If your dog treats the backyard like their own personal amusement park and your cat believes every plant is a snack until proven otherwise, June is the month to do a safety sweep. Warm weather brings new growth, new smells, and—unfortunately—new hazards. A little prep prevents a whole lot of “WHY are you chewing that!?”
Start with plants. Lilies, azaleas, sago palms, daffodil bulbs, foxgloves, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and even tomato leaves pose risks for pets. Cats in particular seem drawn to the most toxic plants on Earth (a fun quirk…). If you’re not sure which plants are safe, bring a photo or list to The Hungry Puppy—our Personal Pet Consultant can help you identify pet-safe yard choices.
Mulch matters too. Cocoa mulch smells like a chocolate dream and looks gorgeous… but it’s toxic to dogs. Opt for pine, cedar, or hardwood mulch instead. Chickens and goats will absolutely sample mulch if they can reach it, so fence off new beds or use barriers to keep curious grazers away.
Secure your fencing. Dogs will investigate any gap they can fit their snout through. Cats are escape artists if motivated (usually by a squirrel). Goats… well, goats will try to test the structural integrity of literally anything. Walk your fence line, fix weak points, and reinforce corners.
Watch for “yard hazards.” Skewers from cookouts, leftover charcoal, sharp sticks from storms, broken pots, fertilizers, pesticides, and compost piles all pose dangers. Clean up after hosting, storms, or gardening projects to keep paws safe.
Quick Tip: If your pet keeps targeting one specific area of the yard, they’re telling you something—check for pests, scents, or buried surprises.
A safe yard means a fun yard—and summer is just beginning.