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Basic Garden Safety

Toxic plants should be removed from areas that dogs have access to, and replaced with safer alternatives

Beware of overhanging plants from neighboring gardens or street planting that may drop toxic fruit, seeds or nuts into your garden.

Avoid prickly plants with sharp thorns. These may cause serious eye injuries.

Keep garden sheds, garages and greenhouses securely locked, and chemicals and garden tools stored away in a safe place where your dog has no chance of gaining access to them.

Ensure any weed-killers, plant feeds or other treatments you use in the garden are safe for pets.

Avoid the use of slug pellets and insecticides that may harm your dog. Try alternative pet-safe products such as the slug banned to tackle pest problems.

If you have a pond, make sure it is safe for your dog. Pond water may contain chemicals and bacteria that may harm your dog if they drink it.

Be aware that wood preservatives, paints and other treatments can be poisonous to dogs, who may chew on wooden objects and structures in the garden. Be sure to use non-toxic alternatives when treating or painting dog-runs or kennels.

Make sure your garden is secure. This means ensuring that your dog cannot get out, as well as doing your best to make sure that other animals or intruders find it difficult to get into your garden. Take a look at our pages on fencing and boundaries and dog kennels and runs for more information and ideas.

Put signs on any gates or other entrances into your garden to alert visitors that there may be dogs loose in the garden.

Gates should always be kept shut. Make sure all members of the household and visitors are aware of this. Signs that remind people to Please shut the gate are helpful. Self-closing mechanisms are also a good idea.

Keep a First Aid Kit in your home and have emergency contact numbers, including your vet, written down near the telephone.