Outdoors
Expert Reveals Seven Ways To Make Your Garden Pet Friendly
Adobe
The garden is a space for the whole family to enjoy, this not only includes children but also your dog. It’s a space where they’ll spend a lot of their time sitting outside in the sun and chasing after toys. Now summer is here dogs and humans will be spending more time than ever in their gardens.
ā
However, gardens do come with some real dangers for dogs if you don’t address specific issues. Your pooch could quite easily cut itself on sharp garden equipment or escape through the garden fence, which might lead to a busy road.
So Joshua Houston, Garden Expert at Household Quotes has recognised this and revealed seven ways to make your garden pet-friendly.
1. Give your garden fences a thorough inspection
A fear for all dog owners is for their pup escaping from their garden, they easily get lost or could run out into a busy road with oncoming traffic. Walk the perimeter of your garden and keep a close eye on gaps or weak areas of the fence. If you do find these, get them fixed and secured as soon as possible. Dogs like to pull on things so they can easily get past a loose panel.
ā
2. Dog-friendly plants
Make sure to research what plants are fine for dogs and which are toxic. This is because dogs are known to eat the plants, or at least come into contact with them. Sunflowers, sage and rosemary are particularly safe for dogs, so these are plants owners should consider. Plants that should be avoided include; tomato plants, foxgloves, yew, wisteria, larkspur and daffodil bulbs. If you currently have them in your garden they should either be removed or should be out of reach. Some of these plants could be fatal if eaten by a dog, others lead to symptoms which will be extremely irritable to your pet.
3. Water feature
During those warm summer days, our pets want to cool off as much as we do. So consider adding a water feature to your garden, this could be as little as a children-sized paddling pool. These are a cheap option being readily available for under £20, or can be bought second-hand for even cheaper. They give your pet somewhere to cool down and play in whilst the family is out in the garden. It can also be packed away during the autumn and winter months to allow for more space.
ā
4. Open space
It’s easy to want to compact your garden with everything that you desire, but it's crucial to keep in mind open space for your dog. They need room to go to the toilet, as well as to run around and get some exercise. Not leaving enough space might result in your dog urinating on your plants, garden furniture or in your home.
Adobe
‘’Our pets are an important member of our family, we should always consider potential dangers to them."
Joshua Houston
5. Lock up garden tools
After completing a garden task, make sure to lock away all tools in either a shed, garage or inside your home. This is because dogs run quickly and could easily get cut on sharp objects lying around. It will also benefit you as the homeowner, as you’ll know where the tools are next time you want to use them. As well as protecting them from harsh weather which causes damage.
ā
6. Create a water bowl station
Hydration is key on hot days, so when the weather is predicted to be warm lay out a water bowl in the back garden. This allows your dog to run around, but most importantly keep hydrated. Placing the bowl in the same location will let your dog know where to go, meaning that he or she can be that little more independent while you’re relaxing in the sun.
7. Consider other wildlife
Your garden will attract a lot of different wildlife, and dogs often like to chase after different animals. Birds are a common one, if you have feeders then put them high up on trees or fences so that your pet cannot reach them. Good recall is also important, train your dog to come back to you when called. This could prevent your pooch from killing or injuring an innocent creature who is minding their own business.
ā
Joshua Houston, Garden Expert at Household Quotes:
‘’Our pets are an important member of our family, we should always consider potential dangers to them. A garden can be full of problems if you don’t make it dog-friendly.
ā
You want your dog to enjoy the garden as much as anyone else, and these tips will help that. As failing to identify hazards could lead to injury or even death.’’
