Courtesy of the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society  

Few can resist the call of the great outdoors, and that includes the family pet. Pets can benefit greatly from supervised time outdoors, which offers opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation. 

While time in the yard can be good for pets, there are notable dangers pet owners must be aware of. The Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society notes that ticks, blue-green algae, insects such as bees, wasps, and hornets, and toxic plants are among the backyard hazards that can jeopardize pet health. There’s also the risk that pets will wander off when spending time outdoors. No matter how attentive pet owners are, pets may bound off in pursuit of wildlife or simply wander off out of curiosity. Pet owners looking to avoid such scenarios can take these measures to keep their furry friends in the yard.

Spay or neuter the animal. 

The Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society notes that intact pets have an innate drive to reproduce. That’s true for both male and female pets, and the compulsion to reproduce increases their tendency to roam in search of a mate. Spaying or neutering removes that hormonal drive, which is one of a handful of reasons to spay or neuter a pet.

Erect a fence around the property.

 Fences are sometimes called “great neighbors,” and they’re also effective at keeping some pets within a yard. Some pet owners opt for invisible fencing, but many animal advocacy organizations note that this option can be inhumane. For example, the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society notes that some animals may ignore the audible signal warning them to remain in the yard, which can result in the delivery of an electric stimulus, similar to a shock. That can be painful to the animal. A traditional, physical fence will not harm the animal and will prevent the pet from seeing animals on the other side that may compel it to chase.

Protect animals from loud noises.

Wildlife and other domesticated pets often prompt pets to chase, but some pets run out of fear of loud noises. Pet owners are urged to keep their pets indoors when loud noises are expected. Holidays when fireworks are shot off, mornings when loud lawn mowers or leaf blowers are used, and thunder can frighten pets and compel them to flee. 

Reconsider your landscaping.

Pets may bolt when they see wildlife enter the yard, and the wildlife then flees when it realizes a pet is on its heels. When choosing plants for your property, select those unlikely to attract wildlife. In addition, remove bird feeders from the property, as they attract small animals like chipmunks that many pets find irresistible to chase.

A runaway pet is a scenario no pet owner wants to face. Some simple strategies can greatly reduce the risk of a pet running away in the yard.

The Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society consists of 75 small animal hospitals and 200 practitioners in Erie and Niagara counties. Learn more at www.nfveterinarysociety.org.