How to Dog Proof Your Backyard

Whether you are purchasing a new home or bringing a new dog into your home, you want to make sure your four-legged friend is safe in the backyard. Doing so goes beyond making sure you have a good fence in place, though. You need to take stock of the entire backyard, from its landscaping to the doghouse.

You’ll also want to consider your dog’s personality. Is he a jumper, a digger or hunter? These habitats can put your dog at even more risk.

Of course, you can’t make your backyard 100 percent dog proof, but you can substantially reduce the risk of your dog getting out, injured or sick. Take these actions to keep your dog safe when you move into a new home or get a new dog.

Get a fence, if there isn’t one

Most urban and suburban homes will already have a fence, but if yours doesn’t or you live in a rural area, put one up. Depending on your dog, wood panel, chain link, plastic or any number of materials will work. Larger animals will require higher, sturdier fences as will those who climb or jump. However, keep in mind that you are not only trying to keep your dog in but other dogs out. Better to err by getting a fence that can keep out a large dog than one that is simply adequate for the size and temperament of your dog.

In addition to a traditional fence, you have two other options: an invisible fence and a dog run. While an invisible fence may work in theory, it won’t keep other animals out of your yard. Also, boosted by the adrenaline surge of chasing a cat, for example, your dog may not respond to the auditory warning or subsequent shock that comes with crossing the boundary.

On the other hand, a dog run lets you put your dog outside on his own without fencing in your entire yard. Make sure the dog run is secure enough and its sides high enough that he can’t get out. The downside? Larger dogs won’t have much room to actually run while smaller dogs could become targets in areas where hawks and other animals consider them prey. If that’s a possibility, install an entirely enclosed dog run that can keep predators out.

Secure the fence

If your home already has a fence, check that your dog can’t get out. Can he squeeze through gaps in the fence or under the gate? Does the gate latch securely? Are there landscaping elements, like a raised bed, or items, like a firewood pile, that he can use to get over the fence? As a responsible pet owner, you need to address these items before turning your dog loose in the backyard.

Even more importantly, take precautions against digging. Dachshunds, beagles, miniature schnauzers, Siberian huskies and various terriers will think nothing of burrowing under the fence to freedom. Before releasing your dog outside unsupervised, bury rolled chicken wire or dig a trench and bury several rows of bricks along the permitter. For an extremely determined dog, you may even need to fill the trench with poured concrete.

Fence in the pool

If you have a swimming pool that isn’t already fenced in, add one. According to a PetMD article written by Patty Khuly, DVM, an estimated 400,000 dogs drown in swimming pools every year, even dogs whose owners thought they were really good swimmers. Almost all of these deaths are preventable.

While most dogs will start paddling if they fall in the water, not all can stay afloat or swim for any length of time. Install a fence around your pool to keep them safe, and take the time to train them how to get in and out of the pool. Don’t like the idea of the pool fence? Install a pool alarm instead that will go off whenever something (or someone) breaks the water’s surface.

Remove harmful plants

Certain flowers and plants—including azaleas, tulips, daffodils, amaryllis, oleanders and chrysanthemum—can be poisonous to dogs. Even fruit trees such as avocado, orange, apple, peach, cherry, apricot, lemon, lime and grapefruit trees can be toxic. For a complete list, visit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals website.

Talk to your vet about which local plants present a threat to your dog and which plants you can safely replace them with. Keep in mind that the mulch you use in your landscaping can also be dangerous (cocoa shell mulch is toxic) and present a choking hazard.

Mow the lawn regularly

Tall grass and untrimmed landscape can harbor fleas and tick that can transmit numerous diseases to your dog. From fleas, dogs can get everything from flea allergy dermatitis to tapeworms, anemia and even the plague. Ticks are no better, opening your dog to the possibility of Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Keep your lawn mowed regularly to reduce the risk.

While it may be tempting to treat your lawn with insecticides to eliminate fleas, ticks and other bugs, don’t without first speaking to your dog’s vet first. Same goes for using pesticides and fertilizer. If you do use any of these substances, keep your pet off the treated lawn for the amount of time specified by your vet or the product’s instructions.

Keep the yard clean

Trash and debris can be harmful to your pet. Pick up any trash that blows into your yard, and throw out debris like scrap wood that could shelter pests and insects. Since fleas tend to live in dark, humid places, clean out sheds, dog houses and other outdoor structures regularly. Sweep patios and walkways, and keep things tidy under your deck.

You’ll also need to regularly pick up your dog’s waste, which can expose him to bacteria and parasites like parvo, salmonella, roundworms and E. coli.

As you tidy the yard, make sure to secure any trash cans your pet has access to with tight-fitting lids. Store pesticides, poison, fuel, cleaning supplies and antifreeze out of your dog’s reach and, preferably, out of the backyard entirely.

Remove bird feeders

Bird feeders naturally attract birds. But they can also attract mice, squirrels, racoons, deer and other wild animals. If your dog catches and eats any of these critters or comes in contact with their feces, he can become serious ill. Not to mention, he can be attacked, and those bites and injuries can become infected. These animals can also bring fleas and ticks into your yard, which can jump to your dog and make him sick.

To minimize your dog’s risk, ditch the bird feeder, and rid your yard of any potential food source that could attract wild animals. Again, secure the lids on all trash cans, which can lure in racoons and bears, and consider removing plants like sunflowers, which attract deer.

Provide Water and Shade

Your dog needs plenty of clean water and shade when he is out in your backyard to prevent dehydration and heat stroke. Start by adding a dog house and, of course, a bowl for water. Then, install a doggy door, so your dog can get back inside when it is too hot, cold or rainy.

But don’t stop there. Upgrade your landscape to make it Fido-friendly by creating shady spots for your dog to cool off on a hot, sunny day. You can plant a tree, install a sunscreen shade, or add a pergola or covered patio. A small, shallow water feature that isn’t a drowning hazard, like a fountain, can provide extra water for your dog to cool off in or take a drink. Just be sure the water circulates to prevent mosquitos and keep it fresh.