Making your home and yard dog or pet friendly isn't as difficult as it may seem, although it is very important for the safety of your four legged companion. Different issues such as installing a safe dog gate that won't come open, checking the area for poisonous or toxic plants, ensuring that the fence is sturdy and well maintained as well as keeping certain items out of your dog's reach in the house are all good ideas.

Danger To Dogs! Poisons and Toxins in the House

Most dog and pet owners are well aware that the same things that are toxic or poisonous to us as humans are equally dangerous for our pets. What owners may not realize is that some things that don't cause us any problems can be problematic for a dog, cat or other pet. Some common household items and foods that need to be kept well away from dogs include:

• Chocolate
• Grapes and Raisins
• Macadamia Nuts
• Any foods with artificial sweeteners or natural sugar
• Raw eggs, raw fish or raw liver or fat trimmings
• Milk and dairy products
• Any foods or drinks with caffeine
• Human vitamins with iron supplements
• Human prescription medications or over the counter pain kills or anti -inflammatories
• Cat food
• Baby food
• Many houseplants including species of pothos, ivy and ferns

Any dog can be allergic to almost any food item, however preservatives and chemicals found in human foods, especially processed foods, are often the most problematic. To be pet friendly to your dog it is important to avoid feeding any human food or table scraps or limit them to very small quantities on an infrequent basis.

Dog Poisons In The Yard And Garage

While there are pet friendly options or "green" products available, most of the cleaners, car fluids, chemicals and paints that we store in our garages are going to be toxic to dogs. Antifreeze is one of the most dangerous chemicals for dogs and its sweet taste is guaranteed to attract a dog or puppy. Even a tablespoon can be fatal, so buy the pet friendly type and keep your dog away from any areas where it is stored or your car is parked.

Other poisons in your yard may include the plants that you have so carefully selected for your landscaping. Some of the more problematic and common decorative plants that can cause mild to serious reactions in a dog include:

• Begonias
• Amaryllis
• Chrysanthemum
• Calla Lily
• Daffodils
• Ivy
• Honeysuckle
• Marigold
• Lantana
• Oleander
• Rhododendron
• Wisteria

One way to maintain your flower garden in a pet friendly fashion is to use a decorative fence and close it off using a dog gate. Dog gates are specially designed to avoid the dog learning to jump up and open the latch. Believe it or not many dogs can quickly learn just how to do this. A dog gate will have a double secure system using a pin that goes through a hole in the gate latch to prevent it from being pushed up and open by the dog.

Keeping your dog safe in a pet friendly yard and house is an important part of being a responsible dog owner. Don't forget that a baby gate can also double as a dog gate in the house, keeping your pet out of certain rooms or areas for their safety and your peace of mind.

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Your dog is an important part of your life so it’s natural to want to take her on holiday with you. While at first this may seem impossible, you may be surprised to learn just how many dog friendly accommodations and activities there are in the UK.

The most important first step is to do some research and plan ahead. The internet is a great place to start, as there are a number of web sites dedicated solely to dog friendly destinations. These online resources offer lists of hotels, self catering, cottages, B&Bs, pubs and more. They are typically listed by area so if you know you want to holiday in the south it’s easy to search for accommodations in that region.

Some web sites also feature ideas for activities to do with your dog while on holiday, as well as forums for dog owners to ask questions and share travel experiences with each other. You’ll need to register as a member to access most forums, but there usually is no cost.

Another useful part of many sites is the news and information section. Here you’ll find articles and insights about traveling with a dog, as well as relevant news items. It’s a good idea to check the publication date of anything you find in this section because older information may be out of date and you’ll need to verify that it’s still valid.

Regardless of where you plan to holiday, there are a few travel tips that will make the adventure more comfortable and pleasant for both you and your dog:

• Bring a supply of your dog’s normal food along with you, as well as any medications she may require. It’s also a good idea to have a first aid kit available.

• Carry along a bottle of water and bowl for your dog. A small plastic bowl works, or you can purchase a special travel bowl.

• Make sure your dog has an up to date identity tag. If your pet is microchipped (and hopefully this is the case) then make sure you have their ID number with you.

• Bring along a recent photo of your dog. If the unthinkable happens and your pet is lost, a picture can be shown to the police or others and will increase the chances of a safe return.

• If traveling by car, secure your dog with a harness. On long trips you should take regular breaks in a dog safe area. NEVER leave your dog closed up in the car.

• If traveling by bus, train, or plane make sure you are up to date on the individual carrier’s requirements for travel with a dog. It can seriously disrupt your plans to find out at the last minute that you’re missing a necessary document or your travel equipment is not up to carrier standards.

Including your dog in holiday plans is easier than you might think. Check out some of the many resources available to help you and have fun putting together a memorable adventure for you and your pet.

Check out these useful sites:

Pet holidays

Dogs on holiday

Dogs invited

Dog people