You and your pets have survived over 2,000 hours of chilly winter temperatures, probably spending at least 1,000 hours dreaming of the warm air and the fresh, green grass to run around. Dogs especially love to sprint across green lawns with tails wagging, and cats are known for basking out in the sun all day long, too.
Our furry friends love lounging in our yards just as much as we do – which is why pet-proofing it is so important.
Before you and your pets play in the yard, don’t forget to “Petscape” by creating a pet-friendly landscape to keep your pets safe and healthy this spring.
TRY THESE 7 TIPS FOR PET-PROOFING YOUR YARD YOU CAN DO TODAY:
- Put Dangerous Products Out of Paws’ Reach. Store hazardous products such as insecticides, paint, car parts and gasoline on high shelves.
- If you have grass, Mow Low. Since fleas and ticks lurk in tall grass, keep your lawns mowed at 3-3 ½ inches.
- Contain Compost. Food and garden waste make excellent additions to garden soil. But you should compost in closed containers or otherwise keep pets out of the compost pile because they could get sick from eating rotting waste.
- Choose Organic. Using an organic based mulch will eliminate the hazards that chemical fertilizers, pesticides and synthetic mulches present to your pet.
- Look closely for Hazards. Check your patio and yards for standing water, exposed wires or objects in the ground may prove dangerous for your pet. Change or remove them immediately.
- Check for Toxic Plants. We’ve found that pets love munching on new things in the yard, especially plants and grasses. Before buying new plants, make sure they’re non-toxic.
- Close any Escape Routes. Ensure there are no gaps in the fence that could allow your pet to escape.
After taking these steps, your pets will want to play fur-ever in their safe yards. So, go ahead and play one more game of fetch!