Tips For Creating A Dog-Friendly Backyard
It’s common knowledge that when a child becomes mobile, you have to baby-proof the house by covering power outlets and removing items that would be dangerous for the baby to chew on, swallow, pull down, or spill. If you are a dog owner, you must “baby-proof” your pet’s domain as well, which in most cases is the backyard. Creating a dog-friendly backyard doesn’t have to be difficult. In this article, we’ll provide a variety of tips for maintaining a yard that meets the needs of your dog without sacrificing visual appeal or overall function.
While it’s definitely worse in the puppy stage, most dogs of every age and breed dig holes. In fact, some breeds were specifically developed to hunt underground animals while others dig when they are bored, anxious, or trying to escape the yard. Digging is only natural for the dog, but it can be extremely frustrating for you. Constantly fixing the holes that your dog has torn up can be time-consuming and expensive but is necessary if you commit to being a dog owner.
Even if your dog isn’t a digger, his urine may cause just as much destruction as his paws do. Dog urine spots in the backyard are a common complaint of many homeowners and can cause unsightly dead spots on your lawn. While there are methods to prevent these spots (changes in diet, hosing down the yard, or training your dog to ‘go’ in one spot), they aren’t always easy or practical. Creating a dog run is an ideal spot for your dog to burn off energy, play, and relieve itself without you having to constantly worry about the rest of the yard. A dog run can keep waste contained in just one spot and make brown urine marks a thing of the past.
In Kentucky during the hot summer months, shade is essential. Just like you, your dog needs to escape to a shady spot in the heat of the day. This is an absolute must for dog owners who keep their pups outside for any length of time. Shade and shelter also offer relief in case your dog is stuck outdoors in bad weather.
Pea Gravel or river rock in your landscape bed is a dog friendly option. The smooth stones will be gentle on your dog’s paws if they do happen to wander into your landscaping. Small, jagged gravel can get stuck between the pads of your pets’ paws causing pain or injury.
Consider using wood chips or mulch as a ground cover in your landscape beds. It’s safe and inexpensive, and cedar mulch has the added benefit of being a natural bug repellant to fight off fleas and ticks.
Given a dogs’ natural tendency to explore things by chewing on them, you should check to make sure any plants you use in your landscape are safe for your pets. A surprising number of common landscaping plants have some level of toxicity for dogs. As a pet parent, you should thoroughly research any plants you plan to use. Your local nursery, agricultural extension office, or an experienced landscape professional can answer questions you have on specific plants and if they are safe for pets.
A dog-friendly backyard shouldn’t only be an inviting place for your pup to play, but it should be a place that you enjoy spending time in as well. A few simple adjustments will have you and your pet enjoying a maintenance-free lawn year-round. Call the professionals at Lancaster Lawn & Landscaping, LLC today to find out how we can not only create a beautiful backyard retreat for you, but a safe one for your beloved pet as well.