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Wondering how to ensure your pet's safety during yard work?
This guide covers crucial tips on how to protect your furry friends while maintaining a beautiful lawn.
Keep reading to learn how to avoid common hazards and keep your pets happy and secure.
Let’s dive in to tip #1!
Tip 1: Prepare the property
First step! Before mowing the lawn, perform a quick assessment of the property.
Take a long walk and pick up anything that may become a projectile while you mow the lawn.
Remove any objects such as:
Pebbles,
Stones,
Sticks,
Or any other objects in the mowing area.
Look, this debris could become a deadly projectile and cause harm or even death if the object strikes a dog or cat. Even if it’s not a danger to your pets, it can damage property.
Pet’s or not, it’s important to remove all objects from the lawn.
But that's not all. Make sure that all pet toys, bones, and leashes are cleared off the property so your pups are not even tempted to come near any passing equipment.
Tip 2: Turn Everything Off
Never leave any lawn equipment unattended in the “on” position while a pet is outside.
Shutting down the engine on equipment including lawn mowers and weed eaters can prevent harm which can be caused by these machines.
Especially, if you are using electric lawn equipment! Make sure electric equipment is unplugged as any curious paw could potentially turn them on.
NEVER allow a 4-legged friend to ride with you while mowing. Hitting one small bump could propel any companion into harm’s way.
Tip 3: Pick Mulch Wisely
When selecting mulch for your garden, it's important to consider the safety of your pets. Some mulches, particularly those with strong odors, can be very attractive to animals but harmful if ingested.
Here’s how to choose wisely:
- Avoid Toxic Mulches: Certain types of mulch, like cocoa mulch, contain caffeine and theobromine—ingredients also found in chocolate that are toxic to pets. Avoid these to prevent accidental poisoning.
- Choose Pet-Friendly Options: Opt for mulches that are safe for pets. Always check the packaging for any warnings or confirm that it is labeled as pet-safe.
- Monitor Your Pets: Keep a close watch on your pets when they are around mulched areas to prevent them from ingesting or playing with the mulch.
Tip 4: Do Not Over Fertilize
Contrary to most fertilization companies’ advice to fertilize 6-8 times a year...
The current thinking in the lawn care community is that you should fertilize no more three times per year.
Spring, Summer and Fall.
In my experience, this practice is best for the lawn, environment, and also your pets.
Especially since pets tend to eat fertilizer. Especially the organic fertilizers. By fertilizing less you will reduce the number of possible chances pets have to ingest those toxic chemicals. 
That’s not all, when shopping for treatments. Make sure the warning label reads “pet-safe.”
Even though most fertilizers are low on the toxicity scale, many still pose a danger if enough is consumed.
Tip 5: Keep Hazardous Materials Away
When storing gas, paint, herbicides, pesticides, or any other chemicals after use. Secure these items away from any and all pets.
Animals, much like children are curious by nature. So keeping these chemicals out of reach will ensure they are not ingested.
Go the extra mile! By covering these items with a blanket or cloth that will reduce the odor and eliminate any added curiosity.
Tip 6: Sometimes They Need to Stay Inside
If all else fails, the best bet is often keeping pets inside the home.
Especially when fertilizers or pesticides are being used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to keep pets safe while doing yard work?
It's crucial to ensure your pets' safety during yard work to prevent injuries and protect them from potential hazards in the yard.
What should I do before mowing the lawn to keep my pets safe?
Before mowing, assess the property and remove any objects like pebbles, stones, sticks, or other debris that could become dangerous projectiles when the lawn is mowed. This step is essential for both pet safety and property protection.
What types of mulch should I avoid to keep my pets safe?
Avoid mulch varieties like cocoa mulch, which contains caffeine and theobromine, the same substances found in chocolate that can be toxic to pets. Opt for pet-friendly mulch and read the label to ensure it's safe for your furry friends.
TL;DR: Essential Safety Tips for Pets During Yard Work
Love your yard AND your pet? Here's how to do yard work without risking your pet's safety
- Remove pets from the area before starting any yard work
- Keep pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals securely stored away from pets
- Discard any debris, rocks, or sticks that pets could ingest or injure themselves on
- Secure any tools or equipment when not in use to prevent pets from playing with them
- Avoid leaving any loose strings, cords, or wires that pets could become entangled in
- Check the area thoroughly for any hazards before allowing pets back into the yard
- Supervise pets when they are in the yard after yard work to ensure their safety
The Tail of the Story
It’s true, having a four-legged companion is one of the greatest joys of life. Pets provide unconditional love, an unbreakable bond, and true friendship.
Given that pets are such an important part of life, you as a homeowner must do everything to protect them and their environment.
The only fool-proof way to keep your pets safe while cutting grass the lawn, or performing yard work. Is to keep them inside, but having them stare out of the window while watching you work is gut-wrenching as well.
Following the tips above can help ensure that you and your pet will safely enjoy getting your paws dirty together.
If you need to hire a pro who can help maintain the lawn while your pets are safely in the home, hire a lawn pro through GreenPal!
