How to dog-proof your garden

A garden gives your dog space to play, sniff and explore. It also holds some hidden dangers, from gaps in the fence to plants, chemicals and water. Walking round your garden with your dog's eyes, and nose, is the best place to start.

Secure fences and gates

A secure boundary keeps your dog in and unwanted visitors out. Dogs Trust advises checking that fences are free of broken panels and gaps your dog could wriggle through.

• Height: Blue Cross says a solid six-foot fence is ideal, especially for bigger dogs. What matters most is a fence your own dog can't get over.
• Gaps: Look for broken panels and spaces under fences and gates. If your dog digs, check the boundary every day. Blue Cross suggests burying chicken wire 12 inches below the ground along the fence line.
• After storms: High winds can blow over fences and bring down branches, so check again after bad weather.
• Gates: The RSPCA suggests fitting a lock, and a bell so you hear if anyone opens the gate. Make sure everyone in the household closes it behind them.

If you find a gap, keep your dog on a lead in the garden until it's fixed.

Remove or fence off poisonous plants

Some popular garden plants can make dogs ill, and bulbs are often more toxic than leaves or flowers. PDSA lists azalea and rhododendron, daffodil, autumn crocus, cotoneaster, horse chestnut, oak and yew among the plants that can cause serious symptoms. Dogs Trust adds foxgloves, hydrangea, ivy, wisteria and others.

• Find out what is already growing before your dog explores.
• Check any new plant before you buy it.
• Cover newly planted bulbs with mesh until they are growing, so your dog can't dig them up.
• Clear away clippings and uprooted plants.
• Use a strong mesh or border to keep your dog out of beds you want to protect.

If you think your dog has eaten part of a poisonous plant, call your vet straight away. Blue Cross suggests noting what your dog ate, when and how much, and any symptoms.

Choose the right mulch and surfaces

• Avoid cocoa shell mulch. Dogs Trust warns it is toxic to dogs, and they're attracted by the smell. Choose a different mulch.
• Think about gravel. Blue Cross says paving is safer than gravel or stones, which can get stuck in paws or be a choking hazard. Older dogs may also find stones uncomfortable.
• Watch for heat. Artificial grass can hold more heat than real grass, and dark paving heats up in the sun. Blue Cross suggests touching it with your hand: if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog.

Store chemicals and tools safely

Many garden products are dangerous to dogs, even in small amounts.

Metaldehyde slug pellets can no longer be sold (since March 2022) or used outdoors (since March 2023) in Great Britain, so check your shed for old packets and take them to your council's household waste site. Blue Cross warns that even some pellets described as "safe" can be toxic, and suggests barriers such as copper tape, or slug traps, instead.

If you must use garden chemicals, keep your dog indoors while you do it. Blue Cross advises waiting at least 24 hours before letting your dog onto treated areas, and suggests fencing them off for a few days. Lock all chemicals and sharp tools away in a shed or cupboard.

Make ponds and pools safe

Not all dogs can swim well, and steep or slippery sides can make it hard to climb out. Blue Cross recommends covering ponds with mesh or fencing them off, and adding a ramp or stones as steps. The Kennel Club warns that young puppies can drown in a garden pond or pool.

Paddling pools are a fun way to cool off, but supervise your dog, make sure they can get out easily, and drain the pool after use.

Give your dog shade, water and things to do

• Provide a shaded spot with fresh water. In very hot weather, keep your dog in a cool room during the hottest part of the day.
• Give your dog things to explore, such as herbs at different heights, a dig pit, or toys and treats hidden for them to find.
• Keep compost in a secure bin, as it can contain harmful moulds and bacteria.

Watch for other garden hazards

• Slugs and snails can pass lungworm to dogs. Don't leave toys and bowls outside, and ask your vet about parasite treatment.
• Grass seeds can lodge in paws, ears and eyes. Check your dog after time in long grass.
• Toads release a toxin that can cause drooling and foaming at the mouth. Gently wipe your dog's gums with a damp cloth and call your vet.
• Bees and wasps can sting, and stings in the mouth or throat can be dangerous.
• Lawnmowers and strimmers should only be used when your dog is indoors.