The dog days of summer are over, but it’s always a good time to make your landscaping more functional – for both you and your furry friends.
From Lawnstarter, here are five ways to create a more dog-friendly yard.
1. Prioritize Pet Safety
Dogs like to roam. Add a fence to keep their noses out of places they shouldn’t be and to keep out any unwanted visitors.
Adding pet-friendly walkways is another way to keep yards safer for four-legged friends. Hardscape surfaces that are smooth and light colored help prevent cut and burnt paws.
2. Avoid Toxic Mulch
Mulch looks nice in flower beds, but some can be toxic to dogs. Lawnstarter cautions homeowners to avoid mulches made of tires, cocoa, sharp-edged wood and dyes, sharing some more dog-friendly alternatives:
- Pine straw mulch, which is soft to walk on and eco-friendly.
- Pine bark is an affordable option that helps retain moisture for plants.
- Cedar mulch is usually chemical-free and a good organic choice for family yards.
- Cypress mulch, which offers a subtle but pleasant scent and can provide some natural flea protection.
3. Grow Dog-Safe Plants
Speaking of avoiding toxins, it’s important for homeowners to be cautious of the plants in their yards as well. Add color with:
- Camellias
- Coreopsis
- Nasturtiums
Avoid these toxic plants:
- American holly/winterberry
- Azaleas
- Yew
4. Consider Tough Grasses
Dogs love to play (and pee) outside, so a grass that can withstand high foot traffic can keep yards looking fresher. Lawnstarter shares some best grasses for dogs:
- Bermudagrass
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Perennial ryegrass
- Tall fescue
- Zoysiagrass
Grass alternatives may also be considered, including ornamental grass, ground cover plants and artificial turf. While these can be easier to maintain, they each have pros and cons to consider based on needs and environmental factors.
5. Landscape for Behavior
Dogs have different preferences, and homeowners can tailor their landscaping to suit their companions’ needs.
- A dog who likes to dig? Provide a separate area for digging, like a doggie sandbox.
- A runner? Build a simple dog agility course with 2×4 beams and PVC pipes to help get their energy out.
- A furry friend who likes to keep guard? Install a dog window in a solid fence so they can look out into the world and keep an eye on the people (or squirrels) passing by.