The Arizona desert is full of potentially dangerous critters and if you have furry friends, you need to know how to protect them. Here are some tips on how to make your Arizona home pet friendly.
Pools & Spas
An estimated 5000 pets drown annually in backyard swimming pools and pools are very common in Arizona. There are many ways to protect your pets if you have a pool or spa. Here are some popular options:
Pool/Spa cover--this would be the best way to protect your pet, but irregular shaped pools might be difficult to cover
Pool fencing--common materials are nylon or metal. The nylon fencing is solid, but cats and dogs might be able to jump over the fencing
Netting--netting is a bit more cumbersome to put on and take off, but it is very effective. If you have a very small dog or cat, netting might not be effective
Snakes
We have a few venomous snakes in Arizona--the most feared being the rattlesnake and the coral snake. If you have view fencing, it is advisable to put up mesh wire a few feet up from the concrete portion of the wall--it's called snake control wire mesh. There are companies like twpinc.com that sell this mesh are different variations, but you can also buy something similar at local stores such as Home Depot or Lowes.
Scorpions and Other Small Critters
To keep out scorpions, spiders and other poisonous critters, there are a few options--one, is to spray regularly and the other is to have your home sealed. Spraying won't deter scorpions 100% and the chemicals used in commercial sprays can be harmful to your pet. The most effective method to protect the inside of your home is sealing. We recommend sealoutscorpions.com for to seal your home.
There are of course other hazards for pets, but protecting your fur babies from the above is a great start. For all of your other pets, we are proud to partner with My Pet Market.