|
Protecting
your animal companion from the dangers she could
face outdoors begins in your own backyard. Could
your pet be facing enemy territory everytime she
steps outside? By taking the following simple, but
important, precautions, you can ensure that your
backyard is always a safe haven.
Backyard Dangers Include Escape Routes
The
first line of defense is an escape-proof fence.
It should be high and sturdy. If there are any gaps
under your gates or hedges, you may need to use
fine wire-mesh at ground level to keep your dog
from crawling or digging his way out.
Letting
your cat explore outdoors is recommended only if
you are there to supervise her in a well-fenced-in
area. A sudden loud noise, or simply seeing a dog
walk by, may cause her to bolt-which could end in
heartbreak, especially if you live near a busy road
or highway. To keep your feline in the yard, you
can purchase a cat-proof add-on for your fence.
You'll
also need to conduct a plant check. Many garden
plants and trees can be harmful to pets if ingested.
Some of these include holly, rhododendron, lily-of-the-valley,
yew, clematis, ivy, columbine and hemlock. Some
species may be more, or less, toxic to dogs than
cats, so it's a good idea to find out if a tree
or flower is safe for your pet before you plant
it. Also remember to keep flower bulbs out of reach
of curious dogs and cats.
Plants & Pests in Your Backyard - Dangers for Pets
To
prevent your pet from eating something she shouldn't,
make sure your garbage cans are secured with tamper-proof
lids. It's a good idea to keep them in a cupboard
or shed. Insecticides and rodenticides should be
kept in a locked shed or garage; this goes for paint,
oil, gasoline, other dangerous chemicals and sharp
tools as well. And remember to use common sense
if you have just applied weed killer to your lawn
or other toxic chemical or fertilizer to the plants
in your garden. Your pet could be exposed to these
potentially harmful substances simply by walking
through an area where these products have been applied
and then licking his paws.
Chemical Dangers in the Backyard & Driveway
And
antifreeze, while essential to a car's cooling system,
may be very dangerous to your pets if they are exposed
to it. Be sure to clean up any spills from your
vehicle immediately, and consider switching to a
propylene glycol-based antifreeze such as Prestone
Low Tox, which provides an added margin of safety
for pets and wildlife. Prestone Low Tox is significantly
less toxic than conventional ethylene glycol antifreeze,
but remember - no antifreeze is absolutely safe.
As with any household chemical, safe use and disposal
of antifreeze is essential.
If
you suspect your dog or cat has ingested poisonous
plant material, antifreeze, insecticide or other
dangerous chemicals, call your veterinarian.
|
