Love Your Dog with Pet-Friendly Garden Design

It’s every dog’s dream to run around in the backyard happily and freely. If you have a beloved pet and want to ensure they have a fresh and friendly outdoor environment, there are several things to consider, from planting and landscaping, to easy water access. Here are some tips to help you create a pet-friendly garden your dog will adore.

Water access

Your dog needs quick and easy access to water, especially when the temperatures rise. The simplest solution is a water bowl, but if you want something more innovative, consider getting a flowing water feature, like a splash fountain or a stream. Apart from being practical for dogs, it will also give your garden a new look. A small pond or pool will also do the trick, but make sure to make them safe and easy to get out of, if the dog falls in. You can achieve this with easily accessible shallow steps or gentle slopes.

Provide shade

A shady area is essential for dogs that spend a lot of time in the garden. They need a cool spot to protect them from the sun. A large tree or trees are a great option, but if this isn’t possible, go for shade cloths that stretch over the part of the area, or a specially built structure, like a doghouse.

Put in paths

All dogs love to patrol, so provide them with paths to explore. Choose comfortable materials that feel good underfoot and cater to their sensitive paws. High-quality Elmich paving provides soft and warm surfaces that are easy to walk on and will ensure your dog endless hours of fun. It’s also easier surface to maintain than mulch or pea gravel, for example.

Potty area

Create a bathroom area for your pet. It may require some work, but it’s possible to train your god to go in the same area each time. For boy dogs, there are plants and flowering woody shrubs that are more suitable for this like spirea, viburnum, shrub roses, and weigela. Keep the area well watered to eliminate brown spots.

A solid fence

You need strong fencing in order to prevent your dog from escaping or getting lost. A chain-link fence is easy to install and provides a safe enclosure. Alternatively, you can choose a fencing material that matches your landscape style. For example, consider horizontal boards for a contemporary look, or posts and wire for a more rustic experience. Whatever you chose, make sure that the fence is sturdy and tall enough so that you can relax while your dog enjoys the fresh air.

Non-toxic plants

An important part of creating a dog-friendly garden is to avoid plants that can be harmful for your pet. Plants with thorns can cause physical injuries, whereas some are poisonous and may cause small problems or potentially serious damage. Geraniums, marigolds and dahlias are just a few of the plants that you should avoid. Woody shrubs and perennials tolerate most of the canine activities and generally co-exist well with dogs and children. Lilac and smoke tree are some of the recommendable shrubs for dog-friendly gardens. Additionally, consult ASPCA for a list of plants that can harm your pet.

Deal with digging

All dogs love to dig, and a good way to handle this problem is to create a fenced digging pit. Another option is to make a digging spot with sand or gravel. You can bury some treats or toys to encourage your dog to dig there and offer praise for using that spot. If you opt for sand, make sure to have some cover to keep the cats out.

It’s possible to be a good gardener and an attentive dog owner as well. Use these ideas to keep your landscape perfect and your dog happy.