You may have a backyard that is perfect for entertaining guests, or maybe you just like to be outside. Regardless of the reason, your back yard can become dangerous if you aren’t careful with how it’s set up. Here are some tips and tricks on keeping everything safe in your own backyard!
The “how to dog proof your backyard” is a home improvement blog post that discusses 16 different ways to keep your children and pets safe in your backyard.
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For many of us, having a pleasant backyard in which to play with our children and dogs is part of the attractiveness of owning a house. It gives us a great place to spend quality time with our family in the evenings and on weekends. It is not, however, without hazards.
Just as there are hidden risks within the home, there are numerous hidden dangers in the backyard that you may not see at first. For example, we have coyotes who periodically come up to the rear of our home, and they seem to be fearless from what we can see.
Other houses may have ancient trees with huge branches ready to break or a fire pit with jagged glass or metal shards (this was the case at our current house as well, right when we moved in).
These are just a few of the risks you could face outdoors, but there are many more. Many of these possible threats will be highlighted in this article, along with easy measures to keep your family safe.
How to Keep Your Pets and Children Safe in the Backyard
1 – Look for Tree Branches That Are Weak
One of the most dangerous things in your garden is a natural hazard that you can’t always manage. Some trees grow to be very enormous over time, but that doesn’t imply they’re strong and safe.
Because children like climbing, it’s a good idea to keep a check on any climbable trees in your yard to ensure they’re in excellent condition. Keep an eye out for branches that are susceptible to snapping.
Weak branches are a hazard not just if your youngsters climb on them, but they’re also possible falling items that might harm a friend, family member, or pet.
If you have huge trees near your home, make sure they’re healthy and the branches are trimmed. During strong storms, trees or branches often fall on top of homes or neighboring electrical lines.
2 – Maintain Your Deck’s Structure
Many of us have backyard decks made of wood. It was evident when we moved into our present home a few years ago that the deck had never been properly maintained. Several boards were decaying, while others were substantially deformed, with nails protruding everywhere.
We replaced all of the boards that were plainly beyond their prime to maintain the structural integrity of our deck. After pressure cleaning the deck, we also sealed it. Sealing the deck protects the wood from the weather, allowing it to last longer.
Over time, all timber constructions will decay. Check your deck for cracks or weak spots on a regular basis, then repair or replace as required. If there are any boards or nails poking up, fasten them as well.
The last thing you want to happen on your deck is for your kid or pet to be hurt.
3 – Get to Know the Wildlife in Your Neighborhood
We have a few acres of land at our present home. A cornfield is across the street, and a forested region is behind us.
A large road less than a mile away on the opposite side of the forested area has a number of businesses, so we didn’t anticipate to encounter much animals when we moved here. Well, we were mistaken.
Not only do we periodically have deer pass through our backyard, but we also have coyotes who come up to the house in the winter. This is certainly a problem with two little children, two dogs, and a cat.
Fortunately, there are several methods to keep your family safe from wild animals. Keep in mind that wild animals are unpredictable, thus no strategy is guaranteed to work.
A fence is an excellent technique to keep huge animals away. Fences come in a variety of heights and types, so choose one that will keep the animals in your region out of your yard if you take this way.
Just keep in mind that certain animals can dig, while others can leap or climb, and yet others can squeeze through small gaps. Fences aren’t going to keep everything out (snakes, for example).
A deterrent for animals is another possibility. To dissuade possible predators, some deterrents, such as the PredatorGuard, employ flashing lights, while others use water, sound, or a mix of these approaches cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval
4 – Watch for Pets in the Neighborhood
While we’re on the subject of animals, keep in mind that not all creatures you’ll see in your garden are wild. A neighbor’s pet dog is just as likely, if not more likely, to enter your yard unexpectedly.
Even tamed animals may be unpredictable, particularly when they are among humans or other animals with whom they are unfamiliar. As a result, it’s important to be aware of the dogs in your area and whether or not their owners leave them alone.
A fence, like a fence for wild animals, is a wonderful method to keep your neighbors’ dogs out of your yard, but you also have other alternatives. Dogs and cats are likewise susceptible to the animal deterrents outlined above.
