Your garden may be your pet's favourite place to relax, play and roll around, but have you considered some of the ways that they could get into trouble or find themselves in danger this summer?
In order to help you make your outdoor space safer for pets, the experts at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have come up with nine ways to best protect your dogs and cats when they're out in the garden. Keep reading for advice on creating a pet-friendly outdoor space...
Some beautiful flowers and plants can potentially be hazardous to pets if they get too close to them. Day lilies, ivy and begonias are some of the most common plants that you will need to remove if you have pets.
Having a cooling area for your pets will allow them to enjoy the weather outside without getting too warm. You can either create a shaded spot in the garden or utilise a water feature to enable them to instantly cool down. During a heatwave, keep your dog indoors when the sun is strongest, between 11.00am and 3.00pm. Dogs can get heatstroke by simply running around.
Check your garden for any likely exit routes. If there is a gap in the fence or the garden gate is loose, fixing them promptly should be a priority as your pet won't hesitate when it comes to finding any spots to escape out of.
You obviously want to keep your animals secure in your garden but it's also important to make sure that a fence won't hurt them if they try to jump at it. Opting for a classic feather board style could be a great option for you and your pets. And don't forget to place some rocks at the bottom of it to prevent any digging.
If you have adventurous cats, this is a must. Something like a log or climbing structure for them to jump up onto allows them to play and scratch their claws. But you will also want to ensure that it is balanced correctly and isn't too accessible to other pets in the household, as they could potentially use it to make an escape.
Have a look around your garden or outdoor space to see where your pets could conceivably harm themselves. Whether it be a rusty nail that is sticking out of a garden shed or a sharp edge of landscaping, smoothing out the sharp corners or removing any dangers will help to protect your furry friends from any injuries.
Dogs and bees should have little trouble coexisting, however you should keep a close eye on your pet and constantly monitor them as the sting could trigger an allergic reaction. According to Battersea Dogs and Cats, if your dog is stung by a bee or wasp, the worst they will end up with is a swollen face or paw and some localised pain and irritation. Head to your local vet if symptoms worsen.
Even though weeds can be a real pest, it's really important not to needlessly use weed killer across your whole garden when you have animals. If your pet was to ingest any of the chemicals, they could experience symptoms including vomiting, muscle weakness or lethargy.
And it's not just about keeping your pets safe. You'll also want to make sure that the space is as enjoyable as it can be for them to play in. Keeping a chest or basket with their favourite toys, balls or treats will allow them to have endless hours of fun outside in the garden.
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