Make Your Garden Dog-Safe
Is your dog an ‘escape-artist’?
How can you ensure that your dog is safe and secure in your outdoor space?
You need to be aware of your dog’s personality and characteristics in order to plan your outdoor space.
- Fencing
Fences may be expensive and need maintenance but they do train dogs and prevent escapes if they are built properly.
A 1.5m high fence should be high enough to prevent small to medium sized dogs from escaping. However, an agile Border Collie may simply see it as a challenge and have little trouble leaping over. A 1.8m high fence should be high enough to contain most medium to large dogs.
You need to check with your local authorities to find out whether or not there are restrictions on the height of boundary walls and fences.
Some dogs can dig themselves out to freedom and adventure. Your fence should reach close to the ground at the bottom to prevent them from digging under it.
Also think about the space between your upright poles to ensure that small dogs cannot get through.
- Toys
Dogs can get bored which may cause them to explore, investigate and attempt to escape. They need distractions to keep them busy, such as interactive puzzles and toys. These may help to avoid any potential conflicts with other dogs, people and traffic.
- Parasite Prevention
To assist in keeping your dog happy and content in your garden, ensure that he/she is up-to-date with tick and flea treatments.
Bravecto® Chew provides up to 12 weeks of tick and flea protection with one treatment; Bravecto® Spot-On protects for 4 months against fleas and 6 months against ticks with one application.
- Prevent Overheating
In hot summer months, ensure that your dog has access to fresh, clean water and plenty of shade.
- Garden Plants
When you plan your garden, make sure that you don’t include any plants with thorns or which are toxic to pets.
- Supervision
80% of lost pets go missing from their own gardens by escaping through an open gate, jumping over the fence or are stolen by pet thieves. Be cautious when keeping your dog outside. Keep an eye on them if possible and consider keeping them inside if you are out for long periods.
Small dogs can even be attacked by predatory birds or large dogs who gain access to your garden.
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