Spending time in the fresh air is vital to the health of your pet. Fresh air, sunlight, exercise and mental stimulation all contribute to Fido’s well being. Here’s how to make a pet friendly backyard.
A Proper Lawn
Most lawns are covered in grass and can turn brown where your dog urinates. You can hose the area off, or prevent it all together. Grass alternatives include green ground covers. Reseed your yard with hardier grass varieties like buffalo grass or Kentucky bluegrass. Artificial turf is easy to maintain and won’t turn brown. Clover can easily stand up to dog urine and is safe for your dog to eat. It’s a good choice for an outdoor potty area.
Mulch is another dog-friendly grass replacement. Wood chips are a good option. Avoid cocoa mulch which is toxic to dogs if they ingest it.
Sandbox for Digging
Dogs like to dig when they are bored or anxious. If you have an area of dirt for them to get into, they will be less likely to rip up flower beds or furniture. Take your dog on long walks and encourage active play. This will help them burn off energy and cut down on their desire to dig.
A Spot of Shade
Give your dog a spot to get out of the hot sun. A shade tree is a natural choice. However, if you don’t have one, set up a well-ventilated tepee or doghouse. A tarp strung between two trees or posts will also do the trick.
Provide Plenty of Water
Have plenty of fresh water in your yard for Fido to drink. Make sure the bowl is kept full. A garden hose is okay, but do not give your dog reclaimed water.
Avoid Toxic Plants
Don’t put plants that are toxic to dogs in your backyard. These include hydrangeas, azaleas, rhododendron, hollies, yews, hostas, daffodils, daisies, peonies and tulips.
Room to Exercise
If you have an active dog, consider putting in a dog run that goes the length of the yard. Put mulch underneath to keep mud away. A shallow swimming pool is another good option to help your dog cool off. Consider creating patrol paths for your dog. They especially love to keep an eye on the perimeter of your yard. Mark off a path for them with mulch or dirt.
A Place to Play
Encourage backyard play by adding tunnels, agility rings, or an obstacle course. These are also great training tools for your dog during their daily exercise routine.
Benefits of Daily Exercise
It’s a no-brainer that daily exercise is good for your dog. Regular time outside provides fresh air and helps control their weight. It reduces boredom, anxiety and depression. Sunlight provides a natural source of Vitamin D for your dog, which is vital for bone health. It also helps dogs regulate the balance and retention of calcium and phosphorus.
Clean Your Home Exterior
If you are ready to spruce up the exterior of your home or deck, the professionals at Peak Power Wash can help. We use a technique called “soft wash”, which uses a much lower amount of pressure and reduces potential harm to surfaces. Contact us at 443-686-WASH or visit our website to request a free estimate.
Sources:
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pets/22399715/dog-friendly-yard-ideas
https://tractive.com/blog/en/safety/dog-friendly-backyard
https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/5-reasons-to-get-outdoors/
