The top priority is always to protect our animal friends from harm. For that purpose, first check whether there are any potential areas through which the animals can flee. These could be holes in the hedges, broken or too low fences, a garden gate that no longer closes properly. Inspect your garden from your pet's angle if possible and secure all possible escape routes. Some animals, such as rabbits, like to dig and there are many digging protection products available on the internet. Cat fences and nets will also prevent them from escaping. If necessary, make the garden fence higher so that your dog cannot jump over it and place anything that your dog can use as a springboard away from the fence.

For all cats and dogs that are allowed to be outside and that can escape despite all precautions, it is important that they are chipped, registered in a local database (if available), neutered and vaccinated.

What other dangers are there? Anything that can be dangerous for young, small, curious, visually impaired (blind) or physically disabled animals. These include sharp edges, large differences in height in the garden, the garden pond, predators and garden tools. Keep an eye on your pet(s) when they are roaming freely in the garden. This allows you to determine where threats are still lurking.

Spring is a wonderful time to revitalise our gardens, bringing vibrant colours and fresh growth. However, as you enjoy the blossoming flowers and plants, it's essential to keep in mind that some may pose risks to our pets. Our tip: first find out which plants are questionable or even dangerous for dogs, cats, and other pets. If you're unsure about what's growing in your garden, it's a good idea to consult someone knowledgeable, like a gardener or a garden-obsessed neighbour. For your peace of mind: even if you have to say goodbye to one or two plants for the sake of your pet, there are still plenty of other plants you can use to make your oasis blossom.

Artificial turf may be an easy-care alternative to real grass but depending on its quality, it can get very warm in summer⁷. It is also not a suitable enrichment for your rabbits and guinea pigs.

Fight pests with caution. Avoid the use of pesticides and chemical pesticides (e.g. slug pellets) wherever possible; these products can pose a deadly danger to animals.¹ Enquire about pet-friendly alternatives. The same caution is required when choosing fertilisers. Artificial fertilisers, e.g. based on cocoa pods and enriched with castor bean, are considered particularly toxic for dogs.^2–4

Do not use manure from animals like horses as there is a risk of toxicity (worming medications).^5,6 When using standard commercial fertilisers, it is essential to follow the instructions. If they contain substances that are dangerous to humans, you should assume that these are harmful to animals too. If you have dissolved a fertiliser in water, it is vital to dispose of the water that remains. And because pets like to drink from watering cans, these should be carefully cleaned or placed somewhere out of their reach.

All electrical or petrol-powered gardening tools are dangerous for pets. They can accidentally slip out of your hand and injure an animal if it is nearby. Cats and dogs should therefore be kept in the house when you are mowing the lawn, tidying up borders with a grass trimmer, cutting hedges, tilling and sawing. Please do not leave knives, hoes, saws and other sharp gardening tools of any size lying around in the garden. Your dog is extremely likely to treat them as toys to be picked up using its mouth. To avoid injuries, you should put all your tools away in a safe place the moment you’re done using them.

If you have a pond, ensure it is safely secured or supervise your pets around it. Consider adding barriers to prevent pets from jumping in.

• Create shaded areas: As the weather warms, ensure that shady spots are available for your dog. Consider adding an awning or constructing a wooden shelter where they can relax.
• Set up a digging spot: Designate a specific area in the garden for your dog where they can dig to their heart's content.
• Different surfaces: Include different textures such as grass, smooth stones and bark to stimulate your dog's paws.
• A garden water fountain is a charming addition to your garden, adding a playful element to your dog's daily routine. Beyond that, it is a wonderful way to keep your dog hydrated. Have you thought about getting a paddling pool for your furry friend? Good idea. It is a fun addition to your garden and keeps your dog cool, entertained, and happy on hot summer days.

• Have you ever considered installing a cat fence? There are many benefits as it keeps your cat safe from potential dangers like traffic or getting lost. You can then enjoy peace of mind knowing your cat is secure while roaming in your garden.
• Bear in mind that your cat can use trees near the garden's border to escape from your garden. Look for tools that protect your cat from climbing on those trees. The internet offers a lot of helpful products.  
• Burying their excrement in sandpits is a natural cat behaviour.⁸ So, if you're able to then offer them a sandpit to use in your garden. 
• Secure rain barrels: Ensure rain barrels are covered with tightly fitting lids to prevent drowning accidents.
• Add cat friendly plants: Include plants like catnip for your cat to sniff and nibble on, enhancing their enjoyment of the garden.