Do you have a yard for your pup to play in? Fido should live indoors with his humans, but he does enjoy getting outside to enjoy some sunlight and fresh air. However, our canine buddies do have a knack for getting into trouble, so you’ll need to make sure that your property is safe for your dog. A Downey, CA vet offers some advice on how to do that in this article.

Sturdy fencing is an absolute must. Fido has definitely been known to jump over fences so he can go on doggy adventures. The height you’ll need will depend on how big your pup is, of course. A Chihuahua probably isn’t going to jump a four-foot fence, but a boxer might. If you know or suspect that your furry buddy may try to dig out under the fence, bury chicken wire along it and weight it down with rocks.

If you have a pool, you’ll need to take some precautions. First and foremost, make sure Fido knows where the stairs are, so he can get out if he falls in. It’s also a good idea to fence the pool off when it’s not being used. This goes double for people with senior dogs, small dogs, pups with vision and/or mobility problems, and, of course, dogs that can’t swim.

Check your yard carefully, and remove any toxic and/or dangerous plants by the root. Sago palms are a big concern here. Foxtail grasses are also a big hazard. You can find a full list of safe and unsafe plants at the ASPCA website here .

Fido should always have shade, shelter, and water outdoors, even if he’s only going to be outside for a little while. If your property is out in the open and doesn’t have many trees, put a tarp up to provide shade.

Want to get some extra tail wags? Give your pooch a doghouse to hang out in. Or, Fido may enjoy having a sandbox for burying toys and treats, or a kiddie pool to splash around in. You can also incorporate some fun outdoor toys, such as flirt poles and tug toys. Pet fountains are also a big hit with our canine pals.

Please reach out to us, your local Downey, CA vet clinic, for your dog’s veterinary care needs. We are always here to help!