5 Tips for Creating a Dog-Friendly Garden

 

Before welcoming a dog into your family, it's important to alter your home so that the pup is safe and comfortable. But many new owners forget to include the back garden in this preparation. 

 

Dogs love being outside as it keeps them mentally and physically active. However, gardens can be hazardous for pups without implementing the necessary precautions. You'll also need to keep your dog from destroying the space. 

 

So that you can enjoy being outdoors with your pup, with minimal risks to your dog and garden, here are five factors to consider. 

 

1) Implement security measures 

 

Unfortunately, thieves often target dogs in their owner's garden. Avoid making your dog vulnerable by leaving them unsupervised or placing them in the front yard where it’s easily accessible.

 

To enhance the garden's security:

• put up a fence that's at least six foot high

• ensure there are no gaps or holes in fences

• lock and attach bells onto gates and kennel doors

• fit external lights with sensory systems

• install CCTV

Securing the garden will also keep your dog from running away and getting lost.

 

2) Protect your dog from weather 

 

During hot days, dogs can quickly overheat and suffer from heatstroke, which can be fatal if left unnoticed. To help your pup stay hydrated, always keep bowls of clean, cold, and fresh drinking water in the garden. Installing shallow water features or sprinklers gives them a chance to cool off too. 

 

Avoid using artificial grass or asphalt as these materials can get overly hot, which would burn your dogs' paws in summer. Planting trees and shrubs also give the pooch shaded areas for relief from the sun. 

 

Kennels offer dogs shelter from rain and wind and are also insulated to keep them warm in cold weather. Benchmark Kennels have a range of sheltered, insulated, and spacious outdoor kennels for sale that you can customise to suit your dog's size, shape, breed, and personality. 

 

3) Keep your pup entertained  

 

If your dog gets bored, they might demonstrate destructive behaviour and take their frustrations out on your flowers and lawn. To make the garden a fun environment, create:

• a play area with toys

• an obstacle course with tunnels, balance beams, and jump hurdles

• clearly defined paths for patrolling and exploring

• a designated digging area with non-toxic sand

Keep an eye on your dog when in the garden to ensure they don't get up to mischief. Also, play games with the pooch to deepen your bond. 

 

4) Protect your lawn 

 

If your dog urinates on the lawn, it'll cause unsightly brown patches. To avoid this mishap, establish a designated toilet spot in the garden for them to use. If they do have an accident on the grass, spray the lawn with water to minimise the damage. 

 

5) Check plants are non-toxic

 

Avoid planting plants and flowers that are harmful to dogs, such as daffodils, lilies, and wisteria. Dogs that have eaten toxic plants may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and irritated skin and will need veterinary attention immediately.  

 

While consuming a lot of any plant can harm canines, there are low-risk options, including fennel, sunflowers, and rosemary.  

 

Also, use organic gardening products rather than poisonous chemicals. If you do use chemicals, keep your dog out of the garden for several days after using. Lock the garden shed, too, as they usually host sharp tools as well as chemicals. 

 

Making these changes will allow your dog to benefit from being outdoors without coming into harm and destroying the garden.