Pet care for outdoor pets: tips for a cat and dog-proof yard

Recently welcomed a new furry friend home, and feeling nervous about letting the new (pet-shaped) love of your life outdoors? Or simply want to pet-proof your yard before welcoming a pet sitter?

Worrying about the safety of your new companion is totally natural - but there are a few things you can do to keep your new companion safe while roaming your yard. Take a look below for our tips on pet care for outdoor pets so that a cat and dog-proof yard is one thing checked off your list.

Pet care for outdoor pets: important things to consider

• Vaccinations
• Fencing
• Pet-safe plants
• Plant chemicals
• Dog-safe dig zones
• Pet-proof your pool
• Protection from pests
• Remove any rubble
• Thieves

Vaccinations

Before even thinking about how to create a cat and dog-proof yard, you’ll need to make sure your new furry friend has had all the necessary vaccinations. 

Yup, even in your backyard, our pets can pick up infections and diseases that they’ll need to be protected against. So depending on the pet you’ve welcomed home, make vaccinations your priority - your vet will be able to advise you on those they’ll need to get, and when it’s safe for your furry friends to be let outdoors to explore.

Fencing

So your furry friends have had all their vaccinations, and they’re ready for the big wide world - filled with exciting scents to follow and birds to chase. The first step when it comes to pet care for outdoor pets (once vaccinations are done and dusted) is to cat and dog-proof your yard.

Check your existing fence for any gaps - opt for a cat-proofing fence to stop your cat from escaping your yard. Not only will this keep your dog and cats in, it will also help to keep pests out.

Pet-proof your plants

An important step in achieving a cat and dog proof yard is making sure all the plants are a good option for pet parents.

Many plants - like the foxglove - are poisonous to our furry friends - so, while some pets will leave them alone completely, others may let their curiosity take over and have a nibble (or three). 

If they’re prone to this curious behavior, it’s definitely worth considering getting clued-up on the plants poisonous to pets and getting rid of any that could cause harm to your new furry friend, or covering them with chicken wire. 

Be cautious with chemicals

Another important step for achieving a dog and cat proof yard is reconsidering any chemicals you use to preserve your plants (more on pet-proofing your plants later). 

As a fellow cat or dog owner, you’ll know just how curious our furry friends can be - sniffing around and sometimes even taking a nibble of their findings isn’t uncommon. 

So, before spraying your garden with chemicals and pesticides, check they’re pet-safe, just in case your pet decides to get amongst your plants!

Create a dig zone

If you’ve recently welcomed a new canine companion into your pack, you’ll hopefully know that it’s a dog’s instinct to dig. Whether it’s your flower bed or vegetable patch, it’s likely your dog will have an urge to dig it up.

So to make a dog-friendly garden, explore dog-friendly landscaping ideas, such as raising your flower beds, and creating a dog-friendly dig zone below. 

Simply train your dog (through reward) and create a spot where digging holes is allowed. Meanwhile, scatter dog-friendly deterrents (like coffee grounds) on your flower bed to stop your dogs from digging. 

Cover over any bodies of water

To achieve a cat and dog proof yard, you’ll need to carefully consider any water features. Some cats will avoid water like the feline plague, while others may be more curious. And as for dogs - well we all know just how enthusiastic they can get around a pond, lake or swimming pool.

So whether it’s a small pond or a fully-grown swimming pool you’ve got in your garden, make sure you’ve got a full-proof cover, leaving your pet no chance of getting in.

Protection from pests

Pet care for outdoor pets starts with vaccinations as we’ve said, but as your furry friend grows older, they’ll likely need further protection from pests - such as tick, flea and worm treatment. To make sure your furry pals have all the protection they need from any pests, speak to your vet and book in any appointments they might need.

Remove any rubble

When it comes to pet care for outdoor pets, a lot of it is common sense. So have a look around when creating your cat and dog-friendly yard, and consider a little risk assessment of your outdoor space.

Be sure to remove any rubble from gardening or building works to help your furry friend avoid any injuries. Planks of wood can cause splintering, and nails sticking out can cause serious injury.

Protection from thieves

If you’re wondering how to keep a cat safe outdoors and how to keep your dog secure in your garden, well you’ll need to make sure your dog-friendly backyard is also thief-proof. 

Consider installing backyard cameras, an alarm and of course, fully enclose and lock your outdoor area if you’d rather allow your pet to roam outdoors (and in) when you’re not around.

Poisonous plants for dogs to avoid

There are heaps of plants toxic to dogs. So, to get your pet care for outdoor pets up to scratch and dog-proof your yard, explore our guide on poisonous plants for dogs.