How to Craft a Pet-Friendly Backyard
Whether you’re prepping your home for a new furry friend or just trying to craft the perfect backyard oasis for the summer, investing in a pet-friendly backyard is essential for your summer shenanigans. Worrying about your dog’s safety should be the last thing on your mind when you’re enjoying great weather and spending time with family.
But making a backyard dog-friendly requires more effort than just placing a bowl of water outside. There are a few important features you should include to keep your dog safe and happy while you’re enjoying a healthy dose of summer sun.
Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to craft a pet-friendly backyard. Here are some top tips on how you can improve your landscaping and create a space that your dog will love.
Choose the right flowers
Some of the most important components of a beautiful backyard are the flowers and plants you hope to grow. While vibrant colors might look gorgeous, some plants aren’t good to grow around dogs.
Always start gardening under the assumption that your dog will eat anything and everything you grow. Even if your dog has a picky palate, one of the most common ways your dog will try to cure an upset stomach is by eating greens in the backyard. This includes grass, flowers, and even shrubberies for particularly daring dogs. Unfortunately, some of the most common backyard plants are actually poisonous to dogs if they’re ingested.
This includes such plants as chrysanthemums, begonias, and even hydrangeas. According to the editor of CLE DOG Magazine Karen Uthe Semancik, there are a number of pet-friendly plants you can consider.
“Of course, you never want to allow your pets to chew on any plants, but you can feel a little more at ease around plants such as Aster, Cornflower, Hibiscus, Impatiens, Marigolds, Pansies, Petunias, and Snapdragons,” she notes.
You should also rest assured that you can plant herbs and spices, too. Cilantro and sage pose no threat to your furry friend, and will make your garden smell as good as it looks.
If you want to indulge in plants that aren’t dog-friendly, you can always install a retaining wall. These helpful landscaping tools are vital for creating a multi-dimensional backyard, but they’ll also keep potentially harmful plants out of your dog’s reach. You can also invest in fencing and other barriers to ensure your dog stays out of trouble.
Watch out for fertilizers and pesticides
Tried and true gardeners are always looking for the best fertilizers for their plants. However, these nutritious sources might pose a grave threat to your pet. Avoid these harmful options altogether or be sure to read the label before using them. In many cases, the label will feature instructions regarding safety precautions. This includes the amount of time you should wait before letting your dog back into the yard.
Pesticides and insecticides are another potentially dangerous gardening tool for your furry friends. Never spray them around your pets and be sure to wait the allotted time before letting your dogs run free in the backyard. If your dog starts to show any signs of poisoning, including diarrhea or vomiting, bring them to the vet right away.
Instead of using pesticides, you can always try planting flowers and herbs that are natural insect-repellants. Some organic mulches can also be a great way to deter pests from ruining your garden.
Don’t forget a shelter
Just like humans, dogs can also suffer from the poor health effects of sunburn and heat stroke. When you’re crafting a pet-friendly backyard with the help of landscaping professionals such as those at Ultimate Image Land Care, you need to provide a dog house or other shaded area for the comfort of your pet. You don’t want to forget a fresh bowl of water, either.
When you’re looking to create a pet-friendly backyard, you don’t have to break the bank. Refer to this list to help you make the right changes that will go a long way in creating a pet-friendly backyard.
For a pet-friendly backyard catering to chickens, prioritize safe and secure enclosures, ensuring they have ample space to roam while staying protected from predators. Implementing chicken-friendly landscaping with grassy areas and shade ensures a comfortable environment. Additionally, incorporating easy-to-clean coop designs and enriching activities like dust baths and perches promotes their well-being while blending seamlessly into a pet-friendly backyard.
