Deirdre O Meara 
As summer approaches and we spend more time outside with our furry friends, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers that lurk in our gardens. While dogs love to explore and sniff everything in sight, some of the plants and objects in our backyards can be extremely harmful to them. A vet who is passionate about animal welfare has shared a list of nine hidden dangers that dog owners should be aware of.
Firstly, bark, sticks, and rocks can cause harm to dogs if ingested in large quantities. These items are often used to make gardens look nicer, but consuming them can irritate a dog’s digestive tract and cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. Eating rocks could also cause an internal obstruction which may require surgery. This warning is particularly aimed at those who have puppies as many dogs grow out of the chewing stage as they get older.
Secondly, certain weeds, flowers, and plants can be toxic to dogs. While plants and flowers are in full bloom during the summer months, toxic weeds also grow at a rapid rate in the heat. It’s common for dogs to munch away on these plants, but ingesting any sort of plant, flower or weed can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death. Some pet-safe flowering plants include roses, marigolds, sunflowers, and African violets. A list of poisonous plants can be found online.
Ticks and fleas are also a danger to dogs. Ticks hide in long grass stems and fleas enjoy wet, shady areas as well as bushes and trees. Ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, while fleas can cause irritation, hot spots, hair loss, and allergic reactions. Preventing these parasites is not always possible, but tick-prevention medications are extremely effective and can be bought from vets.
Internal parasites are another hidden danger in gardens. Dogs can get worms in their intestines by ingesting contaminated soil or eating an infected animal. Parasites can remain active for years once an area is contaminated, so it’s very easy for a dog to pick up parasites in the yard. All it takes is one lick of a paw or out of a muddy puddle that has parasite eggs, and the dog can become infected.
Wildlife such as foxes, coyotes, squirrels, and raccoons can pose a danger to dogs. Altercations with other animals, who might have an infectious disease, can lead to injuries. Skunks leave a strong, lasting impression if cornered by a dog, and the effects are possibly more painful for the pet owner to deal with in trying to remove the odor. Bee stings can also be a huge problem, and owners are warned to keep an eye out for any buzzing around.
Not all dogs know how to swim and do need lessons. So it’s important to teach your dog how to swim or make sure they’re away from any deep water this summer, such as paddling pools. Another issue is the blue-green algae found in water that has been sitting out. If your dog takes a drink from the paddling pool which has been collecting leaves and bugs for days, they could become seriously ill and infected with leptospirosis.
Chemical treatments used in water sprinklers or in fertilizers can be poisonous to dogs. It is advised that owners read the packaging before buying or disrupting the product. It’s also important to check for any gaps or holes in your fences at this time of year. Other animals such as foxes and rabbits could have dug a gap between the soil and fence panelling, giving your dog easy access to escape. There is always the worry of it being hit by a car as it makes a run for it.
Finally, gardening tools and lawn equipment, such as rakes, spades, mowers, and trimmers, can all be hazardous. It’s best to keep your pet out of the way when doing any gardening. It’s important to be aware of these hidden dangers to ensure that our furry friends stay safe and healthy this summer.
In conclusion, as the summer months approach, it’s essential to be aware of the potential dangers that could be found in your garden. From toxic plants to parasites, wildlife, water hazards, and garden tools, there are many hazards that could harm your pet. It’s important to take precautions to ensure that your furry friend stays safe and healthy while enjoying the outdoors. By being vigilant and taking the necessary steps, you can help your dog enjoy a happy and healthy summer.
