If you thought it was difficult to safety-proof the indoors for your dachshund, the possible threats are twofold outside. In addition to natural dangers, which consist mainly of poisonous plants growing in your yard and the occasional critter, you also have manmade dangers to consider.

Natural Hazards

Many of the plants that are commonly used to landscape yards are also poisonous. Azaleas, hydrangeas, euonymus, lantana, all parts of the cherry tree, and many bulbs (such as daffodils, tulips, and others) are just a few. Make sure to note what kind of shrubs, bushes, and trees — as well as what types of flowering plants — you have in your yard. If you have toxic plants that you don't want to remove from your yard, keep your dachshund away from them. It doesn't take much of a taste of some plants to make for a very sick dog.

Dachshunds can also be allergic to plants or grasses that normally aren't considered poisonous. With their low-to-the-ground chests and bellies, dachsies are naturally in contact with vegetation much more than leggier breeds. It's a good idea to keep your yard closely mown to help prevent any skin irritations that might erupt on the more sensitive dachshund.

Another reason to keep the grass short is to discourage large infestations of ticks and fleas — both of which would be happy to hop a ride on your dachshund, as well as pass on any diseases they might be harboring.

Dachshunds need space to roam outside. Make sure your yard is a safe haven for your pet.

When looking at your dachsie's outdoor spaces, also consider the critters that are indigenous to your area and might be lurking in your yard. For example, some regions have problems with “foaming toads,” so called because the venom on their skin causes the dog to foam at the mouth (as well as being quite painful). Most areas have poisonous snakes and even lizards or skinks that can bite and cause a nasty infection. Inspect your yard for signs of these creatures, and take appropriate measures to have any harmful critters removed.

Don't forget stinging insects. If you can rid the yard of wasp and bee nests, do it. In addition to being quite painful, a sting can cause anaphylactic responses (a closing of the airway) in many dogs. It's better not to find out whether your dog is allergic to bee stings. You can't help the occasional visiting stinging insects; however, you can prevent your yard from becoming their natural habitat.

Manmade Risks

Do you treat your yard with lawn chemicals, weed killers, or fertilizer? All of these substances can be toxic to your dachshund. Remember, this breed's body type means it comes into more contact with these substances than other dog breeds. Make sure that if you treat your lawn with chemicals, the dachsie is not exposed to them.

Next, take a look at the condition of your fence. What material is it made of? If you have a wood fence, are there any missing slats? Rotted sections? Are any nails jutting out of the wood that could catch your dachshund's collar and strangle her or tear her skin? If your fence is chain link, check for loose or protruding wires. If you have a plastic fence, make sure the joints are sturdy and the latches secure.

Also, for all types of fences, examine how deep the section extends are buried into the yard itself. Dachshunds are extremely good at wriggling under any fence where a bit of daylight is showing at the bottom. They are also masters at digging and can work their way under a fence very quickly, particularly if the ground is loose.

Make sure you are able to lock your backyard fence, and keep it locked. Purebred dogs, before they have been neutered or spayed, are often stolen and used for breeding. Also, a locked gate keeps uninvited guests out. Though your dachshund may love everyone she meets and be a very well socialized animal, the back yard is hers. You should anticipate that she will do what it takes to keep people and other dogs out.

Decks and Crawl Spaces

After checking the yard and fencing, turn your attention to the exterior of your home. If you have a deck, is there lattice or something else under it to keep your dachshund out? Unless you enjoy crawling in tight spaces, consider blocking these areas and saving yourself the trouble of going in on rescue missions (when your dachshund won't or can't get out on his own).

Also inspect for other hazards, such as drainage pipes. Your dachshund is a go-to-ground dog, and he will wedge himself into dark, tight spaces. To avoid the embarrassment of calling in a backhoe to dig your dog out, or the tragedy of losing your dachsie, cover hole openings with sturdy grates. Better yet, keep your dachshund away from these areas of your yard.