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Having a dog can be compared to having a toddler, especially when your pet is very active and playful. While you make sure that your home is safe for your baby, you’d also want to make sure that your garden is suitable for your dog.

The garden is an attractive place for almost any dog, but you’ll have to take steps to make it pet-friendly, both for its sake and yours. In this article, there will be six simple tips to make your garden dog-friendly.

1. Fence your garden

Installing garden fence panels can help ensure your dog won’t be able to go outside the backyard, which could cause potential trouble.

While a fence can keep them in, you can also use fences to keep them out from areas that they shouldn’t be. Fences allow your dog to feel free without compromising safety, and it won’t be aggressive compared to those that are secured in chains.

Some fencing tips that you can try:

  • Make fences that are at least 1.8m tall to stop dogs from escaping.
  • Consider having a wire mesh fence in front of the current fence with at least a 15cm depth to discourage dogs from digging.
  • Don’t place raised beds, large pots, or anything that they can climb up to near fences.
  • You can have a knee-high fence to cage fruits and vegetables your dogs might munch.

2. Create a doggy playground

Another way to discourage your dog from the temptation of going to certain areas or outside the backyard is to create a designated area for its rest and recreation.

Installing features like tunnels or hoops similar to those of Dog Park Style Equipment for Dog Daycare Businesses can encourage your dog to play in these courses and can be advantageous for their health.

A few ideas are:

  • Outdoor tunnels – Your dog will love running through this new space.
  • Obstacle course – This is ideal if you have a larger space and can be used with inexpensive materials like PVC pipes, used tires, scrap wood, and others.
  • Dog hoops – This trains your dog to jump better.

3. Know which plants are dog-safe and which are poisonous

Creating a pooch proof home means that your garden should be safe for them too. There are plants which are toxic to dogs, so you need to do your research before buying different kinds of plants. Ensure that if you do have poisonous plants, these are fenced or that your dog won’t be able to access and munch on them.

Here’s a list of some plants which are toxic for dogs:

  • Asparagus
  • FernAloe Vera
  • Elephant Ear
  • Pothos
  • Philodendron
  • Ivy
  • Dumb Cane
  • Corn Plant
  • Jade
  • ZZ Plant
  • Sago Palm
  • Kalanchoe
  • Tulip
  • Daffodil
  • Azalea
  • Dieffenbachia
  • Cyclamen
  • Oleander
  • Amaryllis
  • Autumn Crocus

Some plants that are safe for dogs are:

  • Windmill Palm
  • Pineapple Sage
  • Petunia
  • Purple Basil
  • Heuchera a.k.a. Coral Bells
  • Fennel
  • Jasmine
  • Ponytail Palm
  • African Daisy
  • Canna Lily
  • Tiger orchid
  • Snapdragons
  • Marigold
  • Polka Dot Plant
  • Creeping Rosemary
  • Wild hyacinth

4. Provide a digging area

By nature, dogs will dig. And the sooner you accept that, the lesser frustration you’ll have in your garden.

Designate a corner where your dog can dig on fresh sand. Better yet, create a covered sandbox where they can dig their heart out without worrying that cats will use it as a litter box.

Hide toys or treats in the sandbox to train the dog to dig on those. At the same time, you can deter them from digging in other places by:

  • Using coffee grounds as a deterrent, which is also an excellent fertilizer for additional benefit.
  • Planting rosemary and sage are less likely to be approached by dogs because of the pungent smell.
  • Spices like crushed dried pepper and dried mustard can also be spread in areas off-limits for them.

5. Don’t forget water and shade

Your dog is most likely going to be playful and active in the garden, so you want to make sure that it won’t get dehydrated and can rest there, too.

Make sure that you have a full water bowl ready for your dog especially on hot days, and replace it daily to ensure safe, potable, water. Place the water bowl in an area with shade.

Having several shady spots can provide shelter for your dog from the sun’s heat.

6. Have flea and tick protection

Your backyard will have pests, and you wouldn’t want your dog to be infested with those. In the end, you are responsible for managing its fleas.

A few suggestions against flea and tick protection are:

  • Keep your grass, shrubs, and bushes mowed and trimmed, as tall grasses and shrubs harbor ticks and fleas.
  • Treat your dogs for ticks and fleas year-round.
  • Remove litter and clean your yard.
  • Do regular tick checks.
  • Keep your pet groomed.
  • Consult your vet for heartworm medication, especially when your location is known for mosquitoes.

There is no doubt about the love those pet owners have for their dogs. Just as you invest in pet-friendly decorating, you also need to have a dog-friendly garden. Keep it fenced, make it fun, know the safe and poisonous plants for your dog, provide a digging area, food, and shade, and protect them from ticks and fleas, and your dog will surely love you more.

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