If you plan a new look for your yard, you will want to keep your four-legged family members in mind. Most dogs are trying to burn off energy, protect their territory, and track down provoking smells. Taking these factors into account will be helpful in your redesign or landscape projects. Do you have a place where your dog can stay cool so they aren’t digging in your garden? Do you have a proper place for them to “sun†themselves and nap?
Water Sources for Pets
Fountains using bacteria-killing UV filters keep the water clean and add a focal point to your garden. I’m thinking about getting Oliver a small baby pool; I think he would love it!
Pathways
Create purposeful pathways of flagstones or river rock, which would be dog-friendly and can withstand a lot of foot traffic. Another idea is decomposed granite between lawn and planters (gardens). If your property has a fence line, you know your dog will want to patrol the perimeter and trample anything you have planted there. A better solution would be to create a swath of stone or mulch to use as a runway for your pup.
Plants
Avoid thorny and spiny plants, which can cause serious eye injuries. Be extremely cautious about growing poisonous plants, like castor bean or hellebore, in easily accessible areas.
Many wild mushrooms produce aflatoxins, which can be fatal if ingested by dogs; if mushrooms appear, dig and dispose of them. Weeds can be dangerous, especially foxtail grasses with barbed seed heads, which dogs can accidentally inhale with severe consequences.
Click here for the ASPCA.org list of toxic plants for pets.
Dog Shelters
Dogs like to have an area that is theirs, and one where they can perch and observe their surroundings and sun themselves. To view some creative “dog shelter†ideas, click here.
Keep your pets happy and you will be happy! Happy summer!
Debbie Correale, Redesign Right, LLC. Stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Houzz, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. Feature photo owned by Debbie Correale.