How to Prepare Your Dog’s Yard

Spring is finally here! I don’t know about your dogs, but our two girls are get quite rowdy these days! It must be the warm sun and spring winds stirring up everything after a wet winter. This bring me back into the yard after a few months of just staring at the muddy mess from the porch. I must say, despite a few months of human neglect, it’s not too shabby! To help prep your yard for your best friends, here’s a list of things to do to start of the back yard season great!

1. Check the perimeter of your fence/yard: Inspect for holes, loose chain or boards, dig spots, low spots in the fence, or sharp objects.
2. Trim bushes or trees: regular maintenance to bushes and trees can help prevent little critters from attempt to create a dwelling in trees and shrubbery. It can also prevent your dog from injuring itself later!
3. Walk your yard: Weather permitting, walk the yard with your dog(s), check for branches, loose trash, bones/toys or other potentially hazardous objects in the yard. There are many things a dog can chock on or could become dangerous projectiles while mowing. It is also important to check for proper drainage in the yard and see where your dog(s) might be wearing down the grass. It is also important to see if there are any critters building little nest or holes into property to protect the little critters and your doggos!
4. Check for pooled water: Dogs love water and sometimes aren’t too particular that the water isn’t fresh or clear (blech). Check for objects or furniture that could possible hold water and water in still places. As the days get warmer and brighter, bacteria and algae grow and can make you’re best friends very sick! Keep bowls outside out of direct sunlight and clean regularly.
5. Flea and Tick Prevention: Your dog should already be on some kind of prevention for fleas and tick (contact your local vet to see what is right for your dog.) Avoid leaving objects such as old toys/bones, tree branches, leaf piles, trash, etc. Don’t overwater your yard. Make sure to clean up after your dog(s) regularly. Mow your lawn regularly. It may be beneficial to use a flea and tick preventive in your yard. Check with your local vet to make sure its not harmful to your dog(s)! Cedar chips spread at trees and shrubbery may be helpful at keep pesky insects away.
6. Mow Regularly: Depending on the type of grass growing in your yard, the size of the yard, number of dog(s) and their weight, etc.; it may behoove your to leave the grass just a little longer than usually to help it tolerate the wear and tear. Spot fertilization can help; make sure it is pet friendly prior to use! (Note: it’s important to be aware if there is nitrogen supplementation in the fertilizer. Dog waste contains nitrogen so a fertilizer and the natural nitrogen dogs leave may make too much nitrogen for your grass.)
7. Poisonous and Toxic Plants: If you have planters or garden areas where dogs can access them, please make sure to avoid poisonous and toxic plants! Common plants include sago palm, lilies, azaleas, aloe, and tulips. The ASPCA (The American Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has a great resource checking plants and dogs compatibility: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants . If additional guidance is needed, you can call the Poison Control Center line for assistance: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435
8. Seasonal Allergies! My dogs both struggle with allergies and take regular medication for it. We use cetirizine and Lokivetmab (Cytopoint) shots. Check with your vet for their recommendations for your dog as well as appropriate dosing. This is also a good time to check for vaccines that need updated as well as dogs identification tags and microchips.
9. Spring Grooming: Pets with thick fur or undercoats may need additional assistance to shed their winter coat! Extra brushing or a trip to the groomer may been needed as well as a nice trim of their nails. Keeping up with your dogs grooming can prevent matting, burrs, and other problems.
10. Create Space Just for your dog(s)! Create a shady, cool are a for your doggo(s) to rest, relax and get cool water. If you have a doggo that loves digging, consider taking an unused corner of the yard and make a dig box with sand or mulch and teach your dog to dig here to save the rest of the yard and the garden!

I hope this helps! Comment below if you have additional ideas or questions. Happy spring from our family to yours!