How To Dog Proof Your Yard

There are plants that could be in your yard that are hazardous to dogs. 

Foxtail grass for example, which is considered a weed, can release seeds that can get in your dogs ears, eyes, and other crevices and can make your dog very sick. 

Here are 20 common houseplants that may or may not be dangerous for your dog.  (Some of the more dangerous houseplants are Ivy, and Norfolk pine.)

Check out this A to Z list of plants that are toxic to pets provided by the ASPCA.  

 

Pest control and lawn maintenance products are not safe for use around pets.  Following any lawn treatments, be sure to keep your dog off the grass 24 hours or until you've had a good rain.  Better yet, try to avoid using chemicals on your lawn at all.  Look for natural lawn care alternatives instead. 

According to MedHeadlines, household toxins are more dangerous to pets than they are to people.   Pest residue on lawns is an issue because “like the smallest children, pets play close to the floor and ingest a limited diet, two factors associated with increased health risk of industrial chemicals.”

 
Take the time to remove Items that your dog can choke on or swallow. 

I had a horrible experience with river stones when my dogs were puppies.  One dog swallowed a handful of stones and while he eliminated most of them, 2 stones were caught in his intestines and nearly killed him. 

Here's a dog that needed surgery after swallowing a rock.

Along these same lines, be sure to dispose of pet toys that are broken or damaged because parts can break off and your dog can choke on them.   

 
And finally, decorative water ponds can be as dangerous to small dogs and puppies as swimming pools are to kids.  They are difficult to get out of should the pet get in -- because the plastic molding can be slippery.   

Here is a very sad story about such an incident.   

 

Plan To Leave Your Dog In The Yard Unattended?
Be sure to install a sturdy fence that your dog cannot dig under, jump over, or squeeze through.  While an invisible fence can keep your dog in, it cannot keep other animals out, and can still cause potential problems for your pet. 
 
To ensure your dog's safety from unforeseen hazards, consider making a play area just for your dog. 

For example, you could create a dog-run area in your yard that is safely fenced in.  This area would be free from unsafe plants, pesticides and other hazards, and could be a safe place for your dog to run , dig and play.  On one end of the dog run, place a dog house to protect your dog from the elements.  Make sure it is big enough for the dog to stand up and walk around in.