Make your yard into an oasis that is drool-worthy with some animal-friendly and straightforward ideas.
Having a pet-friendly yard means your cats and dogs or other family pets can have fun outdoors and know they are safe. A friendly set-up encourages pets to relax, sleep and eat outside, especially when the sun is shining.
As pets become part of the family, Aussies make space for their pets to run and play. They also include toxin-free plants and fenced off areas, so they know their pets are safe when they aren’t in the yard with them. Read ahead and find out some other great outdoor ideas that are pet-friendly.
1.Spaces for running and playing
It really doesn’t matter what type of pet you have; they all love to run around. If you need an enclosed space, this can be done by creating a fenced-off corridor around the perimeter. Also, you can connect the front and back so they can do full laps around the house. The best surface for this is an artificial lawn as it is durable and long-lasting. Natural turf is more likely to break down from repeated use.
- Synthetic grass installation
Artificial lawn is super friendly for animals, particularly dogs and cats. It’s also family-friendly making it a perfect grass option for the whole family. If you have limited space or your grass keeps dying from your large dog running about, an artificial lawn means your outdoor space remains pristine while your pets have a whole heap of fun. Less upkeep means you spend more time with your pets and spend less time mowing. The bonus is, it doesn’t harbour any fleas or ticks.
- Fenced spaces
Depending on who is living with you – young children, frail elderly – or perhaps you have quite a large dog, sometimes you may need to fence off an area. This will mean keeping your overzealous pooch away from relatives or children without supervision.
Another great idea is fencing off a spot for your pet to do their ‘business’. Then, you can train them to use a specific area that could be a corner with pebbles or an artificial lawn that is easy to clean.
- Be safe with toxin-free plants
Some plants can be quite deadly to animals because they are poisonous to them. They like to nibble on greenery, which is why you should always ensure that your garden is free of plants that have toxins.
For cats, the lily is quite toxic and incredibly devastating. Whereas sago palm can kill both dogs and cats. There are plant guides available to you can seek out to ensure that you plant safe plants for your beloved pets.
- Shelter
A shelter must be provided outdoors for your pets, especially if they are outside most of the time. What type of cover you provide depends on the climate in which you live. If you live in a cold environment, a cat run or dog house will be needed to keep them warm. They love having space to get cosy and to snuggle up.
- Paths for exploration
Animals love exploration, and one way to do this is by providing pathways for them to run around and discover. However, you must ensure that the materials you use are pet-friendly, which means:
- Avoiding sharp stones;
- Use artificial grass;
- Gravel and wood chips are kind to their paws; and
- Flat pavers are superb for pets walking on.
- Protect your edibles
It’s no secret that animals love to explore, especially your herb and vegetable garden. However, the last thing you want to happen is for them to do their business in your edibles. Fencing off this part of the yard will ensure that little, and big paws keep out of your garden.
- Keep fresh water on hand
If you want your pooch to spend time outside, particularly during the summer, then you need to have fresh water on hand for them, especially if you aren’t at home. While we don’t recommend leaving them out in scorching heat, your pets need easy access to dishes of water, especially something that refills on its own – a regulated dripping tap or bubbling foundation.
- Create distractions
Do you have an animal that likes to scratch and dig holes in the yard? Or perhaps your kitty scratches your fly screen door? Keeping your pets occupied outdoors will distract them from all the digging and scratching. Giving your pooch a ball or rubber bone and even an obstacle course will keep them occupied while you can’t play with them.
Having a tree in your yard with a ladder or ledges will give your kitty somewhere to climb and hopefully distract it from scratching your back door.
- Get Creative
You are only limited by your imagination! There are so many things that can be done to modify your yard to make it pet friendly while you still have space for yourself. Some fun ideas can include a paddling pool for hot days, a dining area or a running track.
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