Humans domesticated wolves about 30,000 years ago, and today, we’re rewarded with loyal furry friends who live with us and practically never leave our sides. This usually means that the majority of pets are indoor ones.
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean your dogs never need time outdoors. Besides going out for walks, you can also join the ranks of kennel owners and create a fun outdoor space for them.
Secure outdoor kennels are a must to protect your fluffy friend, so read on for a guide that’ll help you ensure outdoor safety for your dogs.
Make Sure There’s Enough Space
Safety for dogs begins with the space you’re working with. If you only have one pet, then you won’t have as much to worry about as long as your garden is spacious.
If you have more than one pet, make sure that there’s enough space for all canines to move around comfortably. If they’re overcrowded, then they can get stressed out. In addition, they may fight with one another and become injured.
In general, every pet in your kennel should be able to exercise, play, and rest without feeling cramped. This can help with kennel cleanliness too, as happy dogs won’t be as inclined to destroy stuff.
Install Secure Fencing and Gates
Over 70,000 dogs are reported missing each year in the UK; some are lost while others are stolen. In any case, you’ll want your pets to remain safe and protected, so secure outdoor kennels should be a top priority.
Do a visual inspection of your current fencing, and then give it a good push here and there to see if there are any weak points. It should also be free from any gaps or loose wires that your dogs could escape through. The dirt should be compact enough that they can’t dig themselves out either.
Having a safe space for your pup gives you peace of mind. Not only will you know where they are at all times, but they also can’t get loose, get lost, or get hit by a car. Plus, it’ll be more difficult for thieves to get into your yard and steal or harm your dogs.
Remove Hazards in the Surrounding Area
There should be no sharp objects in the kennel area. So, keeping up with kennel cleanliness serves two purposes: removing both mess and hazards.
When it comes to general safety for their dogs, many people forget about the existing greenery they have in their yards. Do some research to ensure that the plants you’re growing aren’t toxic to canines. Even if they’ve never shown interest in your plants, you can never be too careful.
Provide Adequate Shade and Shelter
An important part of outdoor safety is giving your pets enough shade and shelter. While you should keep an eye on the forecast, you never know when inclement weather can happen, so you want to be prepared.
You need to provide your dogs with places to go should there be rain, extreme heat, cold, or wind. As for the kennel itself, it should have a roof or cover to keep the animals inside dry and protected from direct sunlight.
During the summer and winter months, you may have to take extra measures to make sure they’re comfortable. For example, you can turn on the sprinklers during heat waves, and you can add a heater during cold spells.
Ensure that they’re well-hydrated by having fresh and clean water. Use spill-proof containers so the water doesn’t evaporate or get knocked over.
Supervise Your Dogs
When your dogs aren’t in the kennels, you should always supervise them, even if you know that the canines get along. Things can change in an instant or there may be an accident; you want to take immediate action if anything goes wrong.
Think of your pets as small children: they may have the best intentions, but things won’t always go their way. They can have a “tantrum”, or they may be clumsy and tumble head over heels after running across the yard. You’re their guardian, and they’re relying on you for help when it’s needed.
Apply Flea and Tick Treatments
Flea and tick treatments are essential for any pet that goes outside. All it takes is one occasion for them to be infested with annoying pests, and infestations can put you and your household’s health at risk too.
There are medications you can use to treat fleas and ticks on your dogs if they’ve been unfortunate, but the best course of action is preventative measures. Preventatives can be given either orally or topically. If they’re fussy eaters, then topical treatments may be the better route.
Have a Regular Inspection Routine
Just because your outdoor dog kennels are safe now doesn’t mean they’ll stay safe. This is especially true if you have agility training equipment, which has many parts that can wear down and break.
Keep everyone safe by regularly inspecting the kennel area and removing potential hazards. Check for loose wires, sharp objects, etc., then repair or remove them as necessary.
Make Outdoor Safety a Priority
If you want to keep your dogs in your garden, then outdoor safety needs to be at the top of your list. The only way to be a responsible pet owner is to take your kennel space seriously.
Not only should you check that there’s adequate space, but you should also put up secure fencing and gates, remove hazards, provide shade and shelter, and apply flea and tick treatments. In addition, always supervise pets that are out of the kennels, and have a regular inspection routine to keep a safe yard.
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