You might think your lush green backyard is a perfect haven for your family and pets to retreat to. However, there can be hazards lurking in your lawn that you might not even realize. Keep reading to learn more about 10 potential hazards that can be lurking in your yard.
1) Pesticides & Fertilizers
One of the biggest hazards to your pets are the fertilizers and pesticides that you use in your home. Pesticides and fertilizers are great for creating a vibrant and healthy lawn, but they can be extremely dangerous to your pet. Not only is eating or inhaling these chemicals bad for your dog, but they can actually absorb the chemicals through their pads. If you are going to use pesticides and fertilizers on your lawn, check for pet-friendly options or be sure to adhere to the manufacturer’s directions regarding the use of the product.
2) Metal Lawn Edging
Another hazard that can be lurking in your lawn is metal edging. While metal edging is great for giving your flowerbed and gardens perfectly manicured and even edges, it can be extremely dangerous for cats and dogs. The metal edging can slice the pads on your dog’s paws or sever a tendon if stepped on the wrong way. The goods news is, there are several other good edging options to choose from like plastic edging.
3) Lawn Equipment
One hazard in your lawn that you might not think about is your lawn equipment strewn about. If you have shovels, shears, an ax or edger laying about the yard, it can lead to accidents and serious injuries for your pets. It’s important to ensure that you put your lawn equipment away to help keep your pets safe.
4) Not Enough Shade
Just like humans, dogs also need a place to get out of the sun. Without shade in your backyard, your pet can become dehydrated or overheated. Heatstroke is something dogs can suffer from so; it is important to make sure that there are some shady trees for your dog to take shelter under. If you don’t have enough trees in your backyard, the good news is that it’s easy enough to get the supplies from your local landscape company to plant some! Not only will it enhance the look of your backyard, but it will also keep your furry friend safe and cool.
5) Mulch
What color mulch do you use in your backyard? Red? Brown? Black? If you use mulch that isn’t a natural color, that means it has dye in it. These dyes can be hazardous to your dog, and if eaten by your pet, can potentially poison them. For example, brown mulch often contains cocoa bean, which has a component that is toxic to animals and can cause hyperactivity, arrhythmia, and potentially seizures. Be sure to read the label of your mulch to ensure that it doesn’t have any dyes or chemicals in them that can be harmful to your pet.
6) Ticks
Ticks can also be lurking in your lawn and they pose a risk to your pet. The good news is that you can prevent ticks in a few different ways. The first is to ensure that your pet gets flea and tick prevention care. The second is to apply nematode applications on your lawn to keep these pests at bay.
7) Hazardous Plants
Something else to keep in mind is the type of plants that you grow in your backyard. Certain types of plants and flowers can actually be toxic to your pet. These include flowers like autumn crocus and foxglove and other plants like oleanders and azaleas. These plants can lead to vomiting, excessive drooling, diarrhea, and even death depending on how much is eaten.
8) Water Growing Algae
What many people don’t realize is that water features in their backyard can also be hazardous to their pets. That small lake at the edge of your property or koi pond built into your landscaping seem like nice features, but there can be green algae lurking in the water that floats to the surface and presents a threat to your dog’s health. Drinking water with green algae can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and weakness in pets. In some serious instances, it can even lead to death. One way to combat this is to ensure that your dog always has a fresh supply of water to drink so it doesn’t get tempted by less safe options.
9) Your Fence
Your fence is another potential hazard in your backyard. You might think your fence is installed perfectly, but if your dog tries to squeeze through any gaps underneath or dig its way under, it has the potential to get slivers or trap itself in the process. A good idea is to line the bottom of your fence with chicken wire or mesh fencing that is dug at least six inches deep to prevent your pet from escaping or getting injured.
10) Sticks & Branches
You might think that sticks and branches laying around in your backyard are no big deal, but they can be hazardous to your dog. Dogs love to chew on sticks, but the bad news is that they can get splinters stuck in their mouth, throat, and even their stomach lining and intestines. That’s why it’s a good idea to do a quick survey of the backyard for any sticks or branches that might pique your dog’s interest and remove them before letting them outside.
Contact Kurtz Bros., Inc. for help with your spring and summer landscaping needs!
To put it simply, there are a lot of dangers to your pets that can be lurking in your backyard. If you let your pet outdoors, supervised or unsupervised, you must take these threats seriously and work to alleviate them. Whether that means planting more trees, using pet-friendly fertilizers and pesticides, or adding appropriate storage for lawn equipment so it isn’t left out in the yard, Kurtz Bros., Inc. can help! Our experienced team knows our products inside and out and can work with you to help ensure that your pets stay safe and healthy while relaxing outdoors. Give us a call today to learn more or stop into one of our stores to pick up the landscaping supplies you need!