As the long, warm summer days arrive, you and your dog might find yourself spending more time soaking up the sun in your backyard.
Make that space an oasis for your dog by paying attention to what’s needed for a dog-friendly backyard. This means not just making a fun place for them to run around but giving some thought to making it a safe place as well.
Your most important job as a dog parent is to ensure the backyard is safe for your pet. This includes keeping them protected from threats from outside and inside the yard. Let’s look at some dog backyard ideas that make your yard a great place for you and Fido to chill out or play hard.
Fencing
The most basic piece of equipment to start with is a backyard dog fence to keep your dog safely in the yard. The fence needs to be tall enough your dog can’t jump over it and have a self-closing gate that uses more than a simple latch. Also, make sure there are no gaps they can squeeze through or easy places for digging under.
Landscaping
Be aware that there are a large number of flowers and bushes that aren’t safe for dogs, including azaleas, daffodils, and elephant ears. They can cause a variety of health issues, from diarrhea to loss of appetite to death. If you have your heart set on a particular plant, consider putting it in your front yard or building a dog fence around your flower bed.
Pay attention to what you’re using for mulch as well. Cocoa bean mulch is toxic for dogs and smells good enough for them to try to eat it. Consider using gravel or some form of bark instead.
And if you have a dog breed that just has to dig, look at adding a digging corner to your yard or even a child’s sandbox. Bury toys and treats to encourage them to dig there and not into a flower bed you’ve fertilized with manure.
Pest Control
You might already protect your dog from fleas, ticks, and other insects with monthly medications. But pet-friendly yard treatments and sprays can reduce the risks even further. Keeping your grass short can help with keeping down the flea and tick population while getting rid of standing water can help with reducing the number of mosquitoes.
Stay Cool
Summer heat can be dangerous, so make sure your yard includes some shady areas where your dog can cool down and relax. This could be created with trees, umbrellas, or even a dog house. Build a hydration station, so they have clean drinking water as needed as well.
Adding a water feature to the yard can be a fun way for your dog to stay cool, whether it’s a plastic kiddy pool, sprinkler, or small pond.
Create the Ultimate Dog-Friendly Backyard
Even if your dog spends most of its time indoors, a dog-friendly backyard plays an important part in your dog’s daily routine. Paying attention to the landscaping, fencing, and other safety and fun features can turn it into a dog backyard playground where they can enjoy spending time safely.
Are you interested in learning more about taking care of your pet? Check out our other articles with tips for owners and training.
