Nothing can match the joy of a homeowner than sitting back while watching the beauty of their garden unfold before their eyes.
As you watch, your mind wanders how to create a garden that will keep your pet safe and healthy. Designing a pet-friendly space in your home and garden is simpler than you think.
Provide Shady Spots for Sunny Days
Your pet won’t stay long in the same place when it’s hot. Fido will constantly roam around lounging on spots in the garden where the sun is not shining.
Check your pet’s habits. There might be some spots in your garden where he wants to laze. Plant some shrubs or trees for shade. Or you can set up shelters or drape sheets to protect Fido from UV rays or from getting wet during days.
Avoid Plants that are Toxic to Pets
Plants are nice to have, especially when their blossoms add beauty to your garden and emit sweet scents.
But, do you know that there are plants toxic to pets?
Some of these may have found their way into your garden without your knowledge. Get some inspiration from this list of deadly plants we prepared, dispose of them for the sake of your pets.
1. Sago Palm
All parts of the Sago Palms are poisonous to pets. The seeds contain the most toxins. Wear protective equipment when removing them. Symptoms of infection are diarrhea, vomiting, and liver failure.
2. Tomato Fruit
We use tomatoes as an ingredient to make our food, salad, and drinks tasty. But Fido will feel weak, confused, dizzy, and have a slow heart rate.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe is known for its therapeutic benefits, however your furry friend needs to avoid it. The saponins in this succulent plant have toxin levels from moderate to high, which are harmful to dogs and cats.
4. Ivy
The word “Poison” is usually positioned ahead of Ivy. Rightfully so, some humans experience an allergic skin rash when coming into contact with Poison Ivy. Pets will suffer excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and diarrhea.
Install Artificial Grass
A nice lawn will give your pet plenty of space to keep them in shape and from getting bored. Owning a dog means relinquishing some control. You cannot stop them from doing their business if they feel it because it’s their nature. It will be hard to maintain a beautiful lawn and keep your pet happy all together.
Dog urine burns natural grass and leaves patches that are unsightly and smelly. Same with pet poops. They enjoy digging lawns and bring their muddy paws into your home, and germs too.
Consider changing from real grass to artificial grass to save both of you from tons of problems. There are synthetic turfs that are pet-friendly. They are strong and durable that can withstand any digging from your pooch. Urine goes through the backing and is absorbed by the infill. Cleansing with soap and water, and hosing will remove residues on the blades that cause odor and breed germs.
Cut Back on the Chemicals
Advances in chemical industries made safer alternatives for landscaping products. It’s your call to use chemicals in your garden, gauge if the benefits outweigh the risks. How important is natural grass to you? How important is your dog to you? Would you settle for a mediocre lawn?
Search Google to know about the chemical products you have in mind. There are lots of materials on YouTube about fertilizers, pesticides, and weed killers that can be home made without the harsh chemicals.
Put Up a Fence
A good fence keeps a dog safe. A fence about 1.2 meters high can keep small dogs on your side of the fence. And about 1.8 meters tall for athletic dogs, but if he jumps over this height, extend the fence.
Small gaps offer an opportunity for curious dogs to wiggle their way out. Close the gaps between the base of the fence and the ground to prevent your pooch from practicing their escape skills.
Keep your dog and your yard in good shape by building fences or barriers.
Good looking fences will add aesthetics to your garden.
Keep a Pet First-Aid Kit
Accidents happen at the most unexpected time and place. In case of emergency be prepared with these supplies in your dog’s first aid kit.
- Gauze
- Non-stick bandages will not stick to their fur
- Adhesive tape
- Hydrogen peroxide for cleaning of wound
- Cotton balls for application of medicine or cleaning
- Antibiotic spray/Ointment to treat treat cuts, sores, rashes, dry skin, and allergies
- Milk of Magnesia to counteract poisons
- Digital thermometer
- Scissors
- Tweezers for picking splinters
- Syringes to flush out wounds or for oral medication
- Flashlight
- Magnifying glass to magnify wounds, splinters, and cuts
- Towel