8 outdoor pet hazards – what you should know
Your property may be beautiful, but often it is a common danger zone to your pet.
SOME of the main dangers are poisonous plants, jagged rocks and fertilisers that can cause severe problems. Even the best behaved cats and dogs can get themselves into trouble in the garden, so take the time to pet-proof it before letting them loose to play.
Pet’s paws
Instead of using jagged rocks to line your garden path, opt for smooth pebbles. Pets can comfortably walk along the smooth surface. Along the same lines, you should opt for small cedar chips instead of larger, jagged mulch options.
Keeping pets at bay
If you want your pet to stay away from the border of planted areas, use driftwood or raised beds. It will deter them from digging too deeply into the dirt.
Read fertilizer labels carefully
Avoid any fertilizer which contains cocoa, blood or bone meal. Ingestion of these fertilizers can cause severe pancreatitis, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea or even organ failure. Note that bone meal is crushed up bone from cattle or fish sources, so it smells like a meal to pets, especially dogs.
Opt for natural deterrents
Each year, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center receives more than
40 000 calls related to mouse/rat poison in backyards.
These poisons can cause internal bleeding, kidney failure and brain swelling in pets.
Instead of using over-the-counter toxic rat or mouse poison on your plants, use and plant mint. It naturally deters rodents. To learn more about preventing mice with mint, look up ‘Mint: Good For Mojitos and Mouse Prevention’.
Be careful of what you plant
Some flowers look like tasty treats to pets, but many are poisonous. Did you know that daffodils and hydrangeas could be harmful if ingested? For a full list of poisonous flowers, read ‘Plants That Poison’.
Mind the sprinkler system
If you live in a dry area, you probably use a sprinkler to water your lawn. Watch out for exposed pipes in your lawn, which could look like chew toys to dogs.
Watch for signs of allergies
Humans aren’t the only mammals that suffer from allergies. Pay attention to your pet when they’re in your yard. If your pet is displaying symptoms such as skin irritation, hair loss, ear infections, excessive sneezing or a runny nose, consult a vet.
Braai dangers
When you’re having a braai, have a three-foot rule around the grill for pets. Watch them carefully. After your cookout, fully cool your grill before storing it in your yard or garage.
