Outdoor Hazards

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Dog - Travel & Outdoors

Outdoor Hazards

Before you let your pooch out to play, be aware of the dangers that exist in her own backyard.

Your dog may love to loll in the grass and dig in the dirt, but unsupervised outdoor romps carry risks. You may need to address the following hazards.

Exposure

Extreme heat or cold can be fatal, so keep your dog inside when the temperature soars or drops. If she spends a lot of time outdoors, provide an insulated doghouse as a shelter.

So your dog won't be soaked during rain showers, pick a doghouse with a sloped roof and a floor that's slightly raised off the ground. Straw, aspen shavings, or a padded bed inside lets your dog nap in comfort and helps her keep warm on chilly days.

For hot weather, make sure there's a shady spot outdoors where your pet can escape the sun's rays. Equally important, provide plenty of fresh water. Consider using heavy crocks for your dog's fresh food and water so she can't tip them over during playtime.

If you have any doubt about your dog's ability to withstand the weather, keep her inside!

Garbage

Make sure your dog can't get into garbage cans or compost bins. Fatty or decomposing foods could make her sick. Bones from chicken or other animals can splinter and puncture your dog's mouth, throat or intestines.

Inadequate Fencing

Your dog may find the world beyond your yard enticing and may not understand that other critters and cars could hurt her. Make sure your fence is high enough so she can't jump over it and deep enough that she won't dig under it. Also check your fence for holes, and make sure you always latch gates securely.

Be sure your dog always wears a collar and ID tags in case she ever does get out. Be particularly careful if you move since many pets get lost during times of transition.

Do you have a pool? Fence it off to keep your pet out of harm's way. Dogs don't instinctively know how to swim, and even if they can swim, they may not know where to get out of the pool. Plus, chlorinated water isn't the best beverage for your canine companion.

A note about water sources: You may give your dog plenty of fresh water daily, but she'll still be tempted to lap from other sources in the backyard. Make any ponds, fountains, kiddie pools or birdbaths off-limits. Chemicals or bacteria in the water could make her ill. And, that goes double for any other surfaces in your backyard that collect water.

Lawn Chemicals

Keep fertilizers, insecticides and other lawn and garden chemicals in a shed or garage and well out of your dog's reach. These potent products can be poisonous.

When you spray, keep your dog away! Don't let her walk on a chemically treated lawn until it has dried, and try to keep her from nibbling chemically treated grass, flowers or plants until after it's rained or you've watered the area.

Plants

Many outdoor plants and some fruits and vegetables can hurt your dog. A few culprits: English ivy, Japanese yew, azaleas, the underground parts of spring bulbs, rhubarb leaves, eggplant and tomato vines, potato plants and berries, and some mushrooms. Keep potted plants out of reach, and set up a fence around your garden to keep your pet out of the homegrown goodies.

Sticks and Branches

Like chicken bones, sticks can puncture your dog's mouth, throat or intestines. If you offer her ropes and toy chew bones to play with instead, she'll have all the fun of chewing without the danger.

Cars

Always keep your dog on a leash any time you venture beyond the yard. Even an obedient dog, who always stays close, needs a leash near busy intersections or in crowded areas. A collision with a moving vehicle could take her life, so it's better to be safe than sorry.

Even with its hazards, your yard is likely to be one of the safest places for your dog to play. When you know what to check for, it becomes even safer.

We recommend your dog is never left unattended in your yard for more than a few minutes at a time. If you must leave your dog while you go to work, your home is the best place for your dog to spend the hours alone.