Those funny videos of dogs covered in mud are hilarious until that’s your dog. Have you ever stepped outside in the rain and your puppy was head to toe in mud? Or maybe you found them enjoying their life on a sunny day in your pet-friendly yard, but… What’s that in their mouth? A toxic plant? Can you ever really leave them alone outside unsupervised in a pet-friendly yard?
You can, if your yard is safe for pets. What’s even better is that your backyard can even be stylish while being a pet-friendly yard if you know how to design it. Everybody’s paws stay clean, there’s enough shade to cool off, and there are no plants that will make your pet sick. This last one is the most important thing to pay attention to because you just know they’ll chew on anything they see. Learn how to get a pet-friendly yard that looks good and that’s safe for your furbaby.
The Right Ground Cover
Let’s start with what’s on the ground. Ideally, it should be soft on paws, easy to clean, durable so it can take all the running and digging, and safe regardless of what the weather is like. Grass is natural, comfortable, and all animals love it. You, however, might not be so happy with maintenance. And let’s not forget the amount of mud in the rain, especially in high-traffic areas. Artificial turf is cleaner than grass and it stays green all year, but it gets hot under direct sun. Mulch is also a good choice, but make sure to choose cedar or pine because they’re not toxic for pets. You can even find gravel for sale and get a low-maintenance surface that blends with the design of your backyard.
A Comfortable, Safe Environment
Once you’ve made sure the little paws are happy, it’s time to create a space that’s safe and comfortable in your pet-friendly yard. There has to be shade, especially if you have a dog that’s prone to overheating. The shade can come from trees, pergolas, umbrellas, or pet shelters. Regardless of the type of pet you have, your backyard should have a spot to relax and cool off.
Then there’s fencing. The height of the fence depends on how tall your pet is (and how tall they can jump!), but the material needs to be strong enough to withstand chewing and pushing. Some owners go for invisible fencing or enclosed areas for pets. Water is non-negotiable, not just for hydration, but also for playing. A shallow fountain will work, but so will a splash pad or a small, pet-friendly pond. Whatever water feature you choose, make sure to also have a bowl with fresh water always available.
Plants and Landscaping That Are Safe for Pets
Some plants are toxic, others aren’t. There are also plants that aren’t necessarily poisonous, but they have sharp thorns or leaves that are irritating. When you’re landscaping and choosing plants, you’ll have to think about safety first and aesthetics second, but that doesn’t mean that your backyard can’t be beautiful.
Best Pet-Friendly Plants
There are plenty of durable, non-toxic, beautiful plants. Marigolds are an excellent choice because their color is vibrant and they’re completely safe for pets. Sunflowers are another great plant that can even handle some rough play without harming your furbaby. If you want something that adds a bit of fragrance, lavender is ideal. Not only does it smell amazing, but it can help reduce stress in both animals and humans. Rosemary is also fragrant and it will be okay with pets running through your garden.
plants to Avoid
There are some flowers and shrubs that can cause vomiting, seizures, and even organ failure. Lilies are one of them. As stunning as they look, they’re extremely dangerous for cats and even a small amount can cause kidney failure. Azaleas and oleander are also very toxic and you should never plant them anywhere close to where your pet plays (or near where children can easily grab them). But even if a plant isn’t toxic, use the same approach if it’s sharp/thorny. Better be safe than sorry!
Creating a Dig-Proof Garden
Digging is natural for a lot of pets and you shouldn’t discourage it, but it leaves a mess behind. If your pet loves to dig, you can use raised garden beds to create a barrier between your pet and the plants. You can also set an area where your pet is allowed to dig, like a sandpit or a sectioned-off patch of loose soil. With training and positive reinforcement, your pet will learn where it’s okay to dig and where it isn’t in no time, making for a more pet-friendly yard.
Conclusion
If you have a pet, the backyard is something you should both get to enjoy. With a few strategic decisions on design, that’s going to be easier than you think. You can have all the flower beds you want, a fountain, outdoor furniture, and whatever else you want if you pay attention to choosing non-toxic plants and materials to ensure you have a pet-friendly yard.
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