10 shockingly common dog dangers in your own backyard

The prettiest parts of your garden could be the most dangerous to your dog. Many common types of flowers, like autumn crocus and foxglove, are toxic to animals, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures or even death. Azaleas can even cause blindness. You should steer clear of planting these 15 types of tree in your yard.

Yes, even the thing installed specifically to keep your dog safe can lead to injuries. If your pooch tries to squeeze through gaps or dig under the fence, it could not only escape, but also get splinters and cuts in the process. Line the bottom of the fence with chicken wire or mesh fencing at least 15cm deep to prevent any getaways.

Fetching a stick is all fun and games – until your dog swallows parts of the wood. Splinters can get stuck in its mouth and oesophagus, and larger fragments could cut the stomach lining and intestines or cause constipation. Keep your yard free of stray logs and sticks and play fetch with a toy bone instead. Dogs that try to make wood part of their diets are potentially more at risk for these injuries. Does your dog eat lots of things that aren’t food? Ask your vet if a behavioural disorder called pica is the reason. Or your dog may have anxiety without you even realising it.

Too much fun in the sun could mean problems for your pooch, especially in high humidity. Heatstroke and heat exhaustion can lead to organ dysfunction and even death. Symptoms include restlessness, excessive panting, weakness and confusion. Once a dog starts exhibiting these signs, it can only take 20 minutes for the situation to turn deadly. Make sure your yard has shady places for your pet to rest and give it access to plenty of water. Follow these six extra tips to help ensure your dog lives longer.

Chocolate is a lethal food for dogs, and some types of cocoa mulch contain the same ingredients – theobromine and caffeine – that make it dangerous. Few dogs have died from eating cocoa mulch, but ingesting it can mean vomiting, increased heart rate, tremors and seizures. Some manufacturers make cocoa mulch that is theobromine-free, but an alternative choice may be your best bet. Chocolate is amazing for humans, though.

A study published in Science of the Total Environment found that lawn chemicals are commonly found in the urine of pet dogs, even if the dogs’ yards weren’t treated with herbicides. Exposure to these chemicals can significantly increase your pet’s risk of bladder cancer. What’s worse, they linger on the grass for at least 48 hours, even longer if the grass is dry. Limit the time your dog spends outside after treating your lawn, or take him for a walk instead. Ingesting chemicals like herbicides and fertiliser means even more medical problems for animals. Here’s also why you should leave the grass clippings on your lawn after mowing it.

Antifreeze can cause drunkenness, halitosis, acute kidney failure, or death.

Store these products out of your dog’s reach.

Rodents, insects, snails, slugs – all animals you want out of your yard. But the poison that does the job can also make dogs sick with diarrhoea, depression, muscle tremors and respiratory failure. Keep these chemicals away from snooping snouts, along with the fertiliser and herbicide. Generally, any “-icide” means bad news.

If you live near a lake, pond or stream with warm fresh or salt water, you may be exposed to blue-green algae. These bacteria are often referred to as ‘pond scum’ because they form floating mats on the water’s surface. Unlike true algae, blue-green algae discolours water and releases harmful toxins. A quick drink from your dog could mean vomiting, diarrhoea or lethargy and lead to more serious medical troubles over time. Unfortunately, blue-green algae can’t be taken care of with chemical treatment. Even if the blooms die, they can still release their toxins into the water.

Are onions, tomatoes, chives or garlic growing in your garden? These tasty human foods are toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage. Fence off your garden, or grow these vegies separately where you can keep an eye on them, like in pots on your deck. Follow these 5 easy ways to make your garden a great home for your pets.

Burning trash is a quick way to dispose of waste, but it also releases chemicals that can harm you and your pet, leading to asthma and mouth burns, among other injuries. Even once the fire’s out, the ash contaminates the grass your dog walks through.