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Designing a Dog-Friendly Yard

April 15, 2021

Do you have a fenced in yard for your pup to run and play in? If so, that’s great! Dogs love being able to spend time outdoors, romping around and chasing squirrels. Read on as a Huntersville, NC offers some advice on turning your yard into Fido’s happy place.

Sections

One thing you may find very helpful is dividing your yard up into sections. If you have a garden, set aside one part for your plants. You may also want to separate one area for Fido, and another for your own use. This way, you don’t have to worry about your furry little miner digging up your plants or leaving a mess in your outdoor living room. You can also work these boundaries into your design. Get creative with your plans! You can use things like fences, logs, potted plants, raised beds, or benches as dividers.

Pupgrades

Want to really get Fido’s cute tail going? Add a few fun features just for him. A doghouse is of course the gold standard here. Your canine pal may also appreciate things like a sandbox, a kiddie pool, a pet fountain, or outdoor toys.

Planting

Many popular plants are toxic to dogs. Some of the more dangerous ones include daffodils, tulips, amaryllis, ivy, and Sago palms. You can find more information on safe and unsafe plants online at the ASPCA site here. Toxicity isn’t the only concern, however. You’ll also need to be careful with sharp plants, especially those with branches that are at Fido’s eye level.

Ground Cover

Grass is still the go-to choice for ground cover, but it isn’t the only option. You can also use thyme, artificial turf, buffalo grass, or pea stone. Mulch is very popular, but it does have some downsides for people with pets. It can cause painful paw splinters, and can offer attractive hiding places to fleas, ticks, or even snakes. Some dogs will also try to chew or eat it, which can be very dangerous. Cocoa mulch is particularly concerning, as cocoa is toxic to our furry friends.

Fencing

A good fence is very important. Make sure that yours is sturdy, so your furry friend can’t go over or under it. We also recommend getting a sturdy, self-latching gate.

Do you have questions or concerns about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your local Huntersville, NC veterinary clinic, today!