervision
Every yard where pets spend time should have reliable shade throughout the day and fresh water that will not tip over. Check fences and gates for gaps, especially after a busy weekend of guests. Never leave a pet outside unattended in hot weather for long periods. If you think your pet has eaten something harmful or been exposed to a chemical, call your veterinarian or a pet poison control hotline right away, and have the product packaging handy if you can.
