A R T I C L E S -
Pets in the Garden; A Dilemma for Pet Owners
Who Let The Dog’s Out?
One dark evening I was driving down Lake Street and a dog darted out in front of my Suburban. I slammed on my breaks in shear panic hoping I did not hit her. I placed my Suburban in park and got out of my SUV to find her. When I came to the front of my Suburban I bent down on my knees and she came running into my arms with her glowing eyes and wagging tail. I noticed she had a choker collar on with a rabies tag. She had no other identification. She allowed me to pick her up so I placed her in the back of my Suburban. I brought her to my home and called the phone number that was on her tag. It was the city’s phone number for animal control. I gave them the date and number on her rabies tag and of course this tag had not yet been registered with the city so therefore there was no information about the owner so I could contact them. I kept the dog overnight and provided her with food, water and shelter. I noticed she was full of fleas so I gave her one of my dog’s treatments for fleas and ticks.
After assessing the situation I realized that the owner could use some advice, whomever they may be. Never leave a choke collar on a dog as a regular everyday collar. Choker collars are to be used when training and/or walking a dog and never to be left on without supervision! Leaving a choker collar on a dog without supervision can lead to a terrible tragedy. Secondly, keep an identification tag on the dog with their name; your name, address and phone number so if they do escape unexpectedly and someone finds them they can contact you. Finally, keep your dogs on heartworm, flea and tick prevention. Remember a healthy dog is a happy dog!
Brian Hansen
GROUNDS AND HOUNDS
PETS IN THE GARDEN; A DILEMMA FOR PET OWNERS
Many of us face the dilemma of having our beloved pets roam in our gardens. Since I personally have three large dogs I have been limited to choices I have for my back yard. I always tell people my front yard is for my enjoyment and my back yard is for my pet’s enjoyment. However, I still find myself frustrated with the occasional stray animal that visits my front yard as well as neighborhood pets that come over and urinate on my boxwoods. I do my best to police my front yard and have chosen different options for my back yard.
I have recently undergone some renovation in my back yard to accommodate my landscape trailer. I then decided to level the back yard area and place crushed granite over the site where I had sparse lawn due the traffic of my dogs. I find crushed granite to be the preferred choice as a substitute for lawn because it packs nicely and does not displace easily as dose gravel and mulch when engaged in pooch play with my three dogs. Also when crushed granite is packed firmly it does not get caught between the pads of their paws as does gravel and mulch.
If you have smaller pets and their traffic does not affect your lawn as with larger pets you do not have to worry about lawn alternatives. However, you still are faced with your pets eliminating on your lawn. Nitrogen is a main nutrient for lawns and plants and is in lawn and plant fertilizers as well as animal excrement. Excessive nitrogen can cause a chemical burn to your lawn and plants. If you find areas of brown patches in your lawn because your pet eliminates in the same area time after time you have a few options. You may decide you want to train your pets to go in a particular area in your yard, walk your pet on a leash in your neighborhood, or take them to a local pet park where the can roam freely. Remember to be courteous and pick up after your pet if you decide to walk them on a leash in your neighborhood. If for some reason you are not able to walk your pets remember that GROUNDS AND HOUNDS would be happy to provide this service for you.
Another option I have chosen for my back yard is to place my plants in pots. Container gardening has no limits as to what you can do. Weather you have plants in the garden or plants in pots make sure they are not poisonous to your pets if they have the affinity to chew. A good number to keep by your phone or on your refrigerator as I have chosen to do is the number for the animal poison control center (apcc) 1-888-426-4435. You can also visit the apcc at their web site www.apcc.aspca.org.
On a final note remember to maintain your yard by keeping it well groomed for a great appearance as well as for the health of your pets. Maintaining your yard will reduce the chance for fleas and tics to live in your garden. Also keep your pets on flea, tic and heartworm prevention. Because you have pets does not mean you can't have a beautiful garden. Following these tips will allow you to love your garden and pets while they survive harmoniously.
Brian Hansen
GROUNDS AND HOUNDS, INC.