When it comes down to it, a discussion with your neighbor may be required. Although it may be awkward to speak with them, it is critical that your neighbors be aware of your worries for their dogs’ safety.
5 – Insect Infestation Prevention and Treatment
Insects, particularly wasps, have been a surprise major concern for us in the two residences we’ve had. I’ve been stung multiple times, with each sting causing my body part to swell to nearly twice its regular size.
While most people are aware to look for nests in their gutters, not everyone is aware that certain stinging insects also burrow in the ground. Keeping your grass healthy and well-watered might help keep these insects at bay.
If you do come upon an infestation, be sure to treat it straight soon. Just make sure your children and pets aren’t exposed to the pesticides you’re using.
6 – Use and Store Your Grill Safely
For many people, grilling and backyards go hand in hand. If you like grilling, you should be aware of the risks involved.
Even a well-maintained barbecue may send flames far into the sky. Keep it away from your home and anything else that might catch fire. Teach your children about fire safety, and make sure your dogs understand that they must keep away from the grill while it is in use.
When you’re not using your grill, be sure to shut the gas valve and put it somewhere out of reach of chevaliers and dogs. Check for gas leaks on a regular basis as well, since they may develop over time.
7 – Use Caution When Using a Fire Pit
There’s nothing quite like sitting around a campfire in your backyard with your kids cooking marshmallows. At the same time, nothing is more terrifying than igniting an untamed fire in your backyard.
Check to see whether your fire pit is genuinely a fire pit and not simply a space in your yard. To keep the fire contained, build a fire-resistant barrier around the pit. Also, ensure sure the pit is not too close to your home or any trees in your yard.
Make sure your fire doesn’t become too big, and don’t start one on a windy or dry day. When you’re done for the night, ensure sure your fire is totally out.
Teaching your children about fire safety while spending time around a fire pit is a great idea. Help kids realize that although flames may be entertaining, they can also be quite hazardous.
8 – Inspect play equipment on a regular basis
We just purchased a wooden playhouse for our two children, and the instructions included a plan for testing the bolts for tightness.
While the timeline in the instruction book may be too strict (most likely to avoid a lawsuit), the advice is good.
Kids may be harsh while they’re enjoying their play equipment, whether they’re swinging or going up the slide. Even if your playset is left undisturbed for a long length of time, the weather will wear out the numerous connections.
As inconvenient as checking each nut and bolt numerous times over the summer may be, it is essential necessary to ensure that nothing has loosened. Look for weak places in the structure in addition to examining the bolts.
We have a wooden set, and there were some cracks in the wood from the start. This is something we’ll be keeping an eye on over time.
With a metal set, you shouldn’t have as many problems as with a plastic set, although rust will ultimately appear.
9 – Be aware of the dangers associated with trampolines
Thousands of individuals are injured every year while jumping on a trampoline. While bouncing up and down constantly might be a lot of fun, it’s crucial to do so carefully.
The first and most hardest rule to follow is that only one person should be on the trampoline at a time. When a second or third person is added, the bouncing becomes erratic, causing individuals to collide or bounce off the trampoline entirely.
Make careful to cover the springs with padding around the edges. While you’re doing it, build a barrier around the trampoline’s perimeter to keep people from bouncing off.
Check the frame, springs, and trampoline mat for holes, cracks, and general flaws on a regular basis. Jumping on a trampoline exerts a lot of stress on these joints, which may cause them to wear out over time.
Finally, spend time educating your children and their friends how to securely utilize the trampoline. Tell them that they must remain towards the middle and that they must not attempt any flips.
10 – Use Power Equipment With Caution
Power equipment, such as a lawn mower or weed eater, is ideal for getting a task done in your yard fast and effectively. However, if utilized incorrectly or by someone who doesn’t understand how they function, these instruments may be quite hazardous.
Keep your dogs and children inside anytime you use power tools. Even if you believe they’re safe 20 feet away while you’re mowing the grass, all it takes is you hitting a rock and flinging it in their direction to do catastrophic injury.
