For most people, four-legged friends aren’t just pets but actual members of the family. If you have a furry family member that loves to spend time outside, a fenced in yard can be a huge asset to keeping them safe from harm and allowing them the freedom to play without needing constant supervision.
But it’s important to know that fences aren’t always a perfect solution. In fact, sometimes a physical fence can give a false sense of security to a pet owner without actually providing the level of security you might want for your furry friend.
Today, we’re going to take a look at some fence hazards that can leave your family pet vulnerable without you even knowing.
- Unintended Footholds
Depending on the type of fence that you have, the barrier for your yard may inadvertently double as a tool that can help your dog escape. “Open” style fences, such as chain link, aluminum, and even split rail fences can actually provide your pup with a leg up that could eventually let them figure out how to leap over and out of the yard. For those with especially adventurous dogs, full-height wooden or vinyl privacy fences may be your best bet to keeping Fido in bounds.
- Accidental Steps
If your yard has some clutter in it, that’s perfectly normal. In this case, it’s only a problem when that clutter is pushed up against the fence and doubles as a set of steps for your dog to climb up, making it easier to leap over almost any type of fence. The solution? Decluttering your yard can go a long way, and adding low landscaping around the perimeter can add a second barrier to a canine escape mission.
- If You Can’t Go Over…
Spaces and gaps at the bottom of a fence can be just as risky as options for a pup to go over the barrier. Smaller dogs, and especially certain breeds that are prone to digging, can make short work of the space beneath a fence and, before you know it, be out gallivanting on the other side. Landscaping and hardscaping along the perimeter of your fence can help prevent unwanted escapes by eliminating the visual (and physical) temptation of an open gap, especially if your yard has a slope to it.
- Damaged Goods
Broken slats and busted posts can create the type of opening in the structure of your fence that is just too tempting for a curious pup to resist. If your fence has a damaged section that your dog can slip through, it’s important to repair the damage immediately in order to avoid a runaway dog. Clever dogs can also thwart a broken or faulty latch, which means you’ll want to ensure that your gates close securely before leaving your furry friend unattended in the yard.