Is your backyard a safe haven or a health hazard for your dog?

Lawn chemicals, fences, and mowers all spell danger for dogs. Your backyard, with its colorful plants, chirping birds may seem like a perfect springtime retreat, but it can be a big bad world for your pet. Everything from lawn chemicals, insecticides, to the fence around your sanctuary presents danger for your dog.

So What's a Pet Owner to Do?

Obviously, keeping your dog cooped up inside is NOT the answer. But taking a few precautions will let you both enjoy the great outdoors - and your backyard - safely and comfortably.

You should consider your dog as similar to owning a three year old. You don't throw out a bottle of Tylenol because of children; instead, you store it safely out of reach. It's the same with your pet in the backyard or outdoors.

Dangers

Chemicals - If used properly, most chemicals pose little risk. An exception is 2,4-D. The diethyamine salt in this weed killer can cause serious health problems in dogs. Agent Orange used in Vietnam contained 50% 2,4-D. Rodent and insect repellents also are problematic, usually because people forget that the gardener has applied them.

For starters, the day that the lawn has been treated, please do not let your dog out in that area. Take him to another part of the neighborhood. You'll save him from inhaling dangerous fumes that can be very injurious to his health.

Second, use green chemicals or treatments that are natural and proven to be safe.

Plants

The list of plants that are toxic to dogs include Yew, rhodendron, tulips and daffodil bulbs, believe it or not. If you have these plants in your nursery, consider preventing easy access to them or removing them.

Equipment

Moving objects are enticing to dogs, which is why lawn mowers, weed trimmers, chain saws and similar equipment should be off limits. Keep dogs away from hot barbecue grills as well as they love those meaty smells.

Fences

Although they provide a barrier to the outside world, fences pose dangers. Chain linked fences are the most dangerous of all. Collars can get hooked in sharp edged fences and wooden fences can give off splinters, both posing injury risks to pets.

Just as bad as chain link fences are electronic fences. In order for the fence to work, your dog must wear an electronic collar and while this may keep him in, it will not keep other dogs and animals out.

Play It Safe

Creating a safe haven for your dog is not as hard as you may think. First and foremost, it is about using common sense. View your yard through your dog's eyes. Is he a digger? Add pavers at the base of your fence. Does he like to chew? A chew toy will keep him from plants.

Probably the safest of all answers is to provide adequate supervision while your dog is outside.

Following these basic rules will lead to a healthier safer and happier pet and owner.