If you must take your dogs or children outdoors, make sure someone else is monitoring them from a safe distance. Also, keep an eye on them at all times in case they walk away from the person who is watching them.
Finally, spend some time with your children discussing the hazards of using power tools. Demonstrate how they operate and how they may be used safely.
11 – Store and secure power equipment safely
Power equipment is harmful not just while it is in operation. When not in use, it may be a severe safety threat.
Children are naturally inquisitive, so if you leave a power tool out where kids can reach it, they’ll probably explore around to see what it is. These instruments often have oil on them, which you don’t want your children or pets to eat.
Your power equipment should be stored in a secured shed or garage that only adults have access to. You may need to fence off a small part of your backyard if you don’t have a shed or garage.
The idea is to simply keep these tools out of your loved ones’ grasp to keep them safe.
12 – Keep Toxic Plants in Mind
While we all like having a lovely backyard with plenty of attractive plants, some of those plants may be hazardous to our children and pets.
If you’re going to put these plants in your yard, make sure they’re hidden behind a garden fence where only adults may reach them.
Many of these deadly plants, such as rhododendron and hydrangea, are typically found in rear yards, where the house owner has purposefully planted them. Others, such as poison ivy or poison oak, may have naturally found its way onto your land.
If you insist on maintaining these plants in your yard, make sure your children and dogs are always supervised.
13 – Minimize Pesticide Use
While we’re on the subject of plants, keep in mind the chemicals you apply to them. This also applies to your yard. These substances have the potential to harm people and animals alike.
Make sure you follow the waiting time specified on the warning level of any pesticide you apply. You should wait longer than the time frame specified, and you should also water your plants or wait for a great rain.
In our backyard, we strive to stay away from them completely. For us, the danger of exposing our dogs and children to these poisons is just not worth it.
14 – Make Sure Your Pool Is Safe
A pool in your backyard is a terrific way for you and your family to cool down on those hot summer days. However, having a pool has a number of obligations that should not be overlooked.
Pools are a significant safety threat for both children and dogs, so take the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe. Even if a kid or animal can swim, they should never be left alone in the water. Please hear me out. NEVER leave a kid or a pet alone in or near a pool.
When it comes to pool safety, your dogs and children may be your first priority, but having a pool also means you’re accountable for the safety of your neighbors’ children and pets. Installing a fence around your pool with a lockable gate is the finest safety step you can take.
Aside from physically guarding the pool, it is imperative that you educate your children and their friends about pool safety. The more you can do to increase pool safety awareness, the better.
If you have a hot tub, the same regulations apply.
15 – Be Wary of Standing Water
Swimming pools and hot tubs aren’t the only sources of water in your garden. Standing water may develop in a variety of places, including on playground equipment, ornamental pots, and low-lying grass areas.
Standing water attracts disease-carrying mosquitoes, and even if there aren’t any mosquitoes, you don’t want your dogs or children drinking it.
After a heavy storm, empty anything that has accumulated standing water. Fill up any low places in your yard and level the grass.
Always emphasize to your children the necessity of keeping clear from standing water.
16 – Keep an eye on your children and pets at all times.
This may be the final item on the list, but it is most likely the most critical. If at all possible, do not leave your children or dogs unsupervised in the backyard.
In this essay, I’ve outlined a number of possible threats, but you can’t anticipate everything. Some risks are just unforeseeable, so it’s critical that you’re there to respond as swiftly as possible when they occur.
Put yourself in a location where you can easily listen to them and check in on them if you can’t physically keep an eye on them.
Allow the rear window to open so you can hear your children playing, and then call out to them every few minutes to see how they’re doing.
Last Thoughts
The backyard is a wonderful place to spend quality time with your family, but it can also be a dangerous one, as you can see. That doesn’t rule out the possibility of enjoying it safely.
You may make your backyard a secure and pleasant hideaway for you and your family to enjoy all summer long by following the guidelines stated above.
The “dog-proofing apartment” is a process that involves making your home safe for dogs. There are 16 ways to do this, such as adding fences, installing doors and windows with locks, and using motion detectors.
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