Are you a dog owner? Don’t forget to keep your fury friend in mind while landscaping your outdoor living spaces. Many homeowners forget to include their dog while designing their landscape. Here are some tips and fun landscaping ideas for creating a dog friendly landscape.
Grass may not be the best option for a dog friendly landscape. As many dog owners know, dog’s urine is high in nitrogen and therefore destructive to grass and plants. Dogs also tend to dig and may tear up your lovely lawn. We suggest adding some hardscaping to grassy areas to prevent digging and reduce general maintenance. There are also some great options for artificial turf if you really desire the look of a green lawn and a dog friendly backyard.
Do your research before planting a dog friendly landscape, especially if your dog is notorious for getting into things they shouldn’t. Dogs don’t have a sense of what is or is not safe to eat and multiple plants such as daffodils, ivy and hydrangeas are toxic to them. To create a dog friendly landscape, choose hardy and tough plants with large root systems to make it harder for dogs to dig up (example- ornamental grasses).
If your dog spends a lot of time outside, installing an auto refill fountain to prevent dehydration would be a good idea. If you have the space and budget, you could even install a small dog pool or water feature – just ensure it’s durable enough to handle a dog running through it and playing. A dog friendly backyard is all about functionality and durability!
Just like humans, dogs need protection from the sun. Installing a dog house, is the easiest and most common way to offer them shade and protection from the elements. Planting trees or installing a pergola for your own shade will also benefit your pooch.
Tips: To prevent dogs for destroying your yard, give them tasks!
