Make sure your garden and yard are pet-friendly this summer! We’ve got 10 tips on how to keep your dogs safe in your yard all summer long!

1. Supervise

If dogs are left alone in your backyard without you, they’ll quickly find something to amuse themselves with. It could be tearing up your plants, or digging a hole. You need to be with them in the yard and give them structured exercise to prevent them from getting bored.

2. Obedience Training

Make sure your dog knows basic obedience training. You can do this by enrolling your dog in a training class. This is a great way for you and your dog to bond, and your dog gets some well-needed socialization with other dogs as well.

3. Latch Your Gates

Make sure your gates have strong latches to prevent your dog from escaping your yard. Locking the gate will also prevent children or delivery people from opening the gate and accidentally letting your dog out.

4. Build a Fence

If you can’t keep your dog away from your flower beds, consider building a low fence. Even a low fence is enough of a visual deterrent for your dog to stay away.

5. Toys

Keep a basket of toys handy in your garden. These can be toys that your dog can play with only in your garden, and in time, he’ll look forward to going out so he can play with his special toys. Keeping your dog occupied is key in preventing him from looking for trouble.

6. Shelter

Even if your dog lives indoors, he’ll appreciate having his very own space in the garden to relax. Build or buy him a nice and comfortable doghouse where he can retreat for some quiet time.

7. Build Pathways

Create garden paths in your backyard from brick or gravel to keep paws dry. Your dog will quickly learn to stay on the path so you lawn won’t become packed down.

8. Container Gardening

If your dog can’t seem to stay away from your garden, try planting flowers or vegetables in pots or planters. Many plants do well when planted in a pot, and they are less likely to be trampled by your dog.

9. Water

Provide your dog with fresh water in your garden for when he gets thirsty from playing. You can also add in a small kiddie pool for him to cool off in. If kiddie pools aren’t your thing, a small pond can be made on a budget that can match the rest of your garden decor.

10. Get to Know Your Breed

Some breeds are more prone to digging up plants and making holes than others. Make sure your dog has plenty to keep himself occupied with so he doesn’t turn to your garden. If your dog loves digging, consider giving him his own corner of the yard to dig in. Always provide plenty of praise and treats when he uses it!

Photos: Rogue Hydro, Pet Resort Willow Wood, Hillside K9 Academy, Seegar’s Fence, Plow Hearth, Maxi Sciences, Millennium Land, Urban Food Warrior, Hunt ‘Em Up, Dog Behaviour Advice.

We love spending time with our pets outside. Whether it’s chasing a ball or lounging around in the sun, it’s great for bonding with your pets and giving them the exercise they need. Although we think our yards are a safe place, there could be hidden dangers that can affect your pets. Keep reading to find out about these 6 deadly hazards that could be lurking in your yard.

1. Snail and Slug Baits

Snail and slug baits contain metaldehyde can result in toxicity. Make sure to follow label directions before around any pets. Even better, try going for a natural solution like laying around copper wires, or salt.

2. Cocoa Mulch

Just like chocolate, cocoa mulch contains the methylxanthines that cause problems with the heart in animals, and eating it can be fatal in high doses.

3. Poisonous Plants

Make sure you know the names of all the plants in your yard and if they are toxic to your pets. Common poisonous plants include yews, azaleas, poison hemlock, and castor. Make sure you remove or block off any plants that may be toxic.

4. Fruit Trees

If you have fruit trees in your yard, usually there will be fallen fruit around the tree. If not cleared away, mold will start to grow on the fruit and if ingested by your pets, it can cause seizures and tremor.

5. Fencing

Dogs and cats are experts in the art of escaping enclosures. Make sure you inspect your fence for any holes that will allow your pets to flee, and can allow wild creatures in. Check for any holes underneath the fence as well.

6. Water

Backyard pools can pose dangers to your pets. Aside from drowning, the water in your pool contains toxic chemicals, and is not intended for drinking. In the cold months, a covered pool can pose dangers when if your pet walks across it. The animal can slip beneath the cover and get caught in the straps and ties.

Photos: Veseys, The Obsessed Gardener, The Self Sufficient Living, Reddit, Professional Pet Shampoo, Home Interior Image.