Creating a Pet Safe Yard | Critters Chronicle Blog

YARD MUST HAVES

Shade ? Make sure your pet has a safe place to retreat from the heat, comfortable shaded area, or dog box, or some other sheltered area.

Shelter ? Just like humans pets need a place to get out of the rain and other weather.? This can be your home, a doghouse or other shelter.

Clean water ? Your dog needs constant access to fresh water to stay cool and hydrated.

Fencing ? Proper fencing should be free of any holes or gaps and of a proper height and build to make sure your pet cannot dig under or jump over your fence.

Space for exercise ? make sure your pet has enough space to fully stretch his legs and run.? Larger breed dogs will need far more space than smaller breeds.

Bathroom area ? Designate a ?potty? area away from areas used by the family and especially any children.

Fencing

Questions to consider when evaluating fence types? How tall is your dog? Does he like to jump? Does he bark at neighbors? Is he aggressive or act in an aggressive manor toward people, other animals, or vehicles?
Fence Type
A fence has two basic functions: It keeps your dog in your property while keeping other dogs or unwelcome visitors from entering. Chain link or lattice fences allow a view while still containing your dog. A solid fence, or privacy fencing, prevents your dog from seeing out and being distracted by the sight of other dogs, people or vehicles that come into view.

Wrought iron and picket fences provide an attractive alternative. However, be sure to measure the width of the gaps between the rungs. These fences may leave enough of a gap that would allow a determined dog to easily escape. They are also subject to height restrictions in some areas. Stone walls or privacy fencing can provide the strongest and safest fencing as well as offering the most privacy.

Fence Height
The height of your fence is mainly determined by two factors: the size of your dog and his behavior. A tiny Yorkie will not require a fence as high as a Labrador will.? If you currently own a small breed but intend to get a larger one, it may be helpful to plan ahead and build higher. Be sure to consider your dog?s behavior when deciding on fence height. A highly energetic golden retriever with a propensity for jumping might be able to easily clear a 6-foot fence. On the other hand, a dog that has been trained from puppyhood to respect boundaries might not even attempt to jump a 4-foot fence.

Managing Unwanted Pet Behaviors

Digging
Designate a digging area; a place where you don?t mind if the ground is dug up.? To get them to use the area hide objects of interest in the area that your pet has to dig (if even only a few inches to start). Some dogs dig to have a cool place to lie in the heat.? Make sure there is plenty of shade available.? A plastic kiddie pool is also a great way to cool down a pet.? Fencing for diggers should be at least three feet into the ground.? If your fencing is less than three feet deep, you should consider pouring a concrete base that extends a couple of feet out from the fence, or use large pavers to line the fence.? This will also prevent trekking for anxious pacers.

Patrolling/Trekking Dogs
Patrolling or trekking dogs generally leave a habitual path, usually along a fence line, where they have worn away most of the grass or other vegetation leaving nothing but worn or bare dirt.??
??? Place obstacles in their path area such as park benches or sturdy bushes. Depending on the nature of your pets trekking, you can plant the hardy bushes against the fence to create a barrier or a few feet from the fence line allowing you dog access to the fence but preventing the undesired look of bare dirt.
??? You can also place pavers/patio stones in the path. Then use a good solid grass in the remaining areas. This will not stop the patrolling behavior, but will give a more durable pathway and help keep your yard looking nice.

Barking
A solid fence, or privacy fencing, may help to eliminate visual stimulants for pets that bark at the sight of other dogs, people or vehicles that come into view.

Other Potential Yard Hazards

Yard Sprays
Be sure to read the label and be aware of potential toxins in any fertilizers, pesticide or other sprays used in your yard. When having your yard treated, alternate yards (front vs back) so there is always a safe place for your pet.? Exterminators and landscapers are required to provide you with information on any potential toxins that they may be using. No matter what, you should always have poison control numbers on hand in case of emergencies. Remember Dogs and cats groom their feet regularly. Be sure any sprays (even safe ones) are dry before walking pets in sprayed areas.? Fertilizers should be allowed to soak in (watering or rain) before allowing pet into fertilized area.

Standing Water
Ponds, pools or any other source of non-flowing water can be a source of disease.?
?- Pets and humans can get bacterial infections from Giardia.?
- Blue-green algae is toxic to pets.
- Mosquitoes are carriers of Heartworm
?- Pools can lead to chemical burns from chlorine

Feeders
Some bird and/or squirrel feeders (like Corn cob feeders) can lead to GI obstruction.

Trees
- Acorns are toxic to pets
- Other nut trees like walnuts, chestnuts, or lucky bean trees can cause choking hazards or cause severe GI upset.
- Fruit bearing trees can also cause severe GI upset if fallen fruit is left to sit and go bad.

?Considerations for Outdoor Cats

- Avoid Open Sand boxes as cats use them for Eliminations
- Use high fences that can not be jumped or climbed
- Lilies are highly toxic to cats (family Lilium)

Source: http://www.funkstownvet.com/blog/?p=397

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