Be it good times or bad, they stick with us through everything; the best friends we ever had. This is the way all pet parents would describe their pooch, no matter their size, color, or temperament.
Dogs are called man’s best friend for a reason. We love having our four-legged companions around, even if it can be difficult at times. If you find that your pooch is constantly bored and more prone to aggression, perhaps they need an avenue to stay entertained.
How about turning your backyard into a dog’s play paradise? Yes, it’s possible through the simple art of landscaping. In this article, we will discuss four ‘pawsome’ ideas that will ensure the two most important things –
- Protection from dog-related damage
- Plenty of room for your pooch to run about and enjoy
If you haven’t yet, now is the time to discover the joy of pet-friendly landscaping!
Choose Dog-Friendly Grass Alternatives
One of the main concerns with dogs on the grass is that there may remain none. It’s a legitimate concern because our canine friends are masters at ruining grass by urinating, digging, or trampling.
The American Kennel Club confirms how dog pee leads to discolored patches on the ground. The chemical compounds in the pee are left behind once the water evaporates, thereby killing the grass.
The good news is your pooch cannot ruin the backyard’s grass if there is no grass to ruin. In other words, you can ditch real grass altogether, replacing it with an artificial turf.
Besides artificial grass, mulch or hardy ground cover plants are also good options. The former requires the least maintenance as it isn’t alive. Your dog can pee to its heart’s content without ruining the area. Some good mulch options include –
- Coconut fibers
- Straw
- Cedar chips
- Rubber nuggets
- Gravel or smooth stones that are not too small to get stuck in your dog’s paws
Don’t use mulch containing cocoa bean shells as they’re highly toxic to dogs. In case a hardy ground cover is what you’re after, here are a few dog-safe options to try –
- Creeping thyme
- Irish moss
- Silver carpet
- Labrador violet
Again, steer clear of toxic ground cover plants like hostas, chamomile, and clover. Finally, those who find the idea of parting with traditional backyard grass unthinkable can reseed the area. Plant pooch-friendly varieties like Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and Bermudagrass.
Grow a Flea-Repelling Garden
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares that dogs and cats are extremely susceptible to fleas/ticks. Thankfully, there are ways to protect your dear Lassie from such nasties.
Since we are discussing top landscaping ideas, limiting time outdoors would make no sense. While your dog may not spend every waking hour in the backyard, they will be outside for a significant chunk of time.
It’s best to create a backyard that will repel fleas and keep your pooch safe. Planting flea-repelling plants in the backyard will allow your dog to play to their heart’s content without being eaten alive.
Beware that a lot of the flea-repelling plants recommended around the internet are equally toxic to dogs if ingested. Some non-toxic options include –
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Catnip
- Marigolds
If you wish, grow a separate dog-friendly fruit and vegetable garden so your pooch can get a snack whenever they want. If you’re ready for this ambitious project, your canine friend will get to enjoy fresh food in the form of –
- Zucchini
- Carrots
- Spinach greens
- Sweet potatoes
- Green beans
- Cantaloupes
- Apples
- Strawberries
As you plant this garden, don’t forget to create relevant barriers around it using wires, wood, and stones. They will keep your pup at bay and shield the plants from dog pee and digging activity.
Create Designated Zones
Whether your backyard space is large or modest, consider ways to create designated zones. This will provide several advantages, including –
- Protecting the area’s grass and plants
- Making your pooch feel safe, engaged, and entertained
- Keeping the area clean and hygienic
Let’s explain this with a few examples. You can have a separate splash pool or sandbox depending on whether your pet is fond of them. Another good option is an agility course if your pooch loves vigorous activity. You can do this by incorporating fun elements like balance beams, tunnels, jumps, and more.
That was all about the fun and games. One designated zone that your backyard cannot do without is a potty area. It will be beneficial for your pooch’s training as well as the yard’s health.
On that note, here’s a pro tip to maintain proper hygiene and cleanliness. Potty pits make it easier to clean your pet’s waste but it’s best to rely on professional services. Many pet parents search online for a reputed “poop scoop service near me” to maintain yard hygiene.
The main reason behind this is the fact that pet poop is dangerous. Scoop Soldiers states that it often contains harmful bacteria like E. Coli and Salmonella. Experts don’t just remove the waste safely but also sanitize the area properly.
Furthermore, a shaded area for rest would be great to help your pooch cool down. Have a freshwater fountain there too. Except for the crucial potty area, you can select other zones based on the available space and your dog’s interests.
Make a Dog Window
This idea is suitable for those whose backyard fence is made of wood or vinyl. You can make your pooch’s outdoor play area more interesting by installing a dog window.
It doesn’t have to be anything too fancy. A small section of clear plastic that lets your pooch peep into the world beyond the backyard will work just fine. They can see the activities taking place outside while staying safely within the perimeter of your home.
Both you and your pooch have lots to gain with this single addition. Let’s look at the main benefits of a dog window –
- It will satisfy your canine companion’s natural curiosity and keep them entertained.
- The visual stimulation they get from engaging with the outside world will prevent anxiety or boredom.
- Your pooch will be less likely to bark incessantly or dig up grass.
- A window is a safe way to observe the world outside. It will discourage your pooch from trying to jump or force their way through the fence.
- It’s easy to install and maintain a dog window.
Although you can DIY a dog window, we would recommend having a professional install it. Once it’s done, just test the plastic before allowing Lassie to get a peek at the external world.
End Note
With these ideas, you and your pet will both experience the joy of dog-friendly landscaping. Your backyard will come to life as your pooch finds ample space to stay playful and engaged.
Besides landscaping, homeowners are considering their pets even while making home improvement decisions. Using pet-friendly materials and incorporating feeding stations have become the norm.
After all, our four-legged companions are as much our family as any other member. It may not be easy or inexpensive to have them around but it’s certainly worth it